Cannibalism

Cannibalization has many definitions, but one of the simplest is to define it as taking serviceable parts from a thing that does not work to use them on another thing that does not work to make one thing that does work. The term probably came into popular use during WW2 when clever, mechanically adept GI's used their skills to keep equipment damaged in battle running. The somewhat grisly origin of the term probably comes from the fact that when a cannibal eats another human being, he may be said to be using serviceable parts from one person to keep another person (himself) running. The process only works on things that have interchangeable parts.

For a simple example, let's say you have two cars of the same model and year, but neither runs, but each for a different reason. One car may have a bad alternator and a good starter, while the other car has a bad starter but a good alternator. By taking the good part from either car and replacing the bad part in the other car, you can get one of the two cars running. You have "cannibalized" one car to make the other one work. You can extend this concept further by, say, taking the good tires from the cannibalized car and replacing the worn tires on the car that now starts. The process can be repeated almost indefinitely until you have run out of good parts to replace bad ones.

Another meaning is the process of eating one's own kind.

For other excellent examples and definitions of cannibalization, see related links.

The definition of Cannibalism is put as:

/ˈkænəbəˌlɪzəm/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [kan-uh-buh-liz-uhm]

-noun 1. the eating of human flesh by another human being. 2. the eating of the flesh of an animal by another animal of its own kind. 3. the ceremonial eating of human flesh or parts of the human body for magical or religious purposes, as to acquire the power or skill of a person recently killed. 4. the act of pecking flesh from a live fowl by a member of the same flock. 5. the removal of parts, equipment, assets, or employees from one product, item, or business in order to use them in another. 6. the acquisition and absorption of smaller companies by a large corporation or conglomerate.

According to this definition, eating part of one's self would not be cannibalism but would be better categorized as autophagia. Comment retained:

"Yes! you are considered a cannibal, and you must be locked away, and eat vegtables until you expolde. What to do first:Here is my advice: lock yourself into an attic and etc, and you can only eat vegtables for three weeks until you are clean. Here is some more advice: DON'T EAT PEOPLE!" == ==

Wow, what a question. No, of course not. Mormons are very loving people.

What an interesting question. Why don't you come over for dinner and we will talk about it.

Another Answer

There is a common mis-conception that Mormons were directly involved with the Donner Party, where they did practice Cannibalism. However, Mormons were not involve in that tragedy. However, Mormons helped out in the rescue and relief efforts.

See below links for more information

As long as you don't get the body illegally you can probably eat human in:

Papua New Guinea

Russia*

Cambodia

Germany**

*In some countries (including Russia) there is no law regarding it but be warned " Lawmakers are being forced to update laws pertaining to cannibalism or establish new laws where none existed before." So it could change.

**In some countries you can be charged of "Disturbing the peace of the dead" or something similar.

In some countries (including UK) if the person being eaten makes the incision themselves and doesn't die as a result then no law has been broken.

Be careful

There are quite a few diseases and illnesses you can get from eating humans like Aids and Kuru. So I recommend don't have to much blood and don't eat the brain.