Cannibalism: It Still Exists By Linh Ngo Summary

Cannibalism is a concept that is foreign to modern society despite its pertinence in recent human culture. In the essay “Cannibalism: It Still Exists,” Linh Ngo explains the concept of cannibalism, discussing in further detail and comparing and contrasting the different types of cannibalism and the situations in which it was utilized. By incorporating devices such as definition, illustration, and cause and effect, the essay was effective in relaying the idea that cannibalism is still around. Ngo utilized definition to enhance the audience’s understanding of the existence of cannibalism to this day. By incorporating the definition, “Cannibalism, the act of eating human flesh,” Ngo shed light onto the way in which he wanted to convey his central message of cannibalism (par. 5). This gave a clear view of what he viewed as cannibalism and how he wanted others to see it, allowing for a concise portrayal of the topic. Similarly, Ngo applied definition when describing

Narrowly escaping the attack of the coast guard on the Vietnamese refugees, the refugees were stranded on an island and unable to escape starvation. Some of the survivors had to turn to “human flesh as a source of food” in order to avoid imminent death (par. 3). The limitation on food was the cause that led to the people participating in survival cannibalism. The effect was that “there was only one survivor” who was found (par. 4). When faced with death, people adopted unorthodox behaviors to increase their likelihood of existence. This example of cause and effect emphasized that cannibalism is not always a choice, but sometimes a necessity. Such a situation could theoretically happen to anyone, if placed under certain circumstances. Once having to put themselves into that place, people truly realize that cannibalism isn’t only a myth, but a possible survival