Taboo TV Show: Shocking Cultural Practices & Rituals

The National Geographic series “Taboo” explores unusual and often shocking cultural practices worldwide. While initially promising a look at cultural oddities, the show quickly becomes graphic, showcasing animal cruelty and disturbing rituals. The senseless brutality is often overwhelming, contrasting modern Western values with primal traditions.

Presenters attempt to frame these practices with cultural relativism, emphasizing understanding and preserving diverse cultures. They argue against judging unfamiliar practices and stress preserving traditions. However, the extremity of some rituals raises questions about preserving practices rooted in destructive beliefs. The line between cultural preservation and perpetuating harm blurs.

One disturbing example features an African tribe where a self-proclaimed spirit vessel presides over animal sacrifices. Live animals, including a calf, are brutally slaughtered, left to suffer while people dance. The woman offers simplistic reassurances, leaving viewers questioning the ethics and efficacy of such rituals.

The show’s in-your-face filming style, reminiscent of nature documentaries, vividly captures the brutality. While the production quality is high, and the subject matter intriguing, the graphic content isn’t for the faint of heart. Animal lovers should avoid certain episodes, but the lack of warnings makes this difficult. The unflinching depiction of death and suffering can be impactful, making it inadvisable to watch before bed.

“Taboo” leaves viewers grappling with cultural relativism, tradition’s value, and tolerance limits. While offering a glimpse into rarely seen practices, the graphic content and disturbing themes make it a challenging watch. The focus on preserving traditions clashes with the reality of harmful practices, presenting ethical dilemmas. Perhaps education, science, and improved healthcare could better serve these communities.