Metaphorical Cannibalism

This blog will critique the complex, predatory and exploitative nature of human beings who simultaneously produce and are the products of our current perplexed society.

Cannibalism has existed since the beginning of life systems. To some extent physical cannibalism occurs in western society today whereby the transfer of flesh is proceeded by blood transfusions and organ transplants (Mushtaq 2015). Nowadays within most modern systems, materialistic carnal consumption has shifted to metaphysical means, whereby an insatiable consumerist society is gulping up humans metaphorically, often as a means of securing individual wealth and power (ibid).

Cannibals of todays world are constructed by the conditions around them, institutional systems driven by power consistency produce competition to flourish and conquer, in turn this drives consumptuous internal ideological mechanisms (ibid). These feed a mass psychological infection which is driving humanity to extinction (Ladha, Kirk 2016).

Wetiko is an Algoquin word for a human devouring spirit that is driven by greed and consumption. It convinces its host that cannibalistic life-forces are natural and rational (ibid). Indeed these self replicating structures enveloping metaphorical cannibalism can explain poverty, climate devastation and consumption fetishism. The malevolent logic of the virus demands the blinded infected entity to consume more than it requires, within a murderous daze (ibid).

I will explore how the wetiko infrastructure has immeshed itself within todays societal schemes. In particular, I will focus upon the objectification and consumption of women. The cannibalistic infection will be exposed most within a non-normative liminal space, such a place is produced by artistic practice.

 

 

1. Ladha, Alnoor. Kirk, Martin. 2016. Seeing Wetiko: on Capitalism, Mind Viruses, and Antidotes for a World in Transition. Obtained from: 
2. Mushtaq, Aneesa. 2015. Metaphorical Cannibalism in Margaret Atwoods Novel Oryx and Crake. Maulana Azad National Urdu University. Vol 3:7. 148-150.