Valerie Curtis

Don't Look Don't Touch Don't Eat is a study of disgust. Why do we find certain things disgusting. The author says that disgust is a natural defense that protects us from parasites and disease. It is seen in non-human animals as well. Valerie Curtis follows disgust to the development of manners in human societies and demonstrates that manners also help protect against disease and contamination.

One thing she did not answer is why some societies are disgusted by certain foods while others find them a delicacy. Consider rotten meat or half developed duck eggs that are eaten in some places but would repel me.… (mehr)