The World Book Encyclopedia defines Taboo as “an action, object, person, or place forbidden by law or culture” (Dundes).
As pointed out in the Occultopedia, another spelling for taboo is “tabu” a Polynesian word meaning something which is banned. The Occultopedia also points out that taboo is found among many other cultures including the ancient Egyptians, Jews and others (“Taboo”).
Mary Douglas has analyzed the many facets and interpretations of taboos across various cultures. In her view, taboos could be considered a kind of “brain-washing” (2549) as they are transmitted to individuals along with an entire cultural system made up of a pattern of values and norms.
In reference to Freak Shows at circuses, an interesting observation is made that people who possess uncommon features and who willingly go out in public to display such oddities to onlookers are acting as “modern-day taboo breakers” by crossing the “final boundary between societal acceptance and ostracism.” (Rothenberg).