[NYer]

Historically, has this practice ever been socially acceptable anywhere?

I know a couple who were among the first Americans to visit China once it was opened up to tourism (back in the 80's). Some of their restaurants were not quite primed for the tourist trade and hung a curtain to separate the native Chinese diners from the visitors. As my friends were eating, someone accidentally pulled aside the curtain. A Chinese family sat at a large round table with various delicacies served up on plates. In the middle of the table sat a monkey. At a certain point, the waiter removed the monkey's skull and cut a slice of living brain.

That is not kosher.

[Tax-chick]

Oh, ICK!