The list of taboos in "Gross Points" is used so that the audience can find an example that they "happen not to do". Appiah includes these so that the reader can relate to one of the taboos, but also become acquainted with others one might not be as familiar with. He hopes to gain acceptance of the fact that different cultures have different ideas and standards. "Many Americans eat pigs but won't eat cats" is used to show the reader that eating cats is acceptable and normal in other regions of the world. Depending on where one grew up and which culture one came from shapes the individual and their thoughts. Appiah yearns for the different cultural values to be respected. He mimic's peoples thoughts of foreign ideas in his writing style in "Moral Disagreement". The variety of examples he uses connects to his purpose of spreading acceptance.