The bread, appearances to the contrary notwithstanding, is indeed Christ, come to us in history and come to us in our hands. Then, having received, we take and eat. It's not quite cannibalism, but that word can remind us of the reality of the Eucharist. The particular forms are not important. What is important is that I be aware of what the sacrament really is.
Forms help that, and are arguably essential.
Outsiders might not understand. In a sense, neither do we. We believe that Christ who died and rose is with us in our Eucharistic celebration. We believe that his presence is not merely something that happens in our memories. We believe that he shares himself with us intimately so that we may live as he did, proclaiming and being the love of God for the world.