Gazing into the Face of Death

[similiesslip]

Rituals of death often define a culture. Many societies have strict ideas of what should be done with the husk a human leaves behind at death.

Comments

[shadowwolf13]

Lynn and I wanted to go but couldn't afford it. We're hoping it'll come back through.

Death doesn't bother me, disrespect does.

[similiesslip]

From the articles I read, it sounds like there are new exhibits that still travel around. I hope you get the chance to attend one someday.

[marstokyo]

I once saw an exhibit called The Body at our local science center. And it featured thinly sliced *slides* of whole human bodies. You saw the hair follicles at the edges of the outer skin and everything. It made me really sick. They'd used bodies of dead prisoners who'd willed their bodies to science. I know it was informative and all but it just seemed absolutely gross and disturbing and I didn't like it. I think I'd have a similar reaction to this man's work.

[similiesslip]

So (and it's fine either way) are you saying that you personally would rather not see such exhibits or that you feel due to how disturbing the exhibit was to you that they should not display such things?

I'm just curious. Some people feel these type of exhibits shouldn't exist at all.

I'm sure there is a line between education and disrespect or being too gross. I just wonder sometimes (personally) where that line is. Perhaps it is in a different place for different people? But should there maybe be laws about it for all people?

Hard choices.

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[marstokyo]

I don't have a problem with the exhibit being shown-- to each his own, I say. But it's the kind of thing I choose not to see.

[similiesslip]

I do understand. I say I want to see it but then again, the thought it kind of odd. I've seen mummies but I guess this is pretty different from mummies.

[jacq22]

I find it a little disturbing, but have no problem with dead bodies, have found three people dead, and worked in aged care, so part of the territory. I got used to handling dead people.
Glad the exhibits were willing, and I learned that although I find it clever I don't find any aspect pleasing, but would never censure works, freedom is better. Thanks for sharing.

[similiesslip]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Are/were you a nurse then?

[similiesslip]

Well that does put a whole different light on it.

I don't think it is wrong if the people truly volunteered but it is not fair or just if the bodies were used against the wishes of the participants.

Did you feel you learned something from the exhibit or did you mainly leave with a feeling that the bodies had been used against their wishes? I'm just curious if people who have seen it feel that there is a value in his work (if the bodies are truly donated for that purpose..)

[similiesslip]

So, now and then, "nutters" contribute to help many others? I agree. It does seem that sometimes, those some may call crazy actually can help mankind quite a bit mainly because they are so willing to think outside the box and do what others would never try.

[imafarmgirl]

Very good topic for an entry. Creative.

Religiously I would object to my body being used for something like this, but I think it's okay for others to choose what they will. I would never want to view this exhibit because I think it is disgusting, but I'm glad he is using it as a way to discuss death. I feel our culture in America is still far to closed on the subject of death. We don't want to talk about it, use ufamisms for the words dying and dead, and don't bring our children to funerals to say goodbye and have closure. There are so many horizons that could be explored about death.

[similiesslip]

What do you want done with your body when you die? (If that question is too personal, feel free to ignore it.)

My personal prefence would be to become ashes that are scattered. Some part of me loves the idea of finally being free (in a way)

However, I don't really care what happens to my body. I think that if any of my family left behind has a different preference (ie, wants a grave to visit or whatever) it's fine with me if they do with my body what they will. In my own death, I want survivors to do with my body whatever gives them the most peace.

I think that our society being too closed on the idea of death makes it harder on those who have a relative die and then they grieve. There are not good rituals of mourning here and thus, because so many feel it is "personal" and not to be mentioned, that leaves many dealing with grief alone.

[imafarmgirl]

I want to be cremated.

I'm glad I grew up with cultures for grieving and dealing with death in some way. It helps.