You know, my view of death, much like my view of morality, has evolved over the years. Oh, I like to think there has always been a common thread, running through my life, on moral and political matters. But quite frankly, on a personal level, death used to really scare me when I was younger. Dead bodies in particular. Now, I see a dead body. And sometimes it bothers me, sometimes it doesn't. Anyways, my view on respect for the dead, is not surprisingly, pragmatic, like I am, and like I've always been, I think. And it centers around respect for people's rights and final wishes. If a person wants to donate their body to science, why not? You'll get the ashes back in a year. Did you know that? And it's always free. I remember an ethics class I took, when I was going to community college, in Fall of 1996. Our teacher pointed out the fact that some cultures eat their deceased. That's called necrophagy. I'd probably loose my lunch if I saw it too. But if that's what people want, what the heck? Our teacher even pointed out, people who observe this practice actually say how beautiful it is. Why put Grandma or Grandpa in the cold hard ground? If you eat Grandma, Grandpa or Great Aunt Beulah, they'll be a part of you always. That's true you know. Of course I think that's illegal in most parts of the US. So I guess you should probably check with the Sheriff's department, if you want to do it here. And what about necrophilia? I agree that is usually wrong. But what if the person wills it that way? I was reading this interesting article, ironically in a porno magazine, when I was still in HS. This man had necrophilic fantasies, but he never acted upon them. But you know, his wife supported him. And she told him, listen, when I die, I'd love for you to do that to me. It would be my final gift to you in fact. What do you all think about that? Anyways, respect for the dead is an evolving topic in the western world. In the not-to-distant past, using cadavers for medical research was very taboo. No one even talks about that anymore. As I said once on another message board, the ancient Pharoahs of Egypt thought embalming them would assure their entry into the afterlife. No, they were obviously wrong. But what do you think they'd think that King Tut is now in a museum? And in the 19th century, they had Mummy "undressing" parties, for goodness sake. Plus doesn anyone really care about old cemeteries? I find that last one even sad. Though really don't know why. In Japan they are running out room for their dead. So respect for their dead is actually causing a serious problem there. And the rights of the living should always precede the rights of the dead. Don't you agree? Thoughts?
If time is infinite, we sure get cheated out of much of it. We should at least get a couple thousand years to be in this human form. Or at least be given some hints about an afterlife, if there is one.
Respect for the dead is really respect for the living left behind. The dead are dead, you can't disrespect them as they no longer exist. However the living, who were associated with the now dead, still have ties to them due to remembrance, legal obligations, emotional investments, etc. That is what needs to be respected.
