Mitford's "Behind the Formaldehyde
Curtain" goes into great detail about the embalming process. The tasks
revealed throughout the essay cause me to be against restoration.
The main reason I am not in favor of it is because
it is as if it is used to cover up the ugliness of death. The morticians put
much time and effort to hide all the imperfections of the body. They do not
overlook any minor details; they alter anything that they feel should appear a
different, more ideal way. Many of the measures taken are quite ridiculous and
unnecessary which is why I don't approve of it.
Embalming is also an extra cost, and an expensive
one. Often the families are given no say in the matter; their consent is not
given, nor is it asked for. It is not right that
a family should be held financially responsible for a process in which they did
not request. It is not fair to them, or to the dead body, that a mortician
makes the decision, that ultimately benefits themselves, without making sure it
is what is wanted.
Embalming is a process that I am against. It is
surprising how such extreme measures are taken to enhance the way a person
looks when they are dead. They should be left as they are, not changed to look
the way one wants to see them appear in the coffin.
I agree that it masks the ugliness of death, but perhaps it is in the best interest of the family and friends to have the body look as nice as possible, so that they can remember the person and not their death.
ReplyDeleteYes I agree that it is not fair to the family or to the body since they are not asked for their permission, but have you considered that maybe families would prefer not to know what really happens to the body? Perhaps they just want to be blissfully unaware of the embalment process and enjoy a last vision of the body as it was in its prime?
ReplyDeleteI agree that embalming is essentially for profit and that it is not ethical to embalm without consent. However, people do have the opprotunity to ask that the deceased not be embalmed.
ReplyDeleteI thought you made a really good point that embalming is "used to cover up the ugliness of death," and I agree with you in the case of embalming that is done without consent or request. But what of those families that do wish to see their loved ones embalmed, and even those who wish to themselves be embalmed for their funerals? Should corpses be left as they are in ALL cases? I personally believe that, disturbing as it is to some of us, this practice is important to some people and they should be allowed to continue it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in how embalming can be a financial burden to family that have recently lot a loved one. Embalment is expensive, and there also other funeral costs to think about. But I think that embalment should not be eliminated completly, especially for those that have the resources to pay for it.
ReplyDeleteYes it is used to cover up the ugliness of death, but in a culture that is obsessed with perfection why not cover up death also? By saying that " many measures are quite ridiculous and unnecessary", that is not taking in the view point of all. For you it may be, but what about for the millions of others who need that comfort?
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you say but embalming is not only expensive but it is also a violation of life because death is part of life. And with death comes the ugliness you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point of requiring consent to embalm people but I believe it is still a good process. I disagree with you comment that it is unfair to dead bodies, I don't think dead bodies are any more than an object and therefore have little ideas of fairness. I liked your point about benefitting the mortician but I think that holds true for most professions.
ReplyDelete