September 16, 2005

Photos of the Dead

In Tennessee a 12 year old girl was watching a police presentation about drinking and driving when one of the gruesome photos they showed was of the remains of her father. Needless to say, she was traumatized.

Among the reasons we don't usually show photos of the dead is that such a gruesome photo can drive all other pleasant, happy, loving mental images of the deceased out of one's mind.

Showing respect for the dead is one of the hallmarks of every culture on earth.

Time Christopher Morris

Army Collecting Bodies-1

Time Katrina Dead Chris Usher

Only if a photograph showing a dead body can be in no way identified by a grieving family member should it ever be published. The images are shocking enough as the Time magazine photo essay shows.

Time Mag Photo Essay-1

What to me was far more shocking was the time it took to remove dead bodies from the streets.

Rest in peace all those who suffered such an undignified death.

Posted by Jill Fallon at September 16, 2005 2:12 AM | Permalink