In Jessica Mitford’s Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain
The arguments presented point to open disregard of the practice of embalming. The author marvels at the many secrets surrounding the process while also questioning the procedures usually adopted while handling the dead by the modern mortuary. In American society, the professionalism observed in the embalming process can only be compared to a play of drama. Indeed, the process of embalming mainly serves to disrespect the deceased rather than offer any form of respect to them.
Disregard for Permission from Next of Kin
While the next of kins' authority may be sought before performing an autopsy, cremation, or before using the body for research work; the need for such permission is always disregarded before embalming. Such a practice serves to disrespect the deceased. In fact, Mitford questions the legality of the entire embalming process by indicating that "in the case of embalming, no such permission is required nor is it ever sought" (Mitford 1). Based on the effort the modern mortuary places on seeking permission before conducting some operations on the deceased, it would be reasonable to do the same before performing embalming. Unfortunately, as the author notes, lack of consideration of the bereaveds' views amount to disrespect not only to the deceased but also to the relatives. Therefore, the belief that morticians have implied permission to carry out the process on the dead is rude since most of the bereaved hardly understand the meaning of embalming.
Unethical Use of Chemical Injection
The use of chemical injection in the process of embalming to dispel fears of live burial is unethical practice meant to ensure there are no chances of revival of the deceased. The author uses a harsh tone to demonstrate how the modern mortuary personnel rush to embalm the dead before life is entirely extinct. Such a process, however, disregards the possibility of false-death. It is possible that an individual may seem dead yet still alive. Rushing to perform embalmment only serves to confirm the death even though the person might still be alive. Such a behavior confirms lack of respect to the deceased because the modern mortuary "demi-surgeons" only focus on making the body look presentable (Mitford 2). Such actions may be driven by the desire to benefit financially after treating the dead bodies. Since the modern mortuaries focus on conducting embalming as soon as possible after death, it is unfair to the deceased because chances of survival may be eliminated in the process.
Disgraceful Activities Carried Out on the Deceased
Harsh and confident communication adopted by the author regarding the embalming process supports disrespect to the deceased. In a bid to make the dead presentable for viewing, the embalming team may resort to drilling holes through the jaws and pass wire to hold the lips in the desired positions. All these activities are carried out with an objective of beautifying the dead as confirmed by the author, who sarcastically uses French to say "il faut souffrir pour etre belle" (Mitford 3); indicating that an individual has to suffer to achieve beauty. Indeed, such behaviors carried out upon the dead show a considerable level of disgrace to the deceased. After an individual dies, changing facial looks through crude means is unethical. Therefore, the author uses plain and direct language to give a fair view of embalming process thereby demonstrating dreadful activities that most bereaved does not know.
Making Dead Bodies Look Lovely is a Mockery
Striving to make dead bodies look lovely and beautiful is a mockery of them. The author confirms the point by noting that for any deceased that had not been in the habit of having their nails manicured, death would give the mortuary an opportunity to make the nails appealing (Mitford 3). Indeed, such efforts should be accorded to people when they are still alive, but not after death. Trying to increase the beauty of dead people is an act of futility. It is reasonable to spend money and resources to support people when they are in need. In fact, the process of embalmers would not only surprise some deceased if they were to get their lives back but would also annoy them. Some individuals are always neglected when alive, yet people spend time and money after they are dead. Such a practice is, therefore, inappropriate and the modern mortuary should desist from them.
Disrespectful Activities by Modern Mortuary
Whereas the deceased should be respected when people view them before burial, many activities conducted by modern mortuary only show disrespect. Based on her opinion, the author presents facts, quotations, and proper reasoning to support the argument that embalmment is an impolite act to the deceased. The rush to use chemicals and surgical equipment on dead bodies may be attributed to quick desire for profitability by the mortuaries. Furthermore, the secrecy with which the deceased are operated upon similarly raises many questions that show certain dishonesties on the part of embalmers. Consequently, there is a need for clarity, openness, and sincerity when handling the deceased since insincerity would not demonstrate any respect to the dead.
Works Cited
Mitford, Jessica. Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain. The Bedford Reader, 2009, eng121.net/online%20textbook/process/Behind%20the%20Formaldehyde%20Curtain.pdf. Accessed 5 Feb. 2018.
