The Plastinarium

[geK0]

I saw a section on 'Daily Planet' about this ,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Worlds, Which is a exhibit of preserved bodies in Germany.
Basically, the bodies are put through a process that fills their cells with plastic, thus preserving them. These are bodies of recently deceased people, not replicas (just to be clear).

Although I understand that these preserved bodies can be invaluable to medical researchers, I find filling a museum with them to be inappropriate and exploitative. This isn't simply an exhibit for learning about human anatomy (some parts are, not all of it), these bodies are put into displays ranging from five bodies playing poker around a table, to two bodies simulating sexual intercourse, and another holding a globe like Atlas. The bodies are being used as a novelty rather than for education (which would be completely acceptable to me).

I feel that, spiritual or not, the owners of this exhibit should show more respect for the bodies.

What does the escapist think?

 

[Loop Stricken]

I think that these bodies weren't just dug out of the still-warm ground and stuffed on display; these people would've had to, I'm fairly certain, explicitly volunteer for this sort of thing.

Also, it's bloody interesting.

Also also, it's not like the original occupiers of the bodies are using them anymore.

 

[geK0]

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Im not sure how things work in Germany, but it might just be a matter of checking off an organ donor status box on a government form.

I know these people are dead, and that it really doesn't matter what happens to their body but I tend to conform to the idea that we should be treated with some amount of dignity after death.
(ie. not having our bodies put into silly scenes at a museum)

 

[SaikyoKid]

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*Snip snip*

Actually I'm fairly certain that you are required to donate specifically to the museum people in order for your body to be displayed on these exhibits. If you just look at their web site, they say that you must opt to donate your body for the sake of physicians or laypersons.

And as far as the scenes these bodies are put in, I wouldn't necessarily call them silly right off the bat. For starters, these poses aren't really that farfetched from the ones people may or may not be seen in on a regular basis. Sure you may not be carrying a globe on your back but if you're carrying a heavy box your body will be in almost the same position. From a biological standpoint, each pose can give a very interesting look at how certain muscles and/or bones may move and pivot.

And as far as respect for the dead, I honestly think that anyone who decides to use their body after life for either the sake of science or medicine is deserving of the up most respect. People who went to the museum, as well as those who run it, really do feel the same way as well. Nobody was laughing or mocking the bodies.

 

[Thaluikhain]

It's a cultural thing. In some cultures, they make bodies into artistic works, and have for centuries (IIRC, they made flutes out of bone in Tibet). In others, it's an abomination (for Australian Aboriginals (or at least enough of them to matter) any sort of archaeological or scientific research into anyone on the continent predating white settlement is offensive and so isn't allowed).

 

[Tselis]

I've heard of this. These people volunteer, and know what they are getting into. I have no problem with it because it is educational. Do your muscles look the same sitting as they do running, or during sex? What about your bones? How do they move? If we are ever going to fully explore the 'human condition' than we need to get over our own uncomfortable feelings about our bodies. There's no disrespect here. Only learning, in one form or another.

 

[dbmountain]

each person in the body worlds exhibit specifically volunteered to have their bodies used in the exhibit as soon as they passed away. if you've actually gone to a Body Worlds exhibit and seen it for yourself you'd know it's not just exploitation, going through it is a very educational and informative experience.

 

[Brutal Peanut]

I remember hearing about this. It was open in San Diego, California as well and I didn't get to go. Didn't have the time and I was a bit disappointed. Maybe if it swings back around close, I'll go take a look.

If these bodies were volunteered by their owners for this purpose, then their last wishes are being respected and upheld. If they were taken without permission, Dr.Frankenstein style, then it would be a pretty severe issue. But from what I have heard; the exhibit helps to educate and inform, while being highly creative and unique - I don't have a problem with it.

 

[Owyn_Merrilin]

I think that these bodies weren't just dug out of the still-warm ground and stuffed on display; these people would've had to, I'm fairly certain, explicitly volunteer for this sort of thing.

Also, it's bloody interesting.

Also also, it's not like the original occupiers of the bodies are using them anymore.

I'm not sure about this particular exhibit, but the Bodies exhibit (which is a similar exhibit that traveled all over the U.S. a few years back) had some major controversy attached to it, because the bodies were donated by the Chinese government. Why did this cause controversy? Because the Chinese government was what most likely killed these people. Chances are good they were political prisoners.

That said, I've seen the exhibit, and it really is fascinating. If the bodies had been properly donated, not only would I not have any problem with it, but I would encourage people to check it out.

 

[geK0]

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*Snip snip*

Actually I'm fairly certain that you are required to donate specifically to the museum people in order for your body to be displayed on these exhibits. If you just look at their web site, they say that you must opt to donate your body for the sake of physicians or laypersons.

And as far as the scenes these bodies are put in, I wouldn't necessarily call them silly right off the bat. For starters, these poses aren't really that farfetched from the ones people may or may not be seen in on a regular basis. Sure you may not be carrying a globe on your back but if you're carrying a heavy box your body will be in almost the same position. From a biological standpoint, each pose can give a very interesting look at how certain muscles and/or bones may move and pivot.

And as far as respect for the dead, I honestly think that anyone who decides to use their body after life for either the sake of science or medicine is deserving of the up most respect. People who went to the museum, as well as those who run it, really do feel the same way as well. Nobody was laughing or mocking the bodies.

hmm, didn't think of it that way... I guess it's not so bad then.