This week's reading dealt with the topic everyone wants to avoid--death. The fear of death has always been a motivator for mankind, pushing us to reproduce and to leave a legacy. In fact, one could say that death, as a natural part of life, has its own unique place in our development, causing us to work very hard to ensure we will be remembered after death. In recent years, however, it seems as if death has been treated with a sort of 'don't ask, don't tell' policy.
At the outset of chapter 12, in the Lifesmart textbook, death is mentioned as an important milestone in human development. However, in the modern era, with the advances in technology and medicine, death has become less of an everyday occurrence then it was even just one hundred years ago. As a result, it seems, discussion of death and dying has become more and more taboo. Death is and uncomfortable subject for people to discuss and so they often avoid it altogether. This reticence can also be seen in the language we employ. Even words such as 'coffin' and 'died' have fallen into disuse, replaced by the more innocuous 'casket' and 'passed away.'
Even so, in the last 30 years there has been a movement towards a more dignified approach towards death. Hospice has become a very common medical practice, with services offered nearly everywhere. More controversially, there has also been a rise in the 'death with dignity' movement, which includes the practice of assisted suicide. Even though this aspect remains highly controversial, I believe that it is indicative of a more natural approach towards dealing with death. Although the actions and responses could be considered entirely wrong, people have shown a willingness to deal with the reality of death, rather than just brush it aside and ignore it. Perhaps this approach will lead to a return towards earlier feelings regarding death, treating it not as an enemy to be conquered, but the final stage of human development--both a challenge and milestone to be passed.
I agree completely that the social construct of death has changed drastically. Your quote really stood out to me, " However, in the modern era, with the advances in technology and medicine, death has become less of an everyday occurrence then it was even just one hundred years ago. As a result, it seems, discussion of death and dying has become more and more taboo." Developmentally we as a society have begun to discuss death less and in turn we may see less acceptance towards death as a result.
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