I have been thinking about a trend that has been developing over the last decade or so. I guess once you reach sixty or so you begin to review your experiences in decades. That in itself gives one pause. I have noticed that we have begun to have prolonged grieving/remembrances for death and other tragic events. There seems to be a proliferation of memorials. Vigils are often held. We have taken to putting " In Memoriam " on stickers on our vehicles, having it tattooed on our bodies and even wearing tee shirts with that on it.
I have an interest in genealogy and pursue that hobby. From that pursuit I know that in years (decades ) past the dead where often not spoken of. That was the social convention . We attended the funeral and expressed our grief and sorrow. At various times throughout history death and other tragedies were mourned for a set period of time. The wearing of black or other signs and symbols were used. As a whole the attitude was, mourn, accept, and move on. It seems a hard way of looking at things but I believe a practical way as well. I wonder about all this public display of grief. Not so much the initial grief and shock that accompanies these events but the prolonged outward expression of that emotion.
I think that a more pragmatic approach to these events is preferable. There is nothing one can do to change those events. I wonder about the long term effects. How is this effecting our children ? It is a difficult thing. On the one hand these are life changing events. It is only right that we should remember those that have past. It is only fitting that we memorialize certain events as a reminder to future generations. I understand all that and agree. On the other hand dwelling on the past too long can have detrimental consequences. It is another question of balance. Just where is that line ?
I wonder too if some of these displays are done just for the sake of appearances ? In this politically correct climate of today, outward displays are quite popular. We wear our feelings on our sleeves is the saying. In years past that practice was considered a fault. It was often thought of as a solicitation of sorrow. Sometimes these outward displays relieve us of the burden of dealing inwardly with these events. Could this be a result of a diminished religious background ? We hear the expression, relying upon our faith, but what if that faith does not exist ? How else might we seek solace ? Memorials,vigils and the constant reliving of the event ?
I realize that each of us must deal with things in our own way. There is no correct way. I hear on the news that schools and other groups call in grief counselors. Having never spoken to one of these professionals I am curious as to what they say. What words can you offer in tragic times ? Faith is what sustains mankind. Are these displays meant to replace that ? That, I think is what bothers me about this trend. I am feeling a little conflicted. Grief, and the resolution of that emotion is a personal thing to me. Perhaps that is the root of this and that is what troubles me.
This is just a sharing of my thoughts on this subject. It is not a condemnation of anyone or how they wish to mourn. It is nothing more than my observation.
I have an interest in genealogy and pursue that hobby. From that pursuit I know that in years (decades ) past the dead where often not spoken of. That was the social convention . We attended the funeral and expressed our grief and sorrow. At various times throughout history death and other tragedies were mourned for a set period of time. The wearing of black or other signs and symbols were used. As a whole the attitude was, mourn, accept, and move on. It seems a hard way of looking at things but I believe a practical way as well. I wonder about all this public display of grief. Not so much the initial grief and shock that accompanies these events but the prolonged outward expression of that emotion.
I think that a more pragmatic approach to these events is preferable. There is nothing one can do to change those events. I wonder about the long term effects. How is this effecting our children ? It is a difficult thing. On the one hand these are life changing events. It is only right that we should remember those that have past. It is only fitting that we memorialize certain events as a reminder to future generations. I understand all that and agree. On the other hand dwelling on the past too long can have detrimental consequences. It is another question of balance. Just where is that line ?
I wonder too if some of these displays are done just for the sake of appearances ? In this politically correct climate of today, outward displays are quite popular. We wear our feelings on our sleeves is the saying. In years past that practice was considered a fault. It was often thought of as a solicitation of sorrow. Sometimes these outward displays relieve us of the burden of dealing inwardly with these events. Could this be a result of a diminished religious background ? We hear the expression, relying upon our faith, but what if that faith does not exist ? How else might we seek solace ? Memorials,vigils and the constant reliving of the event ?
I realize that each of us must deal with things in our own way. There is no correct way. I hear on the news that schools and other groups call in grief counselors. Having never spoken to one of these professionals I am curious as to what they say. What words can you offer in tragic times ? Faith is what sustains mankind. Are these displays meant to replace that ? That, I think is what bothers me about this trend. I am feeling a little conflicted. Grief, and the resolution of that emotion is a personal thing to me. Perhaps that is the root of this and that is what troubles me.
This is just a sharing of my thoughts on this subject. It is not a condemnation of anyone or how they wish to mourn. It is nothing more than my observation.
No comments:
Post a Comment