Conflicting Cultures: Burial and Death Care in the US
“Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure, it is in decay.” — Jiddu Krishnamurti
The previous two entries have briefly explored the history of burial in the US and some of the environmental challenges attached to burying our dead. Today, I want to turn our attention to contemporary cultural issues related to the timeless practice of burial.
In the United States, burying our dead is deeply embedded in cultural and religious traditions that have evolved over centuries from diverse cultural origins. These practices serve as a means of honoring the deceased, providing comfort to the living, and maintaining a connection to familial and communal roots. However, the security of tradition can also lead to an uncritical acceptance of practices that may no longer align with contemporary values or environmental realities. As we confront the environmental and health concerns associated with burial, it is equally important to consider the cultural implications of these practices and the potential for cultural harm.
One significant issue is the way burial practices have historically marginalized certain communities, particularly Indigenous peoples. The appropriation of sacred lands for purposes that conflict with Indigenous beliefs and customs has been a recurring theme in U.S. history. This is exemplified by the case of Yucca Mountain, where the U.S. government designated a site for nuclear waste storage on land sacred to the Western Shoshone and other Native American tribes (Endres, 2009). While this example pertains specifically to nuclear waste, it highlights a broader pattern of cultural insensitivity and the imposition of dominant societal values on marginalized communities. The expansion of cemeteries and burial practices onto Indigenous lands or lands with significant cultural value can perpetuate this cycle of harm.
Moreover, the cultural significance of burial spaces often ties communities to specific geographic locations. Cemeteries can become focal points for family histories and community identities, reinforcing a sense of place and continuity. However, this attachment to land can also create challenges when burial spaces become overcrowded or when communities are displaced due to urban development or environmental concerns. In some cases, families may feel forced to choose between maintaining a connection to their heritage and adapting to new, more sustainable aftercare practices (Francis, Kellaher, & Neophytou, 2005).
The tension between tradition and change is further complicated by the commercialization of death care in the United States. The funeral industry, which generates billions of dollars annually, often promotes expensive and resource-intensive burial practices as the norm, reinforcing cultural expectations that may not align with individual values or financial realities. This commercialization can lead to a disconnect between cultural ideals of honoring the dead and the practical implications of burial practices, such as environmental degradation and financial burden (Mitford, 2012).
As the United States continues to grapple with the environmental and health concerns associated with burial practices, it is essential to address the cultural dimensions of these issues. This includes recognizing the diverse beliefs and values that inform burial practices, as well as the potential for harm when these practices are imposed on marginalized communities. Moving forward, a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to aftercare can help ensure that burial practices evolve in ways that respect both tradition and the planet.
References
Endres, D. (2009). From wasteland to waste site: The role of discourse in nuclear power’s environmental injustices. Local Environment, 14(10), 917-937.
Francis, D., Kellaher, L., & Neophytou, G. (2005). The secret cemetery. Berg.
Mitford, J. (2012). The American way of death revisited. Vintage Books.
