(As published for the Summer 2014 edition of "Urns & Outs" in The Dead Beat Magazine)
It has been my experience that opponents of cremation have
often been the initiators of any number of degrading remarks since cremation’s
modern movement beginning in 1874. Statistics show, though, that for every one person
against cremation, there is another one who agrees with its practice. The south
is certainly no exception. While we in the “bible belt” have significantly
lower numbers than our northern, western, and eastern neighbors, the fact that
the practice of cremation is on the increase is obvious.
What are the reasons that cremation is becoming popular? Through
surveys conducted by the Funeral and Memorial Information Council along with
the Cremation Association of North America it is discovered that the primary
reason people choose cremation is for financial reasons. However, I find it
interesting that in some markets there are funeral homes with direct cremation
fees over $2000 and others with fees under $800, and that the funeral homes
with the higher price conduct as many cremations as the ones with the lower
price. Perhaps other cited reasons could explain this fact: consumers
appreciate the flexibility, range of options, simplicity, found in choosing
cremation.
In funeral service, all funeral homes sell caskets and urns,
most have hearses, some have limousines, all provide embalming, but what sets
our funeral homes apart – what makes each of our firms unique is the way that
we serve the families that call on us. Each firm has their own signature way of
conducting funerals, and each have an experience that their client families
receive. So many times, we can see that families are interested in the experience.
Some appreciate the experience of a no-frills storefront funeral provider,
others want the experience of a larger facility with more plush amenities. As
long as all of these firms are truly caring for families in their times of
grief, each has their place in funeral service.
Still there are other opponents of cremation. The survey I
mentioned earlier reveals that the third reason families choose cremation is
attributed to environmental concern. But this is also a reason that cremation,
and new crematories in particular, face opposition. It is perceived that a
crematory built near a school or neighborhood will be harmful to people in those
nearby places; or, for the more fiscal-minded, that property values will
decrease due to a crematory in the vicinity. Sadly, these perceptions are, in
my opinion and research, based largely on fear and lack of knowledge. Many opponents
quote some study by some other equally-fearful opponent of a crematory being
built who got erroneous information to begin with, causing further fear and
confusion. To add to the drama, the unnecessary use of words and phrases cause
further hysteria. “Mercury Gas” and “Human Incinerators” conjure images of
cesspools of toxic waste and Nazi concentration camps.
When funeral professionals set out to build such facilities
to more fully serve their families, they are often the subject of media
controversy and even attacks on the professions they have spent their lives
building. The very care they have given the families of their communities is
often turned against them, their words of comfort returned with words of
accusation and contempt. In the end, unfortunately, there is no winner – for
layers of compassion are easily removed with a small douse of anger – like
layers of paint are removed with a small douse of turpentine.
What we must do, as professionals who are all in the same boat,
though in different parts of the ocean, is to support one another. When we give
our support to others in our profession, we are in turn supporting ourselves
and the meaning of the ideals we vow to uphold, and most importantly, we
encourage the value of our profession.
At least, that’s my perspective…
