An Open Letter to Humanity: Rethinking Our Respect for the Living and the Dead…

Dear Humanity,

As we navigate the intricate web of our existence, we find ourselves grappling with a paradox that has plagued our societies for far too long: the glaring hypocrisy in our treatment of the living versus the dead. It is a phenomenon that transcends culture, religion, and geography—a universal thread woven into the fabric of human interaction that demands our immediate attention and reconsideration.

Every day, we witness individuals subjected to dehumanization, their dignity stripped away in the name of ambition, jealousy, or fear. We see the living being vilified, ridiculed, and punished, their reputations tarnished by the relentless pursuit of gossip and negativity. As a collective society, we often conspire, whether knowingly or unknowingly, to bring down those among us who dare to stand out, challenge the status quo, or simply exist in a way that makes others uncomfortable.

Yet, the moment a person passes away, a remarkable transformation occurs. The very individuals who once contributed to their suffering suddenly turn into champions of their memory. Eulogies are spoken, accolades are bestowed, and tributes are paid in abundance. The deceased become idealized figures, stripped of their flaws, celebrated for their achievements, and memorialized as paragons of virtue. It is a dissonance that is both startling and tragic.

This discrepancy raises a critical question: Why do we reserve our respect and admiration for those who can no longer hear our praises? Why do we fail to honor the living—to acknowledge their struggles, their contributions, and the very essence of their humanity—while they are still able to experience it?

To illustrate this hypocrisy, let us consider five examples of how we respect the dead while simultaneously disrespecting the living:

Examples of Respect for the Dead

1. Lavish Funerals: When a person passes away, families often invest significant resources into elaborate funerals, complete with expensive coffins, flowers, and catered receptions. This investment often far exceeds what they would have spent on the individual’s well-being during their life.

2. Traffic Halts for Processions: Communities routinely halt traffic to allow funeral processions to pass with dignity and respect. This public acknowledgment of the deceased’s life stands in stark contrast to how we often ignore the living, even when they require urgent support.

3. Eulogies and Celebrations of Life: At funerals, friends and family share touching stories, celebrating the deceased’s life and accomplishments. Yet, how often do we take the time to express our appreciation for the living, sharing similar stories while they are still present to hear them?

4. Posthumous Awards and Honors: It is common for organizations to bestow awards or honors posthumously, recognizing individuals for their contributions after they have passed. This recognition can be a way to validate their efforts when they were alive, yet the same accolades were not given during their lifetime.

5. Grave Maintenance and Memorials: After a person’s death, loved ones often invest in maintaining their gravesites, creating memorials, and ensuring their legacy is remembered. This attention to their memory is rarely matched by the same level of care and support for the living.

Examples of Disrespect for the Living

1. Ignoring Basic Needs: Individuals facing poverty, homelessness, or health issues often find their needs overlooked. Society may turn a blind eye to their struggles, prioritizing other concerns instead of offering support or assistance.

2. Disregarding Mental Health: Many individuals battling mental health issues face stigma and isolation. While we may mourn those who succumb to such struggles posthumously, we often fail to provide the necessary support and understanding while they are alive.

3. Lack of Empathy in Discourse: In our conversations, we frequently engage in gossip or negative talk about others, tearing down their reputations and dignity. This behavior can lead to a lack of compassion and understanding for the challenges they face in their lives.

4. Failing to Acknowledge Contributions: Many individuals work tirelessly in their communities or professions, yet their efforts often go unnoticed until they are gone. We neglect to celebrate their contributions, choosing instead to recognize them only in death.

5. Material Neglect: In many cultures, the living often lack access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, or safe housing. Yet, when a person dies, we invest in ornate coffins and elaborate funerals, demonstrating a disconnect between our values and our actions.

This discrepancy raises a critical question: Why do we reserve our respect and admiration for those who can no longer hear our praises? Why do we fail to honor the living—to acknowledge their struggles, their contributions, and the very essence of their humanity—while they are still able to experience it?

We must advocate for a shift in our collective consciousness. Let us change the narrative surrounding respect and dignity. Instead of waiting for a person to leave this world to recognize their worth, we should strive to celebrate them while they are alive. Let us honor their good deeds, acknowledge their struggles, and support their journeys, fostering an environment where dignity is upheld and respect is a given.

This change starts with each of us. We can choose to uplift those around us instead of tearing them down. We can engage in conversations that celebrate achievements, encourage growth, and foster empathy. By shifting our focus from dehumanization to recognition, we can create a society where respect is not conditional upon mortality.

Imagine a world where kindness prevails, where our interactions are guided by compassion rather than competition, and where we actively work to build each other up rather than break each other down. This vision is not only possible; it is essential for our collective well-being.

In conclusion, let us commit to a new way of doing things. Let us honor and respect the living while they are still here to appreciate it. The time has come to break the cycle of hypocrisy and embrace a culture of dignity, where every human being is valued for their contributions, both great and small, during their lifetime. Together, we can forge a brighter future, one where respect transcends the boundaries of life and death.

With hope and determination,

Penned by

Head of tuNEWS Editorial