In Amsterdam opponents of Bodies: the exhibition erected monuments on the sidewalk outside the exhibition hall to  twenty-two unknown Chinese. On the table is a condolence book.

 Read a moving article by Pastor Christoph Reiners which has resulted in the Abbotsford,BC schools banning field trips to body worlds and a statement by the Archdiocese of Vancouver about body worlds.  also read a column by Anita Allen  Body ethics, Body esthetics . Although the first two items are about body worlds, much of what they say applies Bodies the exhibition. __________________________________________

January 5, 2007
 
As a physician, I oppose this exhibit (I have not been to it, but have seen plenty of photos of it in the press). While there is undoubtedly some educational value to the audience to see the wonders of the human body, the bizarre nature of the cadavers' poses transforms the viewer into a voyeur. What could possibly be the scientific or eductional purpose of displaying the corpse of a small child riding on the shoulders of the corpse of an adult, as if having an outing at the park?
 
In my opinion, the display crosses the line from informative exhibit to pornography or freak show. I would feel this way even if all the bodies were freely donated with informed consent. (But I doubt any of us would consent to having our own body displayed post-mortem in this perverse manner.)

In medicine, both when dissecting cadavers in medical school and when performing procedures or surgery on live patients, care is taken to drape the body so only the parts of interest are exposed. This is done to objectify the body, thus minimizing the natural strong human emotional response to it which would interfere with a rational, disinterested and scientific approach to anatomy.

Just because a thing can be done, doesn't mean it should be done. Accurate scientific data about hypothermia can be obtained by throwing living human subjects into pools of cold water of varying temperatures, and monitoring their EKGs until their hearts fibrillate and they die. This was in fact done in Europe 65 years ago by the third reich. In my opinion these circus-like displays of the bodies of once-living human individuals is worthy of a Dr. Mengele.

Steven Adler, MD Seattle, WA January 5, 2006 Go to the comments page for more reflections on these exhibits.

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Where do the bodies in Bodies:The Exhibition that will be opening soon in Seattle come from? China. How was permission given to use the bodies for a public display? Can we trust any official documents or assurances from China, a dictatorship that is not interested in human rights or human dignity? I doubt it. The use of these bodies for the public's fascination is  questionable  both legally and morally. HELP STOP THE EXHIBIT BY SPEAKING OUT IN ANY WAY YOU CAN. ENLIST GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. 

IS IT RIGHT TO DISPLAY THESE PLASTICIZED BODIES TO MAKE A PROFIT? NO, THIS AND SIMILAR EXHIBITS ARE USING THE BODIES OF THE DECEASED TO MAKE A QUICK BUCK.  IT HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH SHOW BUSINESS AND MONEY.  WE HAVE CUSTOMS THAT IF PROPERLY FOLLOWED  IMPEL US TO TREAT THE BODIES OF THE DECEASED WITH RESPECT IN HONOR OF THE PERSON THEY WERE ONCE A HOME TO.  OUT OF RESPECT FOR OURSELVES, AND FOR THE DECEASED WE SHOULD FOLLOW THOSE CUSTOMS.

STAND UP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN DIGNITY. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Aaron Ginsburg, Sharon, Mass 9-20-2006