Family Quote by Caitlin Doughty
““We need to reform our funeral industry, introducing new practices that aren't so profit-oriented, and that do more to include the family. But we cannot begin to reform—or even question!-our death systems when we act like little Jean de Brébeufs, falsely convinced we have it right while all these "other people" are disrespectful and barbarous. This dismissive attitude can be found in places you'd never expect. Lonely Planet, the largest guidebook publisher in the world, included the idyllic Trunyan cemetery in their book on visiting Bali. In Trunyan, the villagers weave bamboo cages for their dead to decompose in, and then stack the skulls and bones out in the lush green landscape. Lonely Planet, instead of explaining the meaning behind these ancient customs, advised wise travelers to "skip the ghoulish spectacle.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “Ask a Mortician” (2020) and related article on funeral reform
She argues for reforming the profit‑driven funeral industry to honor families and cultural practices, criticizing dismissive attitudes toward non‑Western customs.
In simple terms: Funeral industry needs humane, family‑focused reforms.
Key Takeaway
Respect cultural death practices.
Themes
death
culture
ethics
industry
Mood
thoughtful
advocacy
Type
educational
ethical
When to use this quote
- family planning
- travel guides
- museum exhibits
Key Concepts
mortuary science
cultural relativism
consumer rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance tourism with cultural sensitivity?
- What policies could ensure respectful representation of death customs?
A Different Perspective
Commercial interests may override respect for traditions.
