Des Moines Register Obituaries: Who Passed Away This Week?

Des Moines Register Obituaries: Who Passed Away This Week? A Critical Examination

Introduction

The Des Moines Register, a prominent daily newspaper in Iowa, publishes a weekly obituary section entitled "Who Passed Away This Week?" This section serves as a repository of information regarding the lives and deaths of individuals within the community, providing a window into the human experiences of loss, remembrance, and legacy. This essay critically examines the complexities of these obituaries, exploring the diverse perspectives and narratives they present, the ethical considerations surrounding their publication, and their broader implications for understanding death and mortality in contemporary society.

Perspectives on Obituary Writing

Obituaries are typically written by family members, friends, or professional writers, each with their own unique perspective on the deceased. Family members and friends often aim to paint a deeply personal and affectionate portrait, highlighting the individual's accomplishments, virtues, and relationships. Professional writers, on the other hand, may strive for a more objective and balanced account, relying on interviews with loved ones and publicly available information.

These different perspectives shape the content and tone of obituaries, influencing how the deceased is remembered. Personal obituaries tend to emphasize positive aspects of the individual's life, while professional obituaries may include more nuanced or critical information. Scholarly research on obituary writing suggests that these distinctions can impact how readers perceive the deceased and their legacy (Seale, 2006).

Ethical Considerations

The publication of obituaries raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding privacy and consent. Obituaries often contain sensitive personal information, such as the deceased's age, cause of death, and family relationships. While newspapers typically obtain consent from family members before publishing, ethical concerns arise in cases where individuals are unable to provide consent due to illness or death.

Balancing the public's right to information with the privacy rights of families and the deceased is a complex task. News organizations must carefully consider the potential impact of publishing certain details, especially in cases of suicide or homicide. Professional guidelines, such as those developed by the Society of Professional Journalists, provide guidance on responsible obituary writing, emphasizing the need for accuracy, sensitivity, and respect for the privacy of the deceased and their loved ones.

Beyond the Obituary

Obituaries serve not only as a record of individual lives but also as a reflection of broader societal norms and values. They provide insights into how we perceive death, grieve, and commemorate the lives of others. In recent years, obituaries have evolved to include more diverse perspectives, including obituaries for pets, LGBTQ individuals, and people from marginalized communities.

These expanded representations challenge traditional notions of who is deemed worthy of memorialization and spark important conversations about inclusivity and the recognition of all lives. By showcasing the diversity of human experiences, obituaries help us to broaden our understanding of mortality and the ways in which we collectively remember the past.

Conclusion

The Des Moines Register obituaries, "Who Passed Away This Week?" offer a multifaceted glimpse into the human experience of death and remembrance. They present diverse perspectives, raise ethical considerations, and reflect broader societal norms and values.

Personal obituaries provide intimate portraits of the deceased, while professional obituaries strive for objectivity and balance. Ethical concerns arise regarding privacy and consent, particularly in cases where individuals cannot provide consent. Obituaries also serve as a reflection of society's evolving attitudes towards death, grief, and commemoration, including the recognition of diverse identities and experiences.

By critically examining these obituaries, we gain insights into the complexities of human mortality and the ways in which we remember and honor the lives of those who have passed. They invite us to reflect on the meaning of our own lives and to appreciate the profound impact that each individual has on the world.