The virtual mourner: Is it disrespectful to live stream a loved one’s funeral?
The evolution of technology has helped connect loved ones across the world easily, but does it border on the disrespectful to use this technology during a time of mourning?
Listen to Monday's debate, or read the details under the podcast:
Over the weekend, I got a notification from one of my followers on Facebook who was going live with the funeral service of his late mother.
I have to be honest and say that at first, I did a double take. My first thought was: "Wow! Isn’t that a bit insensitive?" But then I thought it through and actually, where’s the problem? We live stream major sporting events we can’t attend, as well as royal weddings, political debates, and even international concerts, so what makes a funeral any different?
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If you have elderly family members who are sick or not able to afford an airfare to be there in person, live streaming the funeral is an easy and cost-effective way of sharing the service with them.
But, after searching online, it seems as though the idea of live streaming a family funeral has also been criticised. People have said that it’s 'disrespectful' and 'weird'.
Perhaps it's 'weird' because we’re just not used to it and we’re resistant to change? The only disrespectful thing I can imagine would be if someone live streams the funeral as opposed to actually being there in person because it’s more convenient for them.
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Let’s be honest, it's all about convenience these days, and if you can 'watch' a funeral from home versus actually making the effort to be there, how many of us would rather do that?
I think it’s okay to live stream a funeral. It’s better and more respectful to include everyone who wishes to pay their respects than to limit it to only those who can attend in person.
What do you think? Do you consider it disrespectful to live stream a loved one’s funeral?