EDITORIAL – “Body Worlds:” death on display in Philly

People undoubtedly have a unique fascination with human life. We celebrate life in literature… People undoubtedly have a unique fascination with human life. We celebrate life in literature and art, and fight endless wars to preserve our right to pursue happiness in it.

But even more interesting are the millions of people who have patronized exhibits that promote a profound comprehension of the human body we all live in.

In terms of the controversy regarding these exhibits concerning the disrespect of the human body, legal concerns, voyeurism and alleged body snatching, it’s clear that the educational benefits outweigh these concerns.

This Friday, Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute will showcase an exhibit called “Body Worlds,” which consists of a vast collection of skinless, preserved cadavers. “Body Worlds” was founded by German scientist Gunther von Hagens, who displayed the first “plastinates,” preserved and dissected bodies in which fluids are replaced with liquid plastic, in Japan.

While von Hagens did claim copyright infringement by a similar display of cadavers in Taiwan, the fact remains that while one can copyright his technique of preservation, one cannot copyright the idea of putting something on display.

However, with 17 million attendees of “Body Worlds” from Europe, Asia and the United States, this eerie but educational exhibit that premiered a decade ago in Tokyo seems to be a positive addition to Philadelphia’s display.

The models, which are composed of bodies that have been legally donated for educational purposes, are propped up in lifelike positions, playing sports and performing other interesting activities. Because they are skinless, observers get an inside view of the organs and muscles.

One that is set to go on display, “The Smoker,” gives a compelling view of blackened lungs. Another display, “Rearing Horse with Rider,” juxtaposes a human body with that of a horse and highlights the biological similarities and differences.

Despite the initial repulsion this type of exhibit might inspire, the Franklin Institute is welcoming the exhibit with open arms. Being mindful of some of the ethical concerns with the bodies on display, they have also worked to set up an advisory committee of physicians, experts and religious leaders. Children under 13 must bring a letter of consent signed by their parents in order to view the display, while all children can attend the exhibit with an adult.

There is much to be learned about the human body from the exhibit. Attendees who have visited in other countries gave feedback about not only the desire to maintain better health but also to donate their remains to this educational cause. In addition, there are the medical breakthroughs that can be made concerning anatomy and preservation that could lead to astronomical benefits.

While it’s true that if it weren’t scientific it would be tasteless, these exhibits are indeed science in the form of biology. In the end, while a little unnerving, this display brings to life how normal it is for our culture and others to be fascinated by the only fate we all share as humans: death.