Homework #52: Third Third of the American Way of Death Revisited

Precis

The Federal Trade Commission, otherwise known as the FTC, is there to manage and oversee the funeral industry, however fails to do this effectively. Less than one third of funeral homes during recent studies have been evaluated and those evaluated have faced little to no consequence. In England things are comparatively different. Funerals cost much less and there is more overall focus on the consumer rather than profit. The flaws in the American system are further highlighted through negative publicity, that all aim to shed light on the rising costs of funerals. When people try to save their family this great expense, pre-paying becomes an option, while it ultimately causes the family to pay the same amount in the end. In past years however reform is slowly making its way into the funeral industry.

Quotes

“McDeath is on its way to a funeral parlour near you. The Americans are here, although you may not yet have noticed it,” (p. 224-5).

“The Americans are just like parasites eating away at the country,” (p. 228).

“It is he who grins out at the funeral men from the pages of magazines, frowns at them from the probate bench, speaks harshly of them from the pulpit or from the autopsy room,” (p. 241).

“ ‘It is good for those who survive to have the right and duty to make the funeral arrangements. Making such arrangements, having such responsibilities, is essential. It is part of the grief syndrome, part of the therapy of mourning,” (p. 257).

Analytical Paragraph

            The American way of death, as shown in Mitford’s work, is thoroughly corrupt, however hidden from the public eye. Caskets are specifically arranged to ensure a large profit, while embalming is automatically performed, even when unnecessary. Funeral directors constantly swindle people out of their money, of course with care and precision to the deceased. Pre-need arranged funerals end in comparable or even higher costs than a funeral paid up front. The industry is clearly corrupted, but what industry of America is not? After exploring the medical industry in terms of pregnancy and illness, it is apparent that changes need to be made in the American society. The incentive behind each industry is money, rather than the welfare of the consumer. Doctors work towards their own convenience during birth, and health care providers deny coverage. In each of these situations, no matter who is making the argument, England is always looked upon as having a more perfect system, whether it be birth or care of the dead. Mitford explains England’s less expensive funeral, the personal connection fostered between customer and provider, that is slowly being infiltrated by America. Additionally, Britain’s public health care system offers much more support for their citizens, along with the high midwifery rates. There is no doubt that profit still lurks amongst England’s industries, however it does not define their industries. Just as every other major corporation the US, the funeral industry seeks to gain profit rather than accepting the wishes of their customers. Why is it that America cannot learn from Britain, as it is apparent that comparatively their industrial complex benefits the people rather than the elite? Perhaps however, this is what America wants, or maybe they see the great flaw in the British way that is invisible to the otherwise “common” eye.