The Commercialization of Death: When "Dead Finance" Becomes a Real Problem
In the world we live in, death is a natural phenomenon that everyone has to face, and it marks the end of life. Recently, however, we have found that death has been alienated into a business model in some places, a tool for some people to accumulate wealth. The phenomenon of "dead people's finances" in a certain place in Hubei is a very typical example. This phenomenon has not only aroused widespread concern in society, but also made us think deeply about the dignity of life and the meaning of death.
1. What is "Dead Man's Finance"?
In simple terms, the local government enforces and restricts the burial of the deceased in designated cemeteries, which are often expensive and impose a heavy financial burden on families. In a certain place in Hubei, the government has introduced such a policy: starting from March 20, 2024, the remains of all those who die in the city must be cremated, and the ashes must be buried or stored in a designated cemetery. This seems to be to promote funeral reform, but behind it is the drive of commercial interests.
The price of these cemeteries ranges from a few thousand yuan to tens of thousands of yuan, which is undoubtedly a huge expense for many families. What is even more unacceptable is that due to the high price, many families cannot choose to be buried together, which is a very important ritual in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing that husband and wife are dependent on each other in life and death and will never be separated. However, under this policy, the ashes of the husband and wife are stored separately, which is undoubtedly a great violation of the dignity of the deceased.
2. Why is there a "dead man's finance"?
In fact, there are multiple reasons behind the emergence of the phenomenon of "dead people's finances".
First, the increase in the financial pressure of local governments. As urbanization accelerates, land is becoming more and more precious. The construction of cemeteries requires a large amount of land, and the rising cost of land has brought huge financial pressure to local governments. In order to alleviate this pressure, some local governments have begun to use cemetery construction as a new source of revenue, selling tombs to cover their fiscal deficits.
2. Monopoly operation of the funeral industry. In some places, there is a serious monopoly in the funeral industry. Some funeral service agencies take advantage of their dominant position to make more profits by raising prices and restricting choices. This kind of monopoly operation not only harms the rights and interests of consumers, but also exacerbates the emergence of the phenomenon of "dead people's finances".
3. Changes in social concepts. With the development of society and the renewal of people's concepts, some people have begun to pursue more luxurious and extravagant funeral methods. They believe that only by spending more money can they show respect and remembrance for the deceased. This change in perception has also promoted the development of the phenomenon of "dead people's finance" to a certain extent.
3. What are the dangers of "dead people's finances"?
The emergence of the phenomenon of "deceased finances" not only brings a heavy economic burden to families, but also causes serious damage to the dignity of the deceased and the rights and interests of family members.
1. The deceased is deprived of the right to choose the funeral method. In the last moments of life, the deceased should have the right to choose their own destiny, rather than being forced to accept a commercial funeral method. However, the "dead man's finances" have deprived people of this choice.
2. It increases the financial burden on family members. For many families, buying a cemetery has become a heavy financial burden. This not only affects the normal life of the family, but also exacerbates social injustice and contradictions.
3. It undermines the harmony and stability of society. When death is alienated into a business model, people will have doubts and confusion about the meaning and value of life. This will lead to the moral degradation and crisis of faith in society, and undermine the harmony and stability of society.
4. How to change the phenomenon of "dead people's finances"?
In response to the phenomenon of "dead people's finances", we need to start with governance and reform from multiple aspects
1. The government strengthens supervision and management
The government should strengthen the supervision and management of the funeral industry, break the monopoly of the industry and the chain of benefit transmission, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. At the same time, the government should also increase investment in the construction of cemeteries, reduce the price of cemeteries, and make them affordable for more people.
2. Promote simple and environmentally friendly funeral methods
Death is a part of life and an inevitable law of nature. In terms of funeral methods, we should pursue the principles of simplicity, environmental protection, and respect for the wishes of the deceased. For example, we can choose environmentally friendly methods such as tree burial and sea burial, which can not only express our nostalgia and respect for the deceased, but also protect the environment.
3. Advocate the correct concept of funeral
Establish correct funeral concepts and values. We should understand that death is a part of life, and we should not overly pursue luxurious, extravagant funeral methods. Instead, we should respect the wishes and choices of the deceased, so that they can rest in a quiet and dignified place.
4. Strengthen education on social ethics and ethics
Strengthen education and publicity on social morality and morality. We should advocate traditional virtues and social customs such as respecting the elderly and caring for the young, helping others, honesty and friendliness, so that people can form positive, healthy values and lifestyles in their daily lives. At the same time, we should also pay more attention to and resolve social injustices and contradictions, and promote social harmony, stability and sustainable development.
V. Conclusion
The emergence of the phenomenon of "dead people's finances" is a serious challenge and impact on social justice and morality. We should start with governance and reform in many aspects, so that death can return to its essential meaning and value, so that the deceased can rest in a quiet and dignified place. At the same time, we should also reflect on our own funeral concepts and values, establish correct funeral concepts and values, and make life and death full of dignity and meaning.