A Case for Children Against “Body World: The Anatomical Exhibition of Real Human Bodies” At the Science Museum
By Nina K. Sidell, M.A
The “Body World” exhibit, a controversial collection of 200 preserved cadavers on display at the Science Museum, is being presented to the public as an educational offering with no age restrictions, rating system or advanced preparation for the children viewing it. The array of distorted and mutilated bodies may be appropriate for medical students and scientific professionals to further advance our understanding of how human anatomy and physiology works, but it’s not for everyone.
“Body World” has on open display representations of once living, now deceased human bodies encased in plasticine, looking clown-like and unreal, rather bizarre and openly dissected; all in order to appear “exhibit friendly”. There are real human body systems exposed, unborn fetuses, a pregnant mother, along with sex organs floating in jars for all to see. This is particularly disturbing when considering the vulnerable perceptions and developmental considerations of our young people. It is overtly dishonoring to desecrate and then put on display those who have passed away, using their remains.
Researchers at The Hospice Organization have found that two factors seem to influence children’s conception of death- their developmental stage and their experiences (environments, ethics, religious and cultural backgrounds, and children’s personal way of seeing things). In essence, what’s appropriate for a well-adjusted sixteen year old is not necessarily appropriate for a five year old.
Consider this:
1. Children from infancy to age two are able to sense loss and grief in others, effecting changes in their sleeping, eating and toileting habits.
2. Two to six year olds have no real understanding of death and can feel confused, guilty, connect facts incorrectly, due to magical thinking.
3. Six to nine year olds may fear that death is contagious and personify death as a monster.
4. Nine to twelve year old children may see death as a punishment for bad behavior and need reassurance that thoughts, words and wishes don’t kill.
5. Teenagers need adult guidance for their grief process and coping skills. They are generally unsure how to handle grief emotions publicly and privately.
6. Studies remain undocumented on the effects of this kind of graphic morbid exposure as this one. It is the first of its kind to enter our society. We seem to allow the lines between what’s right and what’s wrong get blurrier. It’s a moral outrage to be so cavalier.
“Body World" can evoke strong feelings and lasting impressions in adult audiences. How are children supposed to translate, process and interpret what he or she sees and during and after this “educational experience”? We have ratings on movies, recommended ages for books and parental controls in place for the internet and cable television. Why not institute a rating system for this graphic and shocking exhibit in the name of learning? I recommend a pre-show presentation (similar to The Holocaust Museum) and pamphlets to be given out designed to help parents prepare their children for this experience. This way, people can opt in or bow out if they decide to do so. Young children need to have their questions answered, fantasies and fears allayed with clarity, comfort and understanding. There should also be a more benign child-friendly section for younger children with materials presented in a more age-appropriate and less shocking distorted sort of way.
Our society is sick enough without the use of science to distort humanity. “Body World” exhibit contains more social shock value and morbid curiosity than enriching minds and teaching future scientists. Let’s get real, more of us learn to adapt to the increasingly “anything goes” standards of our modern society and become immune to its impact. Let’s get real again and realize that this exhibit is too real, too confusing and too upsetting for children. We must be conscious of the fact that children respond to and process that which is in their environment. Children’s perceptions and visual memory, along with their deeply felt emotions may not be evident or easily observable upon a first or second glance. The children who see “Body World” may not be fully ready to see this and must not be viewed by adults as simply emotionless learners.
Nina K. Sidell, M.A.
www.inspiringcoaching.com
215-628-0282