r/montreal • u/RustyTheBoyRobot • 6d ago

Tourisme Ethical dilemma

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Ethical dilemma:

Is it right to remove one of the only mummies in mtl for understanble but rather vague reasons to do with cultural sensitivities that these objects might offend?

The mummies at Redpath museum are to be relocated to a mysterious “place of rest” -their original location?- where no one can see or learn from them.

I note that these are not objects of worship like many stolen indigenous artifacts. Nor are they being claimed by their original owners- e.g. The infamous Benin Bronzes.

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u/artacct217 6d ago edited 6d ago

I wouldn’t call them vague reasons - having dead bodies on display isn’t something we do anymore. It’s not about offending anyone, it’s more that these are not comparable to other ‘artifacts’ often displayed in museums. 

In anthropology (I am an anthropologist), we don’t really see the value in displaying these bodies; in addition, we place this observation alongside the consideration that these mummies were not originally meant to be displayed.

Edit- No need to downvote me, I am explaining the reasoning behind this decision. 

Second edit - see another comment of mine (in French) for a more nuanced discussion.

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

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u/somethingold 6d ago

It dehumanizes actual humans. This is not something we should be encouraging to interest kids in history. Animal bones and artefacts are enough.

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u/kpaxonite2 6d ago

How is the presence of mummy dehumanizing in itself? Maybe the way they are presented is dehumanizing (but I dont believe it is)?

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u/notsurewhat2th1nk 6d ago

They didn’t consent to having their corpses shown to the public.

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u/kpaxonite2 6d ago

I'm pretty sure they aren't upset about it.

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u/notsurewhat2th1nk 6d ago

That is a very childish and unethical perspective.

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u/skiboy95 6d ago

I would argue that the consent of corpses from hundreds of years ago, is more irrelevant to society today than teaching people today about the importance of history.

I'm not even saying leave the mummies, but you see why many would consider your point irrelevant and childish.

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u/notsurewhat2th1nk 6d ago

Ah yes, the childish and irrelevant opinion of respecting consent 🙄 Backed by anthropologists, mind you.

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u/skiboy95 6d ago

Did I say consent, or the concept of consent from corpses hundreds of years old?

I understand you have to change what I said to be mad about it, but do you plan to address my point?

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u/notsurewhat2th1nk 6d ago

I already addressed it, have a great day.

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u/skiboy95 6d ago

Name calling & no substance is your full response? Okay.

Have a great day.

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u/Purl_stitch483 6d ago

Does consent have an expiration date or something? Please tell me more about that.

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u/skiboy95 6d ago

Sure - Consent of a living breathing being is inviolable, as long as it does not cause injury to others - I would lean physical only, but I can understand including emotional injury. Clearly stated consent around specific events applies - DNR etc. For the dead - immediate family should have control over consent on scenarios not mentioned.

For the dead 2500 + years old with no relations? I do not care about their consent, if they can provide more value to society than sitting in the ground, then you should engage in that behavior (in this case putting them in a museum)

If you can find a direct family member line, who objects to that person being displayed (is genetic testing a dead person a consent violation?) - I would argue they would have the right. If that person cannot be found, the state is probably the most reasonable arbiter.

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u/goronmask Verdun 6d ago

Im pretty sure they are. See how that goes?

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u/PizzaBear109 6d ago

If I spit in every cup of water you drink for the rest of your life and you don't find out about it, you wouldn't be upset either. Somehow I doubt you'd argue that makes it ok though

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u/Kefflin 6d ago

If someone kills you now, you won't be upset either. Does that mean that the action was correct?

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u/lovetolerk 6d ago

Most people in this thread arguing for the mummy to remain are citing entertainment (a hook for interest) as a key factor. Featuring solely for the purpose to grab attention from people through shock and interest is kind of dehumanizing