zeit.de
Rheinland-Pfalz to Allow Ashes to be Taken Home; Thuringia Expresses Concerns
Starting October, Rheinland-Pfalz will allow the taking home of cremated ashes, a practice viewed with concern by Thuringia's funeral association due to potential misuse and difficulties in handling the ashes.
- What are the concerns of Thuringia's funeral association regarding the taking home of ashes?
- Thuringia's funeral association worries about cost-cutting measures where ashes are disposed of improperly, and the logistical problems if the person keeping the ashes dies. They suggest pre-calculating burial costs to ensure proper disposal of ashes.
- What are the main implications of Rheinland-Pfalz's decision to allow the taking home of cremated ashes?
- The new law in Rheinland-Pfalz will allow residents to take cremated ashes home starting October. This contrasts with Thuringia, where this is prohibited to prevent misuse. The change may impact funeral home revenues and raise questions about the handling of ashes if the person taking them home dies.
- What broader trends and potential future developments does this situation highlight regarding death and burial practices?
- This situation highlights a shift towards more liberalized death practices in some regions, while others remain more conservative. It underscores the need for clear regulations concerning the handling and disposal of cremated remains, especially considering alternative practices like river burials, which also raise environmental concerns in Thuringia.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both Rheinland-Pfalz (supporting the change) and Thuringia (critical of the change). However, the inclusion of concerns from the Thuringian Bestatterverband is given more weight and space, potentially creating a slightly negative framing towards the new law in Rheinland-Pfalz. The headline, while neutral, could be improved to explicitly mention both perspectives.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although the quotes from the Thuringian Bestatterverband use stronger terms like "höchste Bedenken" (highest concerns) which could influence reader perception. The use of "missbräuchliche Verwendung" (misuse) to describe potential issues also carries a negative connotation. More neutral alternatives would be "concerns" and "improper handling/disposal".
Bias by Omission
The article lacks specific details on the potential benefits of the new law in Rheinland-Pfalz beyond the increased freedom of choice for families. Including viewpoints from proponents of the law, like citizens or organizations supporting the change, could provide a more balanced perspective.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but the juxtaposition of the liberalizing law in Rheinland-Pfalz with the concerns from Thuringia might implicitly suggest a binary choice between strict regulations and potential misuse, overlooking the possibility of compromise or more nuanced regulations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses changes in regulations concerning the handling of ashes after cremation. While not directly about consumption and production, the potential for reduced consumption of resources (e.g., avoidance of cemetery costs) and more sustainable disposal practices if the ashes are disposed of responsibly, suggests an indirect link to SDG 12. The concerns raised regarding ash disposal highlight the need for responsible practices to prevent misuse and environmental impact.