The Grief Syndrome

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It is true that all the hulabaloo about Cindy Sheehan has served to bring to the forefront a nagging question about the grief process in America today. Many people, on both sides of the political scale, have started every sentence on this subject with the disclaimer "We have to say that we feel TERRIBLE for her loss...", or words to that effect. Why is that? Because we are a decent people. We like to think of ourselves as compassionate and empathetic... and we are.

Could there come a time in history when all of that becomes over the top obsession? Well, some people think so... including Instapunk (LINK) in this very well stated and thoughtful post. A sample:

[[ We have taught ourselves to view the grief-stricken as secular saints imbued with the mystery of new age stigmata, and we watch in awe as they bleed continuously from their invisible wounds. In their actions we consecrate what we cannot comprehend, and we collectively offer up to them the key to a kind of free-fire zone, in which they can act out all they want while we do their penance for them in hushed, admiring tones.

Has it helped? No. Are the eternally bleeding really saints? No. The evidence indicates that the death of a child tends to destroy marriages these days, promote substance abuse, vandalize careers, and perpetuate depression. Appeasing and worshipping grief strengthens the power of grief and causes people to lapse into self-absorbed obsessions.

But we must not blow the whistle on Cindy Sheehan? She has contrived to turn her son's death and the whole Iraq War into her own personal soap opera. This was all something done to her. By the President of the United States, no less. Let us take all our cameras to Texas and watch her bleed from her hands and feet. Nonsense. It's time for some plain talk. ]] (LINK to original post)

The whole thing is definitely worth reading- no matter how you feel about this issue. And... if you feel uncomfortable while reading the above post, it might be because deep inside, the truth contained in those words is tapping on your soul.

Maybe...

I'm just saying...

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