I'd like to make a comment on the news coverage of the Pope's "grievers"

[underpants]

Starting on Saturday every channel I flipped to had this dark ominous music playing. Commentators spoke in hushed saddened tones about JP II's passing ("death" or "dying" were more commonly used) and how the people had already started arriving to GRIEVE his passing.

Then they cut to the shots outside St.Peter's

I saw smiling faces mostly. These people weren't SAD and GLUM they seemed happy in remembering his life and what it meant to them.

I think we can all share stories of how different parts of American culture and society mark the passing of a friend of family member maybe that is the point here.

Yes it is sad when someone so inexorably linked to so many lives (Catholic or otherwise) passes on but those that I saw on what I think was European news-at least originally- looked, to me, as if they were remembering the positives of this man's life not all milling about shoe gazing in some solemn death ritual.

And the talking heads talked on...............

[Walt Starr]

1. Each Infotainment channel has composed a "The Pope is Dead" theme song

They ahve theme songs for every uberevent these days. Shark attacks, queue the shark theme song. Michael Jackson trial coverage? Queue the MJ trial theme song.

It's poar for the course to get the propaganda to hit home. Every event must ahve a theme. Sorta like they did in Wag the Dog.

[LisaLynne]

2. Good point.

I think our culture (American culture, that is) has a real problem with death in general. Which is weird because we're also supposedly sooooo religious, more so than the rest of the world. Shouldn't that help? Apparently not.

As you said, it's always sad when someone dies, but at the same time, if you aren't mortified of death, it can also be a time to remember that person and all they've done and the lives they've touched. That doesn't have to be a somber, morbid experience at all.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

4. I think the key word there is SUPPOSEDLY more religious.

Europe is more civilized, and :wow: they actually follow their religions. They don't preach it and then make sure everyone else follow it when they have no intention of doing it themselves. Sure, it happens, but it's less common. Here, it's the majority.
Duckie

[YellowRubberDuckie]

3. When someone dies in European culture, they celebrate their life...

They don't mourn the death like we do. I like that idea so much more. Their life isn't summed up in their dying. It's in what they did while they were here. THAT is why they were smiling. They were remembering and celebrating his life and his works.
Duckie

[underpants]

5. Right that is what I was going for

Well said.

I went to the funeral of a co-worker a few years ago-aside from becoming suddenly aware of this saint of a woman I saw everyday but who never shared what she did (her faith her work for the church and others) with me it had to been one of the greatest most uplifting experiences I have ever had.

I don't remember the demonination (A.M.E. -I think it was) but man that was actually FUN! with the proper amount of respect to be sure.

I am used to WASP funerals and lots of milling about afterwards....and reorganizing the family power structure if need be. My god we are some petty people.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

7. Oh yeah....You should come to one of my family funerals...

You'd be like, "Oh my god, those people are unstable." They get sloppy drunk and weep. It's sick. I hate going to funerals ANYWAY, but when it's for someone in my family...well, let me put it this way...
My mom gave me a black eye after my dad's funeral.
Duckie

[thecrow]

8. Hence the applause after his death was announced

It's an Italian custom. They applaud the life.

[underpants]

9. I did not know that

Thanks.

I have noticed that since the American news crews have got there we get to see much more pain and anguish.

[rfkrfk]

6. J one P one, one month ,,,, J two P two, 25 years

I think that would explain some of the
apparent calmness of the faithful.