The Funeral Concert Where the Body Performed

Caitlin Doughty2 minutes read

A controversial funeral at a nightclub featuring rapper Goonew's body sparked social media backlash, showcasing a trend towards personalized and unique funeral services. The unconventional display reflects historical roots and raises questions about the treatment of Black bodies in death.

Insights

  • The unconventional funeral for rapper Goonew, with his body displayed at a nightclub, sparked controversy and swift social media reactions, leading to an apology from the venue.
  • The trend of extreme embalming, exemplified by Goonew's funeral, reflects a broader movement towards personalized and unique funeral services, rooted in historical practices from various cultural contexts, such as New Orleans, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico, with a focus on innovative embalming techniques and the societal significance of public displays of Black death.

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Recent questions

  • What sparked controversy at Goonew's funeral?

    His body was displayed at a nightclub.

  • What was the family's rationale for the unconventional funeral?

    It was what Goonew would have wanted.

  • What historical trend does extreme embalming reflect?

    Personalized and unique funeral services.

  • How did Goonew's funeral spark a broader societal conversation?

    Public displays of Black death.

  • What societal issues were brought to light by Goonew's funeral?

    Discomfort and societal perceptions.

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Summary

00:00

Unconventional Funeral Sparks Controversy and Reflection

  • A controversial funeral for Maryland rapper Goonew took place at a nightclub, with his body standing on stage.
  • The event was not a memorial, as Goonew's body was present, sparking swift and sanctimonious reactions on social media.
  • Bliss Nightclub in Washington D.C. issued an apology for hosting the event without full awareness of its nature.
  • Goonew, a young and unique rapper, tragically died from a gunshot wound, leading to the unconventional funeral.
  • Goonew's family opted for a celebratory funeral, working with a funeral home to arrange a homegoing event.
  • The funeral was not traditional, with Goonew's body embalmed and displayed at a nightclub, sparking controversy.
  • The family defended their choice, emphasizing that it was what Goonew would have wanted.
  • The rise of extreme embalming, like Goonew's display, reflects a trend towards personalized and unique funeral services.
  • This trend has historical roots, with examples from New Orleans, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico.
  • Techniques like waterless embalming are likely used to position bodies in these extreme poses.

14:03

"Embalming Innovations Challenge Societal Perceptions"

  • Higher strength of fluid is recommended for embalming, requiring more formaldehyde.
  • Monica admires the skill of embalmers, especially women leading innovations.
  • Monica expresses interest in attempting an advanced embalming, with a sponsor offering support.
  • Goonew's unique embalming in a nightclub setting sparked controversy.
  • Comparison drawn between Goonew's embalming and Abraham Lincoln's public display.
  • Eugene, an unknown Black man, was displayed for decades, sparking discomfort similar to Goonew's case.
  • The treatment of Black bodies in death is contrasted with White bodies, highlighting societal perceptions.
  • Markelle Morrow's family stands by their unconventional funeral choices, rejecting criticism.
  • Public displays of Black death are seen as protest against systemic racism and a way to honor lost lives.
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