The New York Times’ Room For Debate blog has a very thought-provoking article on the question of whether roadside memorials for accident victims should be banned.
In the article, Room For Debate talks to a lawyer, an anthropologist, a filmmaker, a criminologist, and a photographer to get their views on the topic. I don’t see too many roadside memorials since I’m in the city, but I do see lots of ghost bikes (for cyclists who have been killed by motorists) and judging from those memorials, I don’t see much of a fuss over the use of public space for a private memorial. But apparently, roadside memorials touch upon a delicate line between church and state and arguments seem pretty strong on both sides.
Head on over to Room For Debate for the arguments.
I personally love the idea of roadside memorials. A real representation of human pain and acceptance in an otherwise dull landscape.
The idea that the cross violates separation of church and state is preposterous. It’s an expression of belief, and of hope that a loved one is in a better place.