The Schankman Cometh

As expected, I had a chance today to spend a good deal of time exploring Body Worlds 3, and asking questions of the people who put it together.

I am the first to admit I am a medical weenie. I have to lay down to give blood, and get faint when the doctor starts to tell me about the details of a procedure, so you know where I am coming from.

 
That said, I didn't find Body Worlds the least bit difficult to take.

 
In fact, my reaction, much to my own surprise, was mostly emotional.

I found seeing the inner workings of the body in such detail made me realize how remarkably complex our bodies are, and how fragile. 

A few years ago, my father passed away several months after suffering a stroke that had severely affected his mind. It always felt strange to think that some tiny clot could cause such a profound change in a person's mind.  But seeing the blood vessels around the brain up close, I could see how easy even the smallest trauma can have enormous consequences.  In fact it left me feeling amazed any of us live past the age of ten, looking at how interdependent our working parts are.  Intellectually of course, we all know this, but seeing it up close made me feel it, and appreciate it deeper somehow.

I am not about to wade into the middle of the abortion debate, but I will tell you, I think the "fetal development" display could be very affecting on those who consider themselves ambivalent about the issue.

I talked at length with Angelina Whalley, the designer of the exhibit and husband of the doctor who invented the plastination process that makes the exhibit possible.  I was surprised she was willing to concede that they do aim to entertain as well as educate. Whatever you think of that idea, I was surprised she was that candid about it... especially since the "entertainment" notion is one that is often raised as a key objection of those who find the idea of the exhibit disrespectful.

I was also interested to learn those who agree to donate their bodies meet with the exhibitors every two years to review ideas being considered for future shows.  It seems those who give their bodies to Body Worlds are well aware of what they have agreed to.

So that's my take.  I'd be curious to hear yours if you get a chance to start seeing it.