16th October 2008, 03:48 PM
I need a cuppa, so I'm going to be cranky.
I am willing to concede neopaganism as a valid organised religion. It has a long enough pedigree by now for several generations to have been raised within its cultural construct. I am glad that by-in-large Neopagans feel the same way.
I am particularly outraged that CoBDO are basing their request on genetic grounds (as if the rest of the British population has no DNA connection). The "blood/DNA" argument has been used to so much pernicious effect over the past two centuries. How dare we presume how the deceased viewed belonging?
How will these Neo-druids feel better for burying this set of bones? It seems like group displacement activity for other chips on their shoulders (A bit like why people joined up with the fascisits in the '30's and before people scream I am NOT calling anyone a fascist, just commenting that feeling victimised and petty bullying walk hand-in-hand.) Their argument is far worse than the unthinking, kindly Christian reburial of ancient remains that used to go on. As to redress for truly ancient misdeeds: we're all descended from nice people and truly nast ones somewhere down the line.
Very bad precedent for archaeology. Seahenge was bad enough....
I am willing to concede neopaganism as a valid organised religion. It has a long enough pedigree by now for several generations to have been raised within its cultural construct. I am glad that by-in-large Neopagans feel the same way.
I am particularly outraged that CoBDO are basing their request on genetic grounds (as if the rest of the British population has no DNA connection). The "blood/DNA" argument has been used to so much pernicious effect over the past two centuries. How dare we presume how the deceased viewed belonging?
How will these Neo-druids feel better for burying this set of bones? It seems like group displacement activity for other chips on their shoulders (A bit like why people joined up with the fascisits in the '30's and before people scream I am NOT calling anyone a fascist, just commenting that feeling victimised and petty bullying walk hand-in-hand.) Their argument is far worse than the unthinking, kindly Christian reburial of ancient remains that used to go on. As to redress for truly ancient misdeeds: we're all descended from nice people and truly nast ones somewhere down the line.
Very bad precedent for archaeology. Seahenge was bad enough....