Taking funeral selfies a selfish thing to do

Re: Over my dead body, Feb. 18. The current disturbing trend of taking selfies at funeral homes is just another example of the narcissistic and mannerless world we now seem to inhabit. It is true that photographing the recently departed has a long tradition, but the current trend is not steeped in that tradition.

There is nothing traditional about blatant displays of the “it’s all about me” syndrome that is quickly having the effect of de-civilizing and dumbing down society.

Narcissism is the new herpes; it should be looked upon as a disease, not as a trendy thing to do.

Whether it’s taking a selfie in front of the Mona Lisa, or near your dearly departed Aunt Rose, the real purpose of the photo is to centre on the “self,” not on the object of the photo.

Hopefully, the fall of the selfie empire will soon be upon us, and this selfish (not “selfie”) trend will be pleasantly behind us. Douglas Cornish, Ottawa