A Question of Ethics: A Death in the Family
I wrote this some time ago and posted it to BLiNC. After reading some recent discussion here, I've decided to re-post it in this forum.
In reply to:
A Question of Ethics: Death in the Family
It seems like every time one of us goes in, the community faces criticism and anger from the world at large.
Worse, though, is the criticism leveled at us by the family and friends of our fallen companion. At exactly the same time that we are mourning the death of our jumping partner and friend, we have to deal with the accusations and rage of our partner's friends and family.
How could we avoid this "second strike"?
I believe that responsibility dictates that each of us explain ourselves, our sport and our motivations to our families. We owe this to the sport, and to our jumping mates.
This is obviously an extremely difficult proposition. Facing your family with your decision to engage in a life-threatening activity cannot be easy. But the rewards of having this discussion with them are huge, both for yourself and for the sport of BASE jumping.
First, an honest, open discussion with your loved ones will make them feel more included in your decisions. They will generally be more impressed with the maturity and thought that has gone into your decision to jump. This can help avoid the arguments, tantrums, and guilt trips that might otherwise be thrown at you by family and friends who don't understand.
Second, a frank explanation could convert some of your family and friends into allies of the BASE community at large. Motivating our family and friends to understand and appreciate BASE may not lead to legal changes, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.
And third, an explanation, by you, that you understand and accept the risks involved, will help prevent your family from attacking other members of the BASE community in the event of your injury or death.
I believe that it is the responsibility of every BASE jumper to explain BASE to their family, to make sure that their family understands the risks inherent in the sport, and to tell their family that they have chosen to take those risks of their own free will.
