The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, also known as MoPOP, found itself at the center of controversy over the weekend due to an exhibition that referred to Kurt Cobain’s death as him having „un-alived“ himself. The late Nirvana frontman tragically died by suicide at the age of 27 in 1994 after battling mental illness and substance abuse. The exhibit at MoPOP linked Cobain to ‚The 27 Club‘, a group of culturally significant artists who all passed away at the age of 27 under tragic circumstances, such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The exhibit quickly went viral on social media after a Twitter user posted a photo of the placard, sparking outrage and criticism. Many users found the use of the term ‚un-alived‘ to be insensitive and inappropriate, especially given the sensitive nature of Cobain’s death and the impact it had on mental health discussions. The exhibit also featured a placard explaining the term ‚unalive‘ in the context of social media and online discussions about mental health, but this did little to quell the backlash.
Despite the museum’s attempt to provide context for the use of the term, the overall reception to the exhibit was overwhelmingly negative. Users on social media expressed their disapproval, with some calling the exhibit „un-serious and un-respectful“ and questioning the museum’s choice of language. One user even compared the use of ‚unalived‘ to George Orwell’s newspeak from the novel 1984, highlighting the absurdity of replacing common terms with invented ones.
In response to the backlash, MoPOP has not publicly acknowledged the criticism. However, the incident has sparked important conversations about the use of language in discussing mental health and suicide, as well as the responsibility of museums in handling sensitive topics. It serves as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and respectful language when addressing issues that impact individuals and communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it is crucial to seek help and support. Organizations like Beyond Blue and Lifeline offer resources and assistance for those dealing with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support when needed.