Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) Podcast Summary: "The Tumblr Bone Witch, Pt. 2"

Release Date: October 31, 2024
Host: Jamie Loftus
Produced by: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Introduction and Recap

The episode kicks off with Jamie Loftus reintroducing the theme of the show: exploring internet personalities and the impact of their fleeting fame. She sets the stage by revisiting the Tumblr Bone Witch saga, a controversial story involving online witchcraft practices that led to legal and ethical debates.

Jamie Loftus [02:52]:
"The Sixteenth Minute of Fame is the place where we figure that out, putting people in the context of the moment they've been frozen inside of."
(02:52)

Legal Perspectives with Professor Tanya Marsh

Jamie converses with Professor Tanya Marsh, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and a Professor of Law at Wake Forest University School of Law. Their discussion delves into the complexities of cemetery and human remains law in the United States, highlighting significant gaps and the necessity for legal reform.

Key Topics:

• Historical Context of Cemetery Laws:
  Professor Marsh explains how cemetery laws have evolved sporadically, often leaving crucial aspects unaddressed until crises emerge.
  (05:25)

• Case Study - Harvard Morgue Incident:
  They dissect the Harvard morgue case where alleged improper handling of human remains sparked public outrage, emphasizing the legal ambiguities surrounding such actions.
  Professor Marsh [09:08]:
  "It's our legal system that was developed in an ad hoc way over the years when there were crises that caused us to either have a court case to deal with a problem."
  (09:08)

• State vs. Federal Laws:
  The discussion underscores the variability in state laws regarding human remains, noting that only a few states explicitly prohibit selling human remains.
  (10:04)

Notable Quote:

Professor Marsh [08:31]:
"We have really predictable problems that come up over and over and over again. But the law hasn't thought about any of this in a systemic way."
(08:31)

Spiritual and Ethical Insights with JV Hampton Van Sant

Jamie engages with JV Hampton Van Sant, a voice actor, drag queen, and practicing witch, to explore the spiritual implications and ethical concerns surrounding the Tumblr Bone Witch's actions.

Key Topics:

• Understanding Spiritual Practices:
  JV explains the significance of consent and respect in spiritual practices, especially when dealing with human remains.
  (30:50)

• Critique of Bone Witch's Actions:
  JV critiques the Bone Witch for using bones without consent, highlighting how such actions violate spiritual principles and respect for the deceased.
  JV Hampton Van Sant [32:08]:
  "You've disrespected somebody so they're not going to want to help you."
  (32:08)

• Energy and Practicality in Witchcraft:
  The conversation covers how improper use of human remains can disrupt spiritual energy and the effectiveness of witchcraft practices.
  (34:12)

Notable Quotes:

JV Hampton Van Sant [35:59]:
"The principle of balance and working with both hands... if you're violating someone's consent, that's when you have to be concerned because that's then how that energy is going to be directed."
(35:59)

JV Hampton Van Sant [38:21]:
"Consent is always the thing that I look to first for literally everything, but specifically for something like this."
(38:21)

Community and Preservation Efforts with Shanna Hudson Stowe

Jamie speaks with Shanna Hudson Stowe, Vice President of Save Our Cemeteries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and respecting cemetery practices in New Orleans. Their discussion emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of cemeteries, especially in a multicultural city like New Orleans.

Key Topics:

• Impact of the Bone Witch Saga on Cemeteries:
  Shanna recounts the community's horrified reaction to Ender Darling’s actions at Holt Cemetery and the subsequent efforts to address and prevent such incidents.
  (51:23)

• Preservation Challenges:
  The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by cemeteries in New Orleans, including maintaining dignity and historical accuracy amidst diverse cultural practices.
  (50:33)

• Recommendations for Public Conduct:
  Shanna advises the public to leave discovered remains untouched and to notify cemetery authorities to maintain respect and legality.
  Shanna Hudson Stowe [58:10]:
  "This was somebody who had a mother and a father, maybe they had children. But this was somebody who had a life. And that life should be respected."
  (58:10)

Notable Quote:

Shanna Hudson Stowe [55:39]:
"African American enslaved burial places, you know, that's a national issue... ensuring these remains are properly cared for and respected."
(55:39)

Lessons and Conclusions

Jamie synthesizes insights from her conversations, identifying key lessons from the Tumblr Bone Witch saga:

1. Respect and Consent:
   Ensuring respect for the deceased and obtaining consent is paramount in both legal and spiritual contexts.

2. Legal Reform Necessity:
   There's an urgent need for updated and cohesive laws regarding human remains to prevent future abuses.

3. Community Responsibility:
   Organizations like Save Our Cemeteries play a crucial role in preserving dignity and cultural heritage within burial sites.

4. Internet’s Role:
   The incident underscores the dangers of online fame and the ethical responsibilities that come with internet notoriety.

Jamie Loftus [58:51]:
"The Bone Witch maybe missed the mark... but the punishments associated with disrespecting human remains are more of a slap on the wrist."
(58:51)

Final Thoughts and Episode Closure

Jamie wraps up the episode by reflecting on the multifaceted perspectives received, acknowledging that while no single solution fits all, the collective insights highlight areas for personal responsibility, legal improvement, and community engagement to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Jamie Loftus [63:00]:
"The Lesson of the Tumblr Bone Witch saga is that when shit hits the fan and you did it, stop posting."
(43:00)

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Professor Tanya Marsh [08:31]:
  "We have really predictable problems that come up over and over and over again. But the law hasn't thought about any of this in a systemic way."
  (08:31)

• Professor Tanya Marsh [09:08]:
  "It's our legal system that was developed in an ad hoc way over the years when there were crises that caused us to either have a court case to deal with a problem."
  (09:08)

• JV Hampton Van Sant [32:08]:
  "You've disrespected somebody so they're not going to want to help you."
  (32:08)

• JV Hampton Van Sant [35:59]:
  "The principle of balance and working with both hands... if you're violating someone's consent, that's when you have to be concerned because that's then how that energy is going to be directed."
  (35:59)

• JV Hampton Van Sant [38:21]:
  "Consent is always the thing that I look to first for literally everything, but specifically for something like this."
  (38:21)

• Shanna Hudson Stowe [55:39]:
  "African American enslaved burial places, you know, that's a national issue... ensuring these remains are properly cared for and respected."
  (55:39)

• Jamie Loftus [58:51]:
  "The Bone Witch maybe missed the mark... but the punishments associated with disrespecting human remains are more of a slap on the wrist."
  (58:51)

• Jamie Loftus [63:00]:
  "The Lesson of the Tumblr Bone Witch saga is that when shit hits the fan and you did it, stop posting."
  (43:00)

Conclusion

"The Tumblr Bone Witch, Pt. 2" offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between internet fame, legal frameworks, and spiritual ethics. Through expert interviews and thoughtful analysis, the episode underscores the importance of respect, consent, and systemic legal reforms in addressing and preventing misuse of human remains within and beyond online communities.