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What percentage of people have visited cemeteries where nobody they knew was buried?

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Final answer:

The percentage of people visiting cemeteries where they knew no one buried cannot be precisely quantified, but historical and cultural context suggests varying attitudes towards cemeteries, from places of tranquility and social gathering to areas that evoke unease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question regarding the percentage of people who have visited cemeteries where they knew no one interred touches upon the sociology of death and cultural attitudes towards cemeteries. While specific statistics on such visits may not be readily available, it is important to note that throughout history, societal views on death and cemeteries have varied greatly. For example, communal burial practices, feelings of unease or respect towards cemeteries, and the use of cemeteries as park-like spaces or places for gatherings all reflect different cultural norms and evolutions in attitudes towards the deceased.

Reflecting on the 19th century, cemeteries were often designed to be tranquil public spaces where people could engage in activities beyond mourning, such as taking strolls or picnics, as referenced in Glendale, CA. This use of cemeteries suggests that in the past, and perhaps in certain cultures today, the presence of the deceased was a comfortable aspect of everyday life. This comfort is often contrasted with more modern feelings where Americans might find cemeteries 'creepy', particularly when cemeteries encroach on private property or when unknown individuals are buried on one's land, as seen with the cultural shift away from backyard cemeteries.

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