Pirates of Pathology Show Pride, plus pique
Here’s a photo of the San Francisco Medical Examiner (not the coroner) contingent in the Pride Parade awhile back:
I like the skull and cross bones motif: it’s like they’re the pirates of pathology. They are, however, a tad touchy about the whole “we’re not coroners” thing, which seems a little elitist for egalitarian San Francisco. Here’s what the SFME has to say about it: “The Medical Examiner differs from the Coroner in that the latter is a lay office . . . is usually not a physician, is not trained in medicine, Forensic Pathology or Forensic Science.” Well la di da.
The SFME goes on to snootily remark that “It was the Coroner’s system that was first brought to the United States as a fledgling Country. The Medical Examiner System is a modern replacement.” I am sure this is news to the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Our neighbors to the South are the equivalent of the SFME for Los Angeles and, while I’m not sure of their parading skills, they surpass San Francisco for sense of humor: you see the LA Coroner has a gift shop. Here’s an example of their work, a beach towel, one of the many items for sale at their Skeletons in the Closet store.
The SF Medical Examiner is not without a sense of humor entirely however. Their web site features this prominent warning:
“IF YOU ENCOUNTER SOMEONE WHO APPEARS TO BE DECEASED: CALL 911″
