Popular Sociology

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Social Status and the Cemetery (Funny)

“LA’s priciest real estate? Not where you’d think” – CNBC, 2014, 3:40 -- http://www.cnbc.com/video/3000242933

In 2014 a cemetery plot 15 feet away from where Marilyn Monroe is interred went on the market for $699,000… that’s about $10,300 per square foot. Not only is this short news clip an excellent example of social class and the cult of celebrity, but the way the plot’s owner (Tom Gregory) “sells” the real estate is hilarious. It’s all about location as many people continue to visit Monroe’s final resting place. As such, the surrounding graves will certainly see an increase of traffic, giving those who occupy that space some associated status and attention after death. Full article here.

UPDATE: Hugh Hefner, who died in 2017, has been interred in the crypt next to Marilyn Monroe. It is reported that Hefner purchased the crypt in 1992 for $75,000. The lot discussed in the video here was sold to an annonymous bidder back in 2014. 

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