“Why Post Only After Death? ” The Meaning Behind Posthumous Tributes

Why We Celebrate Lives After Death: Understanding the Posthumous Tributes

By Arigumaho Johnpaul

In the age of social media, a common question often arises: “Why do people post about public figures only after they die, and not while they are alive?” This observation is especially noticeable when it comes to influential figures and just like Raila Amolo Odinga, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Nelson Mandela, Fidel Castrol or other leaders whose lives have impacted millions. At first glance, it may seem hypocritical, yet social, psychological and cultural research demonstrates that this phenomenon is both natural and meaningful.

The Nature of Posthumous Tributes

Speaking about someone’s life or paying tribute does not require personal acquaintance. Public figures often influence people they have never met directly. Celebrating their legacy, sharing their vision or acknowledging their contributions is a form of recognition of the broader societal impact they have had. These posthumous tributes reveal the ways a person’s life touched the hearts and minds of countless individuals across the world.

As Robert West (2021) notes in his study “Postmortem Memory of Public Figures in News and Social Media,” mentions of public figures spike significantly after their deaths. This pattern indicates that public recognition of a person’s life and achievements often increases posthumously. People reflect on the contributions, lessons and inspiration these figures provided, which may not have been fully appreciated or publicly expressed while the person was alive.

Delayed Reflection and Inner Inspiration

It is practically impossible for a mere local, unknown, or ordinary person to continuously post about every public figure during their lifetime. Yet, many are inspired deeply by the deeds and vision of such figures. Often, admiration is internalized—experienced privately as respect, inspiration, or aspiration.

When a public figure passes, these inner feelings surface and are shared publicly. Posting or reflecting at that moment is not insincere; it is the natural expression of a latent emotional response now given space and opportunity.

Cognitive psychology provides insight into this phenomenon. Humans experience delayed grief or reflection, where the emotional impact of someone’s life or death becomes clearer only after they pass (Stroebe & Schut, 1999). Similarly, reflection on mortality heightens the appreciation of a person’s contributions and motivates public acknowledgment, even if such recognition was not expressed while the person was alive (Becker, 1973).

The Social and Cultural Dimensions

In African culture, collective mourning and tribute are central to the expression of humanity and community responsibility. When someone dies, friends, distant relatives, neighbors, colleagues and even strangers often gather to honor the individual. This practice reflects the recognition that a person’s life reaches beyond their immediate circle.

If mourning were restricted only to close relatives, only a handful of people would participate in rituals and ceremonies. Instead, the community comes together to celebrate life, show solidarity and honor the influence a person had on society. Social media extends this tradition into the digital sphere. Posting about someone’s life after death mirrors the communal gatherings of traditional African mourning practices—an expression of shared recognition, empathy, and respect.

Psychological and Social Benefits of Posthumous Tributes

Posting about someone after their death is more than a symbolic act—it has a real psychological and social significance. Research in psychology, sociology and grief studies highlights several key benefits:

By posting about a leader after their death, individuals are participating in an ongoing narrative of history, education and social inspiration, which can shape societal behavior and cultural memory.

Strengthens Social Bonds

When people collectively remember and celebrate a public figure, it reinforces connections among individuals who share admiration or respect for that person.

Even if you never personally knew the deceased, acknowledging their impact creates a sense of community and shared values. This strengthens social cohesion and fosters empathy.

For example, when thousands post about Raila Odinga after his death, they are participating in a communal recognition of his legacy, which unites diverse groups of people around a shared narrative of leadership, justice and Pan-African vision.

Validates Shared Emotions

Public postings serve as a form of emotional validation. Expressing grief, respect, or admiration collectively reassures people that their feelings are normal, understood, and shared.

It reduces isolation in grief and helps individuals feel supported in their emotional response.

For instance, young Africans posting about a leader’s contributions may feel comforted knowing that others across the continent are moved by the same legacy, creating a sense of collective mourning and appreciation.

Supports Coping with Loss

Engagement in posthumous tributes can help individuals process loss—even when there was no personal relationship. Psychological research shows that reflecting on a public figure’s life helps people confront mortality, appreciate contributions and find meaning in loss (Stroebe & Schut, 1999; Becker, 1973).

Sharing thoughts and memories publicly allows people to externalize grief, articulate emotions, and integrate the memory of the deceased into their own sense of purpose.

For example, writing a post about a deceased leader’s achievements can inspire action, motivate civic engagement and encourage people to carry forward the values the leader stood for.

Preserves and Amplifies Legacy

Beyond individual benefits, posthumous tributes contribute to the collective memory of a society. They ensure that lessons, values and accomplishments of public figures remain visible and influential.

Social media enables rapid dissemination of these reflections, extending the reach of a leader’s impact and inspiring new generations.

Conclusion

Public tributes after death are a reflection of admiration, inspiration and recognition of a life that made a difference. They are both psychologically and socially meaningful. While admiration might remain private during someone’s life, death provides a moment for reflection, acknowledgment and celebration of their contributions.

So, when we post about figures like Raila Odinga, Nelson Mandela, or other heroes after their passing, it is not about hypocrisy, it is about acknowledging their profound impact, preserving their memory and inspiring action in the living. In a society where legacy matters, posthumous recognition is necessary, valid and deeply human.

References

• Becker, E. (1973). The Denial of Death. Free Press.
• Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (1999). The dual process model of coping with bereavement. Death Studies, 23(3), 197–224.
• West, R. (2021). Postmortem Memory of Public Figures in News and Social Media.
• Durkheim, E. (1912). The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press.
• Parkes, C. M. (2013). Bereavement: Studies of Grief in Adult Life (4th ed.). Routledge.