Why did death come out of the closet in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, societal shifts such as the counterculture movement, increased visibility of marginalized communities, and the impact of the AIDS crisis led to a more open discourse around death and mortality. The era's heightened awareness of existential issues prompted people to confront the realities of death rather than avoid them. This period also saw the emergence of death-related literature and art, which challenged traditional taboos and encouraged conversations about dying, grief, and the human condition. Ultimately, these cultural changes helped to normalize discussions about death, moving it out of the shadows and into public consciousness.