Why Living People Are Not on U.S. Stamps: A Dive into Tradition and Policy

The question often arises: why aren't living individuals featured on U.S. postage stamps? This practice, rooted in tradition and policy, ensures a respectful and consistent honor for those who have significantly impacted American history and culture. Let's explore why living people are not depicted on U.S. stamps and examine examples of such policies in other countries.

Respect for Privacy

The primary reason living individuals are not featured on stamps is the ldquo;respect for privacyrdquo; principle. Displaying a living person on a postage stamp could be seen as a form of endorsement or favoritism, which might raise privacy concerns. Privacy is a fundamental right, and by avoiding the depiction of living individuals, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) upholds this fundamental respect. This practice also ensures that the privacy of living individuals is safeguarded, avoiding any potential misuse of their personal information or images.

Historical Significance

Another key reason is the ldquo;historical significancerdquo; criterion. Stamps are often used to commemorate historical figures and significant events. Featuring deceased individuals ensures that the stamps serve as a tribute to their contributions and impact, which are well-established and impactful. By honoring those who have passed, the USPS allows for a more reflective and respectful commemoration. This practice aligns with the broader cultural tradition of remembering and honoring the past, ensuring that the contributions of these individuals are not forgotten.

Consistency and Avoidance of Controversies

The policy of consistently avoiding the depiction of living individuals on stamps helps maintain a sense of stability and avoid potential controversies. If the USPS were to introduce this practice, it could lead to political disagreements or public disputes about who should be honored. By adhering to a consistent policy, the USCPS ensures that all individuals honored on stamps have already made significant contributions to society, thereby minimizing any disputes or controversies.

Public Sentiment and Lasting Impact

A significant aspect of the practice is ldquo;public sentimentrdquo; and the belief that stamps should honor those who have had a lasting impact on society. By focusing on deceased individuals, the USPS ensures that stamps are a reflection of the wider public's recognition of these contributions. This approach allows for a more lasting and meaningful tribute, one that resonates with the public's perception of historical significance and cultural impact.

Examples of Other Countries

While the U.S. follows this tradition, other countries have different policies. For example, the British Royal Mail (formerly Post Office) used to allow only members of the Royal Family or those marrying into it to be featured on stamps while still alive. This unique policy was intended to reflect the monarchy and its traditions. However, the policy was accidentally violated in 1967, when a stamp honored the first solo circumnavigation of the world by yacht Gipsy Moth IV. The stamp depicted the yacht and included a blob representing Francis Chichester, the skipper.

More recently, the Royal Mail has relaxed this policy, such as in a Game of Thrones stamp set that featured many well-known actors in their character roles. Similarly, the Royal Mail now sometimes honors living individuals without the need for them to have achieved significant posthumous recognition, leading to more contemporary and diverse commemorations.

In countries like the UK, Royal Mail, and Australia Post, it has become more common to see stamps featuring living individuals, often in their professional roles, such as entertainers and athletes. This practice allows for greater contemporary relevance, reflecting current cultural icons and public figures.

For instance, in the U.S., there have been some recent discoveries of more than 75 living people on U.S. stamps, including models and athletes. While these exceptions exist, they are relatively rare and do not compromise the overall rationale of the policy. The USPS's guidelines remain strict to ensure a respectful and consistent honor for those who have left a lasting impact on American culture and society.