Purchase Solution

Death & Dying Practices in African-American and other cultures

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

How does African American family grieve or mourn for an older relative who has died?

What are some similarities and differences with how African Americans cope with death and how other cultures cope?

What are some general themes that occur in several cultures' approach to dealing with death and dying.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The solution is a 1,579-word narrative that discusses the varied ways and practices in which African Americans cope with death and dying by looking into cultural practices and traditions of the African-American culture. These practices are also related to and compared with the death and dying traditions practiced in varied other cultures including cultures in Asia, in Egypt and Europe. Themes in the traditional practices are explored. References, both web and print are listed for expansion. A word version of the solution is attached for easy printing.

Solution Preview

Dear Student,
Hello, I hope this solution provides you with the assistance you seek. To expand, you can use the references listed below. A word version of this solution is attached for easy printing. Good luck with your studies. Thank you for using Brainmass.

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
------------------------------------------
Death & Mourning: African American Practices

Death is a sure event that will happen to all of us in life, it is a subject that many dread to tackle for it signifies an end to life, and end to things. In fact, in many cultures, it is a forbidden discussion. African-Americans or the Black minority however embrace death as a part of the life process, with death traditions, customs, procedures, mourning practices & burial rites given great attention. The structure of African-American cemeteries for example differ greatly from that in general practice influenced by adapted practices from their ancestors since their arrival to the colonies from Africa. It is said that back in the days of slavery, when Blacks had to endure so much misery, many saw death as an escape towards a better situation for death afforded the miserable soul a sense of rest, a hope of peace. So, pre-Civil War, their dead is mourned and greatly missed but also their death is celebrated as happy emotions for their chance at peace is welcomed by those who loved him/her. Positive emotions are focused on, and, with the African-American adaption and conversion to Christianity, this afterlife is celebrated as a just and merciful Christian Heaven ruled by a Merciful and Loving God who sees all. Hence, all who die are assumed to go to a 'Better Place'. Slavery is a thing of the past and while we now live in a country with an Africa-American President, the practices are passed on from generation to generation with death celebrated and the rituals include harnessing positive emotions and great 'hope'. This can actually be traced to the practices of the Bakongo and the LaDogaa tribes and passed on in the form of expressions, sayings, superstitions, religious beliefs and practices as well as music.

The Mourning & Funeral Practice

The mourning process begins when a death occurs. All members of the entire family even the most far-off relative are told and all superstitions are remembered - what to do and what not to do. For ...

Solution provided by:
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
Recent Feedback
  • "Thank you!:)"
  • "Excellent, thank you!:)"
  • "Thank you for your timely help. I have submitted another posting (656038) and assigned it directly to you. Please help."
  • "Thank you so much for your timely help. Much appreciated."
  • "Thanks so much for your support."
Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Where do humans come from?

This quiz helps identify human origins.