Anthropology is the study of people's cultures, beliefs, and customs. Throughout this semester I had the opportunity to learn from so many who were willing to talk to me about a difficult subject.
A problem I saw as one who is grieving, is how scared and awkward people can be about death. The thing is, death is as normal as birth. One thing we all know is that we have an expiration date. I decided to write this blog because I wanted a place for people to come to find resources, stories, and memories.
My anthropology class is titled Anthropology and Globalization. We talked about global issues and the spread of culture throughout the world. As I thought about what I should do for a project, I needed to find something global, something that was an issue, and something I could, in turn, globalize through media. I decided that grief is, and always will be a global issue. It will eventually be something we all face and should be better equipped to handle.
Some people grieve with little to no tears, and that's ok. Some people grieve with oceans of tears, that's ok too. Some people are desperately waiting for someone to genuinely ask how they are doing instead of acting as if nothing happened. Some never want to talk about their loss to anyone. This project has shown me grief comes in all colors, shapes, and sizes and there is no right or wrong way to grieve.
I was also able to learn about funerals through my conversations. In some places and countries, funerals are very somber and reverent. Others wail, scream, and cry together at the funeral to let it all out. Some funerals are one big party of celebration to avoid the tears. I talked with a lot of people of the hardships of planning a funeral. To most, it is a big financial burden and no one really knows how. It's not something that's taught in school, not something that's typically talked about. That's my reasoning for suggesting that maybe funeral planning should be a lesson taught in a "home economics" class, or even taught by parents. Choose a time when things are going remotely well, and have a conversation with your kids, whether they are young or old, about how a funeral is planned. It does not mean anyone is dying anytime soon, but then they will be able to look back on the lesson and it won't be as hard in their time of despair.
Some have a firm belief in God and an afterlife and know they will see their loved ones again. Some people believe this life is the end. It was interesting to learn how people have coped and grieved differently with those beliefs.
This blog has helped me cope with my own grieving as well. I loved listening to people's stories and typing as fast as I possibly could. I loved going to people's homes or inviting them over to mine and sharing memories and funny moments about our loved ones. I loved every minute of it. So I hope to continue this blog and find others willing to share their grief story so others can quietly read from anywhere in the world that they aren't alone in how they are feeling.
Much Love,
Malia
