8.1 Cross-Cultural Funeral Rites

A funeral director working with a variety of ethnic and religious groups in New York City describes funeral practices and rituals based upon her experience. Review the article that first appeared in the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) publication, The Director. Respond to the following:

1			Describe four factors that the author states are responsible for transitions in traditional funeral rites.
2			Explain why funeral rituals differ within the African American community.
3			Compare and contrast African American funeral rituals that arise from Caribbean ancestry with those of African origin. Provide examples.
4			Identify and explain the aspects of this funeral director's experience that are most interesting to you.