ABSTRACT
The works of notable forerunners in the area of death and dying suggest a general bereavement response pattern that is universal. Few references provide a cross-cultural perspective on death and dying. Too few provide insight into the attitudes of African-Americans towards death, dying, and the current funeral rites. The thanatology movement in the 1970s was a concerted effort to bring an open discussion and awareness of behaviors and emotions related to dying, death, and bereavement. The most authoritative work on African-American attitudes towards death and dying is contained in a classic cross-cultural study by Kalish and Reynolds. The available research provides documented support of the thesis that many of the attitudes, beliefs, and traditions regarding funeral rites, death and dying are deeply rooted in African cultural traditions. The African-American attitudes, beliefs, and funeral rites are also significantly influenced by American attitudes, beliefs, and cultural traditions regarding death, dying, and funeral rites.
