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Week 8 [11.05 - 17.05] Funeral dancers

Recently, the Funeral dancers are very popular, I believe everyone also recognizes this fashionable group which has been conquering the world today, but I didn’t know this video was actually filmed by the BBC 2 years ago.I read a comment with the most "likes" in the video "A person is dead, but a meme is born." Why is there such a phenomenon? This is worth considering.




questions:

1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

Comments

1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

It seems to me that this dance is very suitable for African culture and I personally did not like it. Actually, I would prefer not to impose anything on those who organize my funeral, so I would leave them this decision. No, I would not like to dance while holding the casket with a dead body.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

Death in Africa is more common than in Europe, so I think it is easier for them to accept the loss of a loved one. Therefore, I have nothing against rejoicing during a funeral. It is certainly one of the ways to deal with such a difficult situation as losing a loved one.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

It is hard for me to imagine the funeral of my loved ones in this edition. Although in our country the Catholic religion dominates, according to which death is the beginning of eternal life and the end of earthly worries, we usually associate death with sadness.
1. I’d rather not. It is against our European culture and here it would mean lack of respect to the one that died. I wouldn’t like to be a funeral dancer, no matter how high the salary would be, because money is not the most important. It does not define who we are, and by being a funeral dancer one can’t achieve anything notable. Money does not give respect, but achievements do.

2. It’s their culture, which is obviously different than ours, and we should respect that. I admit that our perception is quite strange, taking into account the Christian way of describing the life after death. I understand crying when a bad person dies and probably becomes damned, but in all other cases it is just selfish, because we think about our loss only.

3. In European society, especially eastern European, definitely not. For most people it would be a scandal. We are too conservative to accept any changes in the tradition and religion is just untouchable.
Ela said…
1. I wouldn’t like to have such a funeral, I grew up with other traditions and dancing during a funeral is an abstraction for me.

2. Everything depends on culture and everything is a conventional matter. The death for some is a very depressing experience because something ends, for others can be a new beginning. Just as the colors are conventional - white in this culture is a funeral color and in our culture white is the color of innocence. I don't think it's bad or good, it's just a different culture.

3. It depends on the country, it would certainly be difficult to accept. I can't imagine such a funeral in Poland, we're a country very connected with the traditions.
Karol Michalak said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
I would prefer to be burned after death not in crematorium but on the pile of wood, but I don't mind others to feast and celebrate this last party with me.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
I adore it. In vatican culture that has the biggest representation in Poland it is always as sad as possible. But it shouldn't be. Death is something natural and I believe it is just another step. Of course it can be sad that we won't see each other for a long time, but after all funeral should be a normal party with only one less drunk person in it. And every guests should celebrate good memories with deceased one and raise toast for their remembrance.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
Yes, actually it is acceptable. Feasting and happines during funeral can be seen all around the world. One time I heard about some gypsy line that celebrate death over birthdays! But I can't remember the place they live sadly.
Viktor Ryś said…
1.
I don't think that this kind of funreal would be accepted on a wider scale in such a conservative country as Poland, so it seems like fun for me but I wouldn't want to offand other people that would attend this funreal. It seems like a fun job for extrovert people.

2.
Death is a inseparable part of human life, so maybe it's a good idea to deal with the loss in a happy way but also with respect. Maybe the death toll is higher in Africa and
people came to accept it more then people in Europe.

3.
I think it hard to believe, probably not in the near future.
Andrzej Kawiak said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

When I first saw it, I thought it was some kind of coronovirus joke. But it turned out that the dancing gravediggers are almost a permanent part of the funeral procession in Ghana. This tradition is relatively young because a group of "dancing gravediggers" founded the Dopiert in 2007. Benjamin Aidoo to pay his high school fees. I would not have decided to dance like that at funerals. I would be afraid that the contents of the coffin would fall out.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

In the European Tradition, the approach to death is associated with sadness. Funerals in many African countries, on the other hand, are often much more "joyful" than in Poland, because they highlight the transition of the deceased to a better world. That is why I think that in European countries such a tradition will not come into being. Personally, I wouldn't want someone to dance with the coffin in which a person rests close to me.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
Just like I said. Apart from Africa, joyful funerals are also held in Thailand and in tongo. I have not heard of other places. W europie taki typ pogżebu nie przyjmie się. . In Europe this type of funeral will not be accepted.
1. I don't think I would like to have such a funeral or be a dancer. I am Catholic and I respect my faith.

2. In Ghana there is a different culture, different customs and religion. Same as with us. So I think that culture and burial should be respected.

3. As I mentioned, each country has a different culture and religion. So it is logical that if in some country this culture has existed from the beginning, it is unlikely to be changed.
Unknown said…
Zhypargul Maraeva
1. I think for now I don't want to think about my funeral.
As for me it is disrespectful dancing during funeral , usually people are crying.
2. I don't know, when I saw this video, I thought it is fun video,but then i just realised that it is funeral. It is acceptable for me. Maybe the culture is different and it is okay for them.
3. I don't know about it. But it might be interesting to discover different cultures.
Agnieszka Duda said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
I wouldn’t do this to my family. On the other hand, if you believe that funerals are for celebrating someone’s life, not mourning their death, then funeral dancers seem like a good idea. Unfortunately, some people don’t get a chance to decide on the type of their funeral. When it comes to being a funeral dancer, I would consider it if the money is good.

2. What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
I believe that many African nations are generally cheerful and expressive. Out of all the cultures and nations in the world, I am not surprised the idea of coffin dancers originated in Ghana.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
It depends on how conservative the society is. The decision on what your funeral ceremony would look like should take into account the feelings of other society/family members. It’s all fun and acceptable until someone drops the coffin and the lid gets open.
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
It's hard to say because I probably will not see my funeral anyway :). It seems to me that the family should decide about it
because they will go through everything. It certainly looks funny and probably not serious for such a celebration

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana
I have no idea I do not know African culture. But I think they experience it less than we do. It is possible that this is due to this
that often a family member dies. In my opinion this is a strange approach to a funeral but it is probably such a culture

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
It's hard to say, but I think probably not. Each country has its own culture and should not be interfered with.
Pawel Bluszcz said…
1. I would not like to have such a funeral or attend such a burial. Personally, I am a traditionalist and such a variety in a funeral ceremony just doesn't fit my manners.

2. If a tradition or culture does not prohibit such behavior, then nobody should have a problem with it. If the citizens of Ghana accept it and have a great time at the same time, I can't criticize such behavior.

3. Yes, such behavior would be accepted in other societies. Maybe not in Europe but in Africa for sure.
Klaudia Kozioł said…
1. I would love to have this kind of a funeral, for me a funeral should be a time to gather a family and friends of a dead person and to think how good was this persons life and how much good energy he or she brought to our lives and celebrate this life instead of crying over grave.
2. I think that this video shows us that death is something that will be always with us and we need to fully accept this rather than deny it and fall into deep grief. We need to focus on good aspects and remember the person with all the good things that she or he did for us.
3. I would love to see only funerals like this but unfortunately I don’t think that Christian community in Europe would accept this.
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

Yeah, but I am not able to organize my funeral and I think that my friends and family would be too sad to plan something like that. Maybe it wouldn't play right.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

I think every culture has its charm, and perceiving death like that can ease a little pain of saying goodbye. But I am not sure that it would adapt well to our culture.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

I don't think so, such traditions are not changing that easily. But I think that there could be some exceptions.
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
I think i wouldnt like to have funeral like this because of our culture, but if something like this was socialy accepted i could be a funreal dancer if it has a high salary.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
I think its better this way. Finding happy moments in every aspect of our lifes is very important and if our last way is a dance so why not.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
I dont think so. We have very strict rules linked with death and its sad related moments for us.
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

I don't think so, becouse salary is one thing and the way of self-development is the other thing. I don't see anything odd with that however it is pretty "simple" task to do as a full time job.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

Quite great, I really like those concept of "celebreting" death. I don't like catholic way of doing funerals.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

Nope, deffinitly no in Europe. We have diffrent thinking about life and death
Roman Burlaka said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
It doesn't matter what I think about my funeral cause I won't see it. And I won't be a funeral dancer just because my current career seems more interesting for me.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
Maybe crying and drinking a lot of alchohol is worse way to pay your respect to a dead man. Maybe you should remember all the good things related to him or her and say thanks.


3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
Societies change very quickly. A hundred or two years ago marriage wasn't about love and now everyone is searching for it. So it can be acceptable, but I don't know where is the way to such future.
MichalB said…
In different cultures, the last goodbye looks different. In Ghana, it just looks like the movie. Gypsies have a gala dinner at the cemetery. Many of my friends drink vodka with the dead. It all depends on habits and culture. So back to your questions:
- If I was brought up like that, of course I would love to dance at a funeral. Maybe you should be happy and not saddened? We will find out after death.
- Many musicians (especially jazz ones) started with funeral bands. Today, when they are famous, nobody remembers it. Is it wrong?
- I accept that.
1. I'd love to have a funeral like this! Being a funeral dancer would be awesome too but I rather have two left feet so I wouldn't be good at it...

2. It is great. In Europe, especially in Poland, people are so morbid. You cannot outrun death, it is sad to lose somebody, but the funeral should be a celebration of one's life, not loud cries that only bust our sadness.

3. I'd hope it would be acceptable but I'm sure there will always be some individuals who would disapprove. However I cannot grasp the fact that some of our customs are acceptable, such as collecting money at the mass during a funeral service, I find it to be truly unethical. I haven't been at many funerals, but I do remember my great-grandma funeral very well. It's a very unpleasant memory and it barely involves my Gran, but the cemetery workers. I understand that the coffin has to be properly secured but cementing my Grandma into a grave by two sweaty men with too-short pants while listening to the violin is something I'd rather forget.
Zygmunt Z said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

I don’t mind that. There is this conviction in our society that funeral is associated with sadness but as I look around the world grieving has many forms and some of them actually associated with something beautiful. For example Asian cultures have beautiful funerals, full of flowers and are really colorful, instead of one particular color that is black. I don’t think that I would like to be a coffin dancer, it’s just not my cup of tea to be honest but I would like to see in person how it looks. When it comes to this kind of funeral, I don’t mind that. What’s more, my father also keeps saying that doesn’t want it to be a typical mourning funeral. Instead, he would like “Always Look on Bright Side of Life” to be played.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

As I said in my previous answer, funeral doesn’t need to be associated with sadness and typical grieving. I actually enjoy that fact that there are cultures that have a different approach to funerals and make something positive out of them.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies? In Poland,this cardboard country? Not a chance.
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

Everything depends on the culture. If people who lost someone decided that this is a good idea, local customs have nothing against such ceremony and that the person who passed away would like to have it done that way - I think that fine. I myself wouldn't like to have such ceremony. In Poland it would look to silly to be taken seriously. As a prank without anyone's death? Why not.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

My point of view on funerals and death itself is to serious to be even close to their perception. Due to the place I grew up in it is very hard for me to understand their view but that doesn't mean I have anything against their customs. Do as you like as long person who passed away wouldn't have anything against it.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

In my country? Absolutely not. If anyone in Poland decided to do such ceremony they would be all around the news. A lot of people would say that this is a shame and ceremony should be done the proper way.
Jakub Kisiała said…
1. I can guess that this way of doing funeral is part of their culture. Not our, so i would prefer standard way. I also don't like dancing so It would be terrible job for me.

2. It is original way and i think it is ritual for them. They just have good time under when we mourning.

3. It depends on which society. I think it is possible to accept this in most of western countries.
Maciej Szczypek said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

I would not like to have this kind of funeral at all. It would be disgraceful to me and I can not really even think of it happening. I also would not like to be a funeral dancer because of 2 reasons. One is exactly the same as in sentence above - it is disgraceful. The second reason is that I can not dance.

2. What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

I do not like the perception of those ceremonies but I am far from judging anyone for his or hers beliefs.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

I am sure that there are various societies that would accept this kind of activities during the funeral ceremony, but I do not think that would be any of European societies. At least I can not really imagine that.
Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
No I wouldn't like to have this kind of funeral as it is not part of my culture or religion. I think taking it as a job would depend on the situations especially if I was in a critical financial statement then I would take it.
2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
It shows that they celebrate the life their loved ones lived by dancing instead of being in sorrow, which I would saay life celebrationof your departed loved ones is not a bad thing.
3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
Yes, I think it should be accepted for the family of the departed person to carry out the funeral in the best way it pleases them as long as it is harmless
Hello, here are my replies to your questions!

1. Honestly, I'd love to have this kind of funeral. I would hate to see my close family being devastated and sad by my passing. I want them to be laughing and smiling while remembering me. I want them to move on without me and remember me happily. However, I wouldn't want to be a funeral dancer even with a high salary. But that's only because I can't dance.

2. As I mentioned above, I don't like sad and depressing funerals. I want people to remember me and cherish those memories instead of focusing on my passing. I really like the idea of dancing and celebrating funerals in different cultures. Definitely something I wish happened in our culture as well!

3. Of course, it's just the people's choice. Hopefully my family will not make my own funeral depressing, I'd hate to see that as a future ghost.
Filip Bartuzi said…

1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?

I prefer not to have funeral at all. Both our "Polish" funerals and theirs "happy" funerals are irrelevant in terms of my own death. Would I be funeral dancer? Most likely not, I hate dancing.

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

I don't mind. I keep my head open so as long as it serves it purposes - go for it. I don't think there is "deontic" rule how to celebrate (or honor) someones death. If dancing is rooted in the culture and it comforts relatives I'm accepting it in full extent.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?

Probably not, it requires generations effort to develop new mindset and rabbits.
1. No, it's not the type of funeral I'd prefer, I don't find it offensive either, but it's just not my style. Maybe as a teenager for a really big cash, I would be able to take part in it, but at the moment I can't imagine how much I would have to get to agree to it.
2. This is part of their tradition and we can certainly have our own opinion about it, but we cannot deny or mock it. It may seem strange to us, and as if it was disrespectful to the deceased, but it is still their tradition and they have the right to bury the dead according to their liking.
3. For me for sure, but is it in Poland, for example? I honestly doubt it, we have a society that is too conservative and too closed to other traditions and cultures for such a funeral to take place in Poland without controversies and opponents.
s18716 said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
Ahah, the funniest question. I won’t be able to answer to this question right away. I need to think about it. It would be a fun experience, an unforgettable experience.:)

2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
In general, this process has its own charm. If you dig deep, from a philosophical point of view, death has two sides of the same coin. Many religions of the world perceive death as the beginning of a new life, which is most likely worth celebrating, if you take such a theory into account, then you can correctly understand such processions.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
It depends on the traditions and principles that have developed in society. If the culture of a certain society allows you to behave like this, then I think it is completely acceptable. Although there is still one more option. The format of the funeral can take place at the request of the dying, if a person wants to be escorted on the road with a positive mood, then I think you can fulfill his last will.
Oskar Kacprzak said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
I don't think my funeral needs this kind of celebration. I'm really bad at coordination so I would probably be a bad funeral dancer.
2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
For many cultures funerals are happy and are devoted to celebrate the persons life and merry afterlife not sadness as it is in most Western cultures.
3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
I think this kind of funeral would be accepted in some cultures that also have "happy" ways of celebrating funerals or by people who are open minded.
1. Maybe not that kind specifically, but i don’t like polish sad funerals. I would my funeral to be a party like my birth day where nobody cries and everybody have some kind of fun. I am studying IT so i don't have do be a public dancer.
2. I like this way of celebrating death. I don’t like moaning a the sad stuff about funerals. I’m not sure but i think people in new orleans also celebrate death with party.
3. It depends on the society. I don't think it would be acceptable in poland for now, maybe in distant future. I don’t know how about different places.
lukaszK said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
If I could afford it, I'd like to be frozen after death. Or freeze at least my head if no way to transcendence is invented. Any other option is completely indifferent to me, because I will no longer exist and it does not matter to me.


2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?

As a child, I always wondered why people who believe that after death they go to a magical wonderful place a billion times better than the reality we know, despair so much after someone's death.

On the video I see real faith that after death people go to a better place :)

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
There is no problem with this in the world,

In Poland there is a saying:
https://pl.wiktionary.org/wiki/by%C4%87_sto_lat_za_Murzynami
As you can see it didn't come from nowhere :)
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
Yes, I'd like to have this kind of funeral. And no, I wouldn't like to be a funeral dancer even if it has a high salary.

2. What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
Regardless of religion, death is an end of person's problems and worries, so funeral should be a happy occasion. Something similar is in Mexico.

3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
In countries as Mexico it would be. In societies other than Christian I don't know, but most of the Christians would not accept this kind of funeral. In spite of that in Christian religion death also is something good and it is even a beginnig, they used to think about it as a bad and sad event. For them furneral should be quiet and serious ceremony.
Yubin said…
Understand you, dancing with a dead body is really a challenge, I am not able to do it too. I also can't accept this kind of funeral of my friends or family, maybe it is just more common there.
Yubin said…
I think the same, I think it might be a bit disrespected to the passed people, anyway, their way to celebrate the life their loved ones shows that they are really brave and cheerful.
Yubin said…
Yeaa, I appreciate their culture and their way to treate the end of life. In Asia, many countries also use the color white as a funeral color too, I guess most Asian basically don't celebrate the funeral.
Yubin said…
Wooow, I like your way of perception of death, it sounds cool. Yeaa, we can share good momories this way in a funeral, anyway, I think I will usually be sad after that when I will miss the people who have passed away.
Yubin said…
That would be more interesting if the extrovert people falls down the coffin by mistake:p yeaaa, respect from heart is very important, I think they also treate the dancing as a respect but not only for sharing happiness.
Yubin said…
I am the same, I thought it was coronovirus joke until I searched for it myself, to be honest, I watched a video that the contents of the coffin really fall out while the guys were dancing...haha. I never know that it also held in Thailand, thanks for sharing this information.
Rafał Halama said…
1. Would you like to have this kind of funeral? or be a funeral dancer if it has a high salary?
If I could see my close family not crying at my funeral I would be really happy, so yes, this type of funeral is to my likings.
2.What is your opinion of such perception of death and funeral by people in Ghana showed in the video?
I think that's a really refreshing take on funerals. They don't feel sadness like most people, but rather are happy that their loved one is in better place now.
3. Do you think such a funeral would be acceptable in other societies?
I don't think so, tradition of funerals is deeply rooted in various societies, and it would take a lot of time to change it.

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