http://www.ted.com/talks/peter_saul_let_s_talk_about_dying
http://www.montereyherald.com/seniors/ci_25356807/talk-about-dying-and-eat-cake-too
If we were to (at least theoretically) organize a death cafe, what would we do?
NPR story on "death cafes"
http://www.montereyherald.com/seniors/ci_25356807/talk-about-dying-and-eat-cake-too
If we were to (at least theoretically) organize a death cafe, what would we do?
NPR story on "death cafes"
It seems like we would first start by finding a place to hold the meeting. Then find someone to facilitate the discussion, a person who knows about death and dying. Then talk about different things with people that normally you might avoid.
ReplyDeleteI really like the comments in this section. If you get a chance, read them. I would take an "open mic" approach in a venue where people would't feel awkward to share their experiences and feelings. I think an institutional setting would be preferred for people who enjoy an educational setting. Perhaps a "dias de los muertos" themed decor would deescalate the formal mood of the topic.
ReplyDeleteI think people would either sit awkwardly waiting for someone to begin the conversation, or they would avoid going to the cafe altogether. American culture is very different than European cultures, and a great idea for people across the Atlantic Ocean may be a terrible one for us here. as a western culture, we're more focused on how we want to live rather than what will happen when we die.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dave it would be awkward to say the least waiting for someone to break the tension by talking in a death cafe. I dont think people honestly want to go to a death cafe to talk about death since its already a touchy subject as is. European cultures have a broader perspective than american culture so as Dave mentions what may be ok for them might not be good for as since of how our cultures perceives death already.
DeleteI think we would be very successful if the death cafe consisted of several small round table discussions (4-5 people depending on the size of the entire group) with maybe a hand out of discussion starter questions and randomly assigned seating. Although it seems kind of cookie cutter in design I think it would take more pressure off of people to develop the conversation on their own and allow for a more personal in depth discussion on the topic of death.
ReplyDeleteGet a support group set up. Get everyone in a circle, introduce yourself, and your situation. Begin one by one about what has happened, how you feel, and what you think you should do. Then have the other members put their input in and discuss and help.
ReplyDeleteI think in order for this to be successful, you must have one or two people that are comfortable talking about death to start off with their own stories and encounters. A way to make the others feel comfortable about a subject that almost everyone in our society avoids. Its something that a lot of us refuse to accept. If those two people are able to connect with the rest of the people, then it will be a success
ReplyDeleteI agree with how you think a death cafe would be. I think you have to have a couple people that are comfortable with the topic in order for the cafe to be successful. I think people would find it pretty awkward at first, but once they get comfortable. they will have no problem discussing this topic.
DeleteThe idea of this is lovely, truly. It could be wildly successful, but I think it would take a few attempts before it finally got off the ground. Death is still a taboo topic for people. Families have a hard enough time discussing it in private, let alone strangers doing it in public. The fear of judgment looms large over the idea.
ReplyDeleteBreaking people down into groups of 4-5 (at most), with each group having a "hidden" facilitator, would be the most successful route to go. Facilitators would be key for the first few meetings. A lot of people clam up because they think they aren't allowed to talk about death. People may not consciously realize it, but one's conceptions of death usually mirror one's conceptions of life. But once, a suitable level of familiarity had been reached, some truly magical conversations could be had.
Oh, and a steady flow of coffee probably wouldn't hurt either.