Grieving - Something that society teaches us? Or is it natural.
 

I got in a pretty intense debate on grief - how people deal with the death of a loved one (not family members particularly, but relationships / marriages) - this type of love.

This person was saying that grief is something that we are taught to do through society and America mainly over-exagerrates death and the grieving process.

So I said, "Ok, so if your spouse died, who you happened to love very much, and you were a part of some obscure culture / society, it would not effect you negatively?" And this person said, "Right"

I got so fucking pissed because to me, that is complete and utter bullshit. I personally think no fucking matter who you are, where you live, what culture you're a part of, if someone you love dies, it is going to hurt deep down - Sure, you might *celebrate* death as some cultures do, but deep down I think the grieving process is universal to everyone, and a part of human nature.

Am I right, or am I wrong?

I think grief is inherent in each individual as it embodies the sense of loss. How you deal with it is more of a learned trait.

YARGH! I was brought up by a pack of wolves. When I learned me pet lobster died, I be very upset. So I be thinkin' it's natural.

that was pretty good, but I think if you replaced "my" with "me" for now on, it would sound a bit better.

otherwise keep the good work up. :thumbsup

YARGH! Missed that one. It be fixed.

i can see where he is coming from, take for example the muslim terrorists that strap bombs to their bodies, there family members seem to be happy for them, almost idolize them, because that is their culture and the way they have been taught.

fucked up but true

I dont feel anything but what i feel. society hasnt taught me shit about feelings. but maybe it has numbed me a little.

yes, but the love of a relative is quite different than the love of a "mate"...

well, gallery is right! the grieving process is universal for everyone deep down inside our heart! Thats how we human are afterall..

It's been observed in elephants as well.

http://www.nashvillezoo.org/elephants.htm

"Elephants are so closely bonded that they have been seen grieving over the death of a herd mate. They have been documented as caring for their sick by bringing them food and water. It has also been recorded that they bury their dead with twigs, branches and leaves."

Why grieve when you can you just be a sociopath instead?

both. some people block it out and keep it inside.

It is natural among many species of animal . . . I would think homo sapiens as well

I think the reverse is more accurate. We're taught to repress our grief. Stiff upper lip and all that. The wailing, screaming and gnashing of teeth, that's the natural reaction.

Grieving is natural because deep down inside we all know that death is the end.

Although the different ways of grieving are 100% cultural.