discussion board

 Select for comment one of the discussion topics below:

1. Sensitively interact in some way with a child about death and loss; for example, interview a child about what death means or how it comes about, or ask a child to create a drawing or picture about death and then explain its meaning.  Those of you without access to a child may attempt to recollect your personal feelings about loss and death during childhood.
2. Many express the belief that the portrayal of death and violence in the media has a harmful impact on adolescents.  Select some portion of the media (newspapers and other print media, television, movies, popular music, video games, the Internet, etc.) and discuss how death and violence are portrayed, and the possible negative and positive effects on adolescents.
3. Speak with an older adult (for example, an older relative or someone in a senior citizens' center) and ask about their loss and death-related experiences and attitudes and discuss your findings here.  Tactfully ask if they have made their own funeral arrangements (if not, why not?)  What are their final wishes?