Cultural differences can show up in many ways, from how holidays are celebrated to how communities come together in times of loss. One Black woman from Arkansas recently sparked conversation online after sharing her experience attending a White person’s funeral for the first time. In a video, she documented the moments that stood out to her, noting several differences compared to funerals she had attended within the Black community. One of the first things she noticed was how brief the service was. “This was the fastest funeral I’ve ever been to,” she said, explaining that it lasted just 30 minutes, from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. She also pointed out the lack of music, saying there was only one song performed, unlike the extended singing often featured at Black funerals.
The Arkansas woman continued pointing out the differences, noting that there was no real food at the funeral. The only refreshments provided were cheese and crackers. She also said she felt overdressed, explaining that she wore a black dress while others attended in sneakers and clothing that wasn’t even black. She added that, in her experience, Black funerals typically include viewing the body, which did not happen at this service. In the caption of her video, she also mentioned that no one appeared to be crying, which stood out to her as another major difference. She still described this whole situation as “a new experience.” In another video, someone asked her to rate the funeral, and she gave it 2 out of 10. It might sound a bit harsh, but she explained in the video why she gave it that low rating.
People Reacting to the Arkansas Woman’s Video
A lot of Black people watched the Arkansas woman’s video, and they admitted that their funerals are almost completely different than those of White people. This is why one woman wrote, “Our funerals be lowkey traumatic, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Another woman then replied, “Girl they had to sit me down at my Gma’s.. I forgot how to breathe while viewing the body and almost passed out. Rip my baby.” The Arkansas woman even added more details in the comment section as she wrote, “Sb got up to speak and say something good about Steve and after the preacher said that was nice but nb do else do that. If you got some to say… write it on the online obituary.”
More Black people expressed their shock at learning what White funerals are like. This is why one person wrote in disbelief, “sneakers and not in black? No food? No body on display? No food? Thats very different… no food though? Like… we’re sad but we’re not eating and reminiscing? Im not judging, just culture shock. Never been to a white funeral. Just hispanic and black.” Another person addressed the Arkansas woman, saying, “You look so concerned and confused.” She definitely looked shocked.
