Question

This is from my Business Class: Please include answer in paragraph form;)

Please read the vignette below, and provide your best advice to the person whose experience is being described.  

Recently, my friend, Josh (who is a Caucasian male), went to the funeral of a classmate's mother. At the service, he noticed that everyone at the funeral was also Caucasian, expect for one solitary Polynesian woman. The woman wan not interacting with the rest of the mourners, but she was clearly distraught and saddened by this passing.  

Josh cared for his friend's mother as a "second mom", and he is concerned about his friend's family and friends. Seeing the lone Polynesian woman, Josh wants to reach out in friendship and comfort, but does not know how to approach this person, whom he does not know and who appears to be unknown to the rest of the mourners. Do you believe Josh should speak to the woman? If so, how might he approach her gently, to show his support, friendship, and love for their mutual loved one, and his understanding of the sadness they both share?

Answer 1

Since, it’s a value based question, I’m going to write the answer accordingly. Yes, I do believe that josh should speak to the women. It’s a very important time when that woman wants someone’s support.

It’s not about race, being Caucasian or not. It’s about humanity. If anybody else is not comfortable talking to her, then John definitely should.

He can directly approach her. It’s no technical. He can start the conversation with sharing the memory of his friend’s mother with the lady and later then he can introduce himself and ask her hers. He can calm her down by showing concern towards her as well as the family of his friend. The women could be the friend or colleague of the passed. She must have loved her and at this difficult time, it would be really nice to have support or kindness from someone.

As john is going with the same kind of tragedy, he would be able to better understand and experience the situation.