Discernment is generally at loss in the midst of tragedy. The film Ordinary People displays how the Jarrett family copes with the loss of their son, Buck, in a boating accident. Inability to communicate ultimately leads to far more dysfunction than Conrad, Beth, and Calvin can imagine. The misinterpretation of acts of “silence or violence” can be avoided with conflict management techniques. Driven by guilt and anger, Conrad Jarrett attempts to understand his inability to accept the truth that everything does not require a definite explanation. Silence, through repression, is shown when Conrad says he is doing just fine when clearly he is not. Dr. Berger creates emotional safety so Conrad can fully admit and accept that he is not at fault