I read about this recent suicide and was wondering why we feel any sympathy for it. Let me first give you the details of the event that got me thinking:
Recent Suicide: British Designer McQueen Dies
- Alexander McQueen was found dead at his home in Central London
- 40-year-old British designer
- Hanged suicide
- His mother, Joyce, who McQueen was close to, passed away on February 2
Successful Suicide: Do We Feel Awe?
Whatever the cause or the circumstances, there’s a sense of awe when we hear of a suicide. Take for example the lyrics of this song on Vincent Van Gogh:
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
A beautiful song by Don McLean (one of my all time favorites)… weaves the description of death into a beautiful tapestry of words. But was the act really that beautiful? Not too sure about that. Did Van Gogh’s paintings become more popular because he committed suicide? Maybe.
Recent Suicide: Have We Glorified Committing Suicide?
Have we glorified committing suicide? Have we started considering it a brave thing to do? Does it deserve any more than our pity? How disappointed would I be if someone I admired committed suicide? Would I still feel admiration for a person who did not fight?
These are some of the questions I am trying to find answers to. What do you think about them?
I have lots of thoughts on this crisp, well-written article. You’ve inspired me to write a separate post altogether. Thanks, Priya!
I look forward to that, Swapna
Vincent was beautiful – not necessarily his death…
Glorify his work and his achievements, especially considering none of that happened while he lived…admire the life that he lived rather than the death that he died.
beauty of death…..
thanks for reading my posts, shivangi
What’s your twitter handle (would like to follow you)?
That will be my pleasure , but actually I’m less active on twitter, I dont know how to put up twitter handle. I can tell you my user id , its – sshailys . password bhi bataun ?
well sshailys is your twitter handle
And no, password is not needed (had a good laugh). I really like twitter because one gets to read so many people’s thoughts and learn about how different people think and feel. So, was keen to follow you. But if you arent active on twitter, then let me know if you have a blog or something (if it’s not too personal). whatever is a good way to keep in touch with you 
Yes, I have two other blogs too… http://www.shivi-shivangi.blogspot.com and another is http://www.arbitspeculations.blogspot.com You are most welcome, my thoughts ain’t that personal anyways
I believe people who view suicide as a medium to easily escape the pain of life, are not aware of the joys that life offers. We need to understand that a suicide does not end the pain. Only a new beginning can.