“And now, in keeping with Channel 40’s policy of always bringing you the latest in blood and guts, in living color, you’re about to see another first - an attempted suicide.”

These are the last words of Chris Hubbock, a news anchor who shot herself on air in 1970. Although it is sometimes glamorized, suicide is a troubling concept in Western culture. It is a multi-faceted problem - Elderly suicide, adolescence suicide, ritual suicide, suicide due to mental illness, child suicide, altruistic suicide, and depressive suicide. In the United States you are more likely to kill yourself than you are to be killed by someone else. In fact, in 2000 there were 1.7 times as many suicides as homicides.

Two basic classifications of suicide stand: suicide as a means of escaping the current conditions of life and sacrificial or martyrdom type suicides. In American culture we are familiar first the first type, as a means to escape life or suffering. Perhaps this is why elderly suicide is such a problem in our society. Suicide rates are highest in the over 65 segment of society, with males over 85 being the most likely to kill themselves. Suicide is often looked down upon in our society, especially in certain religions. Many Fundamental Christians believe that suicide is an unforgivable sin leading to damnation. Others believe it to be an act of cowardice or weakness. The loved ones that are left behind typically assign blame to themselves, thinking that they were responsible somehow. It can be very difficult for a survivor to cope with the loss when it is looked down on in society like this. Suicide becomes something to hide – something that is pushed into the closet. This sharply contrasts with Eastern Philosophy.

The tragedy of September 11th has made Americans all to aware of another type of suicide: Suicide Bombers. In some parts of the world this is everyday life. Young men who give their lives in such a manner are revered in Middle Eastern culture. They are labeled as “martyred” and go on to become heroes and legends. This is a disturbing trend considering the increasingly frequent bombings in Israel and around the world. Some Middle Eastern governments have begun paying the families of the suicide bombers for their service to God and country. It is estimated that there are many thousands of young men waiting for the chance to take part in such a mission. Through this act, suicide crosses a boundary and turns into murder as well. Taking other’s lives while taking your own is quite different from the more honor bound tradition in the Far East. Ancient Samurais would commit seppuku or hara-kiri upon the death of their Lords or when facing disgrace. Accepting the responsibility for a mistake could involve ritual suicide. The custom was widely seen as noble or honorable. Committing ritual suicide could even help your family’s social standing.

An excellent way to understand the motives behind suicide is by examining suicide notes. Type “suicide notes” into any search engine and you’ll come up with several pages of famous notes. You can clearly tell if a person was depressed, angry, or even bored by their last words. Some of the notes contain no emotion at all like the note left by the late George Eastman, “To my friends: My work is done. Why wait?” This note conveys a light-hearted approach to death. Virginia Wolf’s last words sharply contrast; “I feel certain that I’m going mad again. I feel we can’t go through another of those terrible times. And I shan’t recover this time. I begin to hear voices…” It is clear to see her pain and mental anguish. Clearly, death as a means to end pain is a culprit here.

First published on about.com for The New York Times. © Death and Dying Online. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 at 6:47 pm and is filed under