Suicide is Never in Style

(Photograph from Vice Magazine photo spread)

By Laura Coburn

Vice Magazine is receiving widespread media criticism for its fashion photo spread “Last Words” which reenacted the suicides of successful female authors. Rather than praising the renowned writers for their accomplishments, models are styled in fashionable clothing and positioned to depict the moment the writers ended their own lives.

Vice removed the photo spread from online (although it is still in print) and issued an apology after the publication prompted uproar among suicide prevention activists, media outlets and readers who saw the spread as far more than distasteful.

Brenda Fitch, Crisis Hotline director of training and outreach in the greater Houston area, says that the publication has broader implications than offending readers.

“I just don’t get it- I don’t get how [Vice Magazine] does not get how that sort of thing will impact certain populations,” Fitch says, explaining that vulnerable youth, in particular, might be drawn to the idea of suicide through these sorts of glamorous depictions.

According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between ages 10 and 24.  Fitch emphasizes the severity of suicide and how it is not something to take lightly.

“People can think that (the photo spread) is a glorification of suicide, which [the Crisis Hotline] does not promote,” Fitch says.

Fashion photo spreads are not the way to bring suicide to the public’s attention, but rather in other ways, such as community training, Fitch suggests.

However, Fitch highlights that suicide is a mental illness, and a truly suicidal individual will likely not be persuaded to commit suicide from a single instance, like viewing the photo spread. “If the individual has made up their mind to commit suicide, they will do it regardless of outside factors.”

Depression and mental illness are critical conditions that must be addressed to prevent suicide and other harmful behavior. “We push to educate individuals about the warning signs and how to deal with people in crisis, especially those that are suicidal,” Fitch stresses.

While Fitch says she believes the masses should get involved with pushing for legislation that furthers suicide education and research, she also expresses the importance of learning the basic skills to deal with prevention on a local level.

In order to learn about the warning signs and other information needed to help prevent suicides, contact the Crisis Hotline or any other credible suicide prevention organization in your community. A list of Texas organizations can be found here:

http://www.suicidehotlines.com/texas.html

by Guest Author