Our Hidden Truths

About three years ago I was driving through Charlotte, NC while listening to a local radio station. The station specialized in hip hop music and mostly served a youth demographic.  I was bopping to an older popular tune that appealed to hip hop heads of all ages when the music playlist took a shift.  The station played three songs back-to-back that focused on suicide. 

The first song that aired was a hit from a few years back.  It had a catchy tune so, I continued to listen.  Then the next song began and it had a heavier tone.  When I heard the lyrics, I realized that it too was about suicide.  I was wondering where the station was going with this playlist so, I continued to listen.  I was completely shocked when the third song was also about suicide.  Each of the three artists expressed their desire to commit suicide based on the situation they were experiencing.  Now, I am not one to shun someone’s art. I truly believe in the right to free speech.  However, I couldn’t ignore how severe an impact this message had on young minds.  Even though the first song was more comical than the last two, it was the succession of all three that made it dangerous.

The art of subliminal messaging is a part of modern culture.  Whether we feel the sudden urge to grab a cold drink after a soda commercial or the urge to eat healthier by air frying everything possible, these ads contribute to the trends of today. That’s why I was immediately up in arms with the radio station. Then to punctuate the act, the songs were played at a time of day when most young people were tuning in.  Given the totality of the circumstances, it is arguable whether the radio station was negligent.

Mental health has been at the forefront of the discussion for the past year and a half.  First, it was the self-quarantine from Covid-19 that caused most people to recognize how fragile we are as humans.  Then, the never ending repetitive social justice issues added an additional stress as we became desensitized to murders shown on-screen.  Now, it is the residue of these events plus the added pressure to be great that is bringing athletes to recalibrate themselves.  

I bring all of this up because school starts this month in some parts of the country.  Therefore, I want to reiterate that we must be watchful of the children and their mental health as they re-enter school.  There was a time in this country where youth suicide was considered an oxymoron. Why would a child commit suicide when her whole life is ahead of her?  Although it wasn’t a common act, it did occur from time to time leaving relatives and friends perplexed.  Today, it is becoming less of a shock and more of, “Not again, why?”

Suicide is a universal act.  It favors no age range, economic status, race, or ethnicity.  It just is.  No one knows why anyone would take their own life.  There could be a multitude of reasons.  My empathy lies with the pain one must feel to attempt the act and is successful.  And to the black people who still believe suicide is not a phenomenon within their community, think again. 

By the time I turned 14, I lost two childhood acquaintances to this lie.  Both were in their teens, a representative of each gender.  In each tragedy I recall the disclaimer that was spread, “Somebody must have done something to them.  They would not have done that on their own.”  I think it was the guilt in believing a child could not be in such distress that caused people to project blame elsewhere. 

Like adults, children are constantly faced with real world dilemmas.  Many of them do not have the coping mechanisms to deal with their issues.  As we embark on the new school year, let’s be courteous and compassionate.  Set the example for how people should treat each other.  Compliment a young girl or boy just because. Give them the confidence they need to conquer this year.  Set aside a moment just to smile at someone as smiles are infectious.  They cost nothing and can be returned without interest. I challenge you to love on a young person everyday because the investment you make today can pay out heavily in your tomorrow. Let’s make suicide a thing of the past where we all can say, “Suicide; no one does that anymore.”

By: Paige Adams