Taking Lives

Suicide, a very serious and disconcerting phenomenon. Significant studies have been researched to why this phenomenon occurs. Scientific anaylsis are done in understanding the neurological behavior and mental conditions that are associated with it. In the United States murder-suicides mostly involve killing their spouces before taking their own lives. Recently, reports from Paul Yip, the director for the Centre of Suicide Research and Prevention in Hong Kong says that "suicide rates are up to 3 people a month." He acknowledges this as being a "warning sign." According to "Times Magazine" nearly 50% of suicides in Hong Kong includes a child. In the past decade people of Hong Kong have faced finacial hardships and income inequality. The suicidal behavior that is existing is often thought that the parents were trying to save their children from a life of poverty, low stature, and spare them from destitution. Research also shows that in the West, suicides are violent, usually from attack or revenge. Whereas, Asia, suicides are done together. Parents and their children leap together, or they chose ways resulting in a form of euathenasia. This article is very powerful in suggesting the seriousness and reality of suicide today. Suicides that go unnoticed at times by the public. I also am intrigued how Western and Eastern cultures have certain view points of such a ratical and department of life. The understanding that one can take another's life thinking they are saving them from suffering. It is hard to fathom the decision of suicide because I have never came close to the thought of it. Although, I have not felt this desire I believe the importance of future research and the expansion of studies in the field of anthropology, sociology, psychology, and others will help save the cries of life.