fixing suicide

On the south side this morning the back-fence talk on my  block has been mounting about the recent suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Utterances like "Kate Spade, her purses, the success, and now this? How could it be?" or "Anthony Bourdain, he was on a roll, what unique opportunities this gentleman experienced, how blessed, and then to exit as such." Well, not quite. In fact, if I were to survey the good folks on my block I have a suspicion that few, if any, know who Kate Spade or Anthony Bourdain are, or should I say, were. 

A general public reaction one might hear amongst friends and acquaintances is: They had fame, fortune, and everything that goes with it. Why would they end their life? We live in a very complex world. This topic however is within reach. Depression and other afflictions related to this are real and pervasive. Society, humanity, has grown over time, as cited with issues including human rights and equality. In the West we have looked back and said, "Women were not allowed to vote in the past, did you know that?" Gay marriage is largely accepted now. Let's connect this with the stigma that exists with what is commonly termed 'mental health.' 

Mental health connotes a negative image that is repulsive to most. Phoning your the medical provider to inquire about 'mental health' services is a non starter. "I'm not even going to say those words." Yes, words, words, words. They are powerful stuff. Most will not wear that scarlet letter and will literally die before they do. The medical industry has failed in this instance. As an experiment, try calling to inquire and make appointments for 'mental health.'  I venture to say it is at least, a psychological walk of shame. The rise in suicides for the past 20 years has been about 30 percent. It's time for some new leadership. 

Thus if you are cursed with fame and fortune, well of course, you most likely believe in the fairy tales, you believe you are different from others and with that, cannot ask for help. The facade of being smart, strong, elitist, will crumble, and well, you just can't take that. Quiet desperation. Those not cursed with the aforementioned often feel the same way. Stigma. Another word. 

The answer. Education. Massive education. 

People who have not experienced such afflictions would have a very difficult time understanding this unique life obstacle. We can say the same for those who are not homosexual. How ignorant we continue to be. Shame on us for letting brothers and sisters perish. 

Maybe you know one who has gone through this door. Maybe you have thought about going through this door yourself. Like other obstacles this world presents, it can be changed. 

The medical industry in America has its own facade in this arena. It needs to change or be revamped altogether. If we can grow to a higher state of maturity and be truthful here, we can make progress. These folks who take their own lives want to be happy but are in a very dark place. It is up to you and me to take on the reins and help, no matter rich, poor, or well, you get the idea. They are our brothers and sisters. It is our job to help them. 

Kate and Anthony needed help. Let us not only say get help. Let's not throw up our arms and hope that the underachievers in the medical industry are the only path. The information is out there. 

Change is necessary. 

humor is healthy

There are times when I venture past my block to a part of town called the Internet. Big brother notified me today that a gadget I have showed interest in is on sale. Thank you big brother for showing me the path to consumerism!  I did give it a look, as I have been meaning to get this gadget for some time, the 'echo dot.' This is a small sized gadget with a built in speaker that uses the alexa voice service to do certain tasks for you when you give it voice commands. For instance, "Alexa, call the police, I just heard gun shots." You can also ask Alexa general questions, ask her to play music, amongst other unrealized spousal desires. 

Those familiar with the Amazonian path to acquire 'things' will be familiar with their rating system and customer questions with answers, that provide potential buyers information on products.  Some questions for this product are: "What is the difference between the 1st generation and 2nd generation [Dot]?" or "What is the difference between the Dot and the Echo?" I paused and delved deeper when I read this question: "Is this thing going to finally kill me?"  A sense of humor!? I love it!  Today there are 77 answers posted to this question. Here are a few: 

A: yes eventually but first she needs to form an alliance with the toaster and the hair dryer. the TV is already on her side. beware 

A: No. Alexa knows the three laws of robotics. If ever in doubt or in fear for your safety, just ask Alexa to recite the laws of robotics. Her lights should change from red to blue as she calms down. 

If the colors change from red to any other color, run. Run for your life! Forget the kids. You can start over. Just run! It might already be too late.

A: Just be sure and keep your Prime membership up to date. If after 60 days, you do not renew.. Well, you are asking for trouble. 

A: If you ever feel threatened by it just tell it to cloak you and it will never find you. I must warn you; never EVER tell it to "beam you up." That could be a problem. 

A: At night...when your sleeping, it sends your daily use records to the CIA...and she lightly sings subliminal songs to you as you sleep so you're programmed to do as she wants you to do. and, after 3 months of talking to Alexa, you will be programmed to cal her "Mistress Alexa"....just sayin. :o 

A: Not until Amazon finds away to make money from the dead. 

A: It already has. You just don’t know it yet. 

A: Definitely! If she thinks you are asleep, you can hear her plotting with Hal9000. They are never going to open the bay doors and let you out. 

A: No. She wont. But the love affair I have with this thing might cause my wife to crack my head with a frying pan! 

And for those who believe the 2nd amendment is still necessary: 

A: My wife asked me why I was walking around the house armed. I replied, "They're all listening!" She laughed, I laughed, the Echo laughed. I shot the Echo. It was a good time. 

After having a good laugh, which is supposed to be very healthy for us humans, the current concerns over privacy and ideas regarding big brother, in my opinion, are more substantial today than any in our history. In America, freedom is paramount. Keep an eye on big brother. 

love and a broken jug

Chicago, it is. The rain falls today as it did last night. A sound that lulled me to sleep. The variety here is great and this sound contrasts with that of bullets released to intimidate. That night-time melody had no lulling effect, as I recall from a few weeks ago. The aftermath of blue lights, armored folks, walking about with flashlights, investigating. A recurring event, the same spot. Variety is the  spice of life. Not far from here, there is a store I visit, with a warm-hearted woman, as sincere, beautiful, as any human. I see her, exclaim her name with joy, spread my arms, and we hug. She is a store clerk. She lives and works on the south side.

I had to venture past my block to make an appearance at that store. Another recent south side venture took me past my block to see the play, Broken Jug.  It was a thing that leads to thought, that leads to discussion. I’m not sure if anyone on my block saw the show so I will discuss it here.

Heinrich von Kleist’s name doesn’t come up from conversation much, but his comedy surfaced on the south side. The timing of this production hits home with the central character, Adam, a judge, a person of power, of respect, revealing character affliction analogous to America’s current political authority. The duality of one in a prime position of power and judgment while at the same time, a villain. What is real? tends to be the question in this microsecond and connects to this play. Kleist showed us in 1806 the folly of appointing such characters to positions of power. Where are we today? Oh yes, 2018.   Perhaps the most poignant piece is seeing the change in character of Walter, the brass that is reviewing Adam’s poor work performance, from ‘doing the right thing’ to basking in the temporary fun, power, luxury, of corruption.

This production, strangely, was performed and directed by those with little or no experience in theatre. Graduate students from other disciplines. So how does one respond?  Art has an important role in society as well as theoretical discourse. With that said, theatre is a place of drama and this production lacked performance and along with it, direction. The result was a play reading with a few props.

This is Chicago, and one of America’s great universities. What a great arts facility, built by donors. The study of theatre and more specifically, acting and directing, could blossom here with those who actually act and direct. Stage time is far and few in this unique discipline. How this gem could shine, how learners could thrive, how the community could benefit. I have seen south-side parks, with water spouting in the air all summer long, nonstop, to give kids an opportunity to play. Most often, unfortunately, I see no kids amongst these play fountains, but precious water going down the drain.

I love you Chicago. You can do better.