Letter to the Editor

Recently, an article entitled “What Joking About Suicide Actually Means” was published in this very paper. The essential argument made within the article was that joking about suicide is hurting people by hiding a serious topic behind humor. I strongly disagree and would like you all to know why joking about suicide is something I will continue to do and is important in coming to terms with the topic.

C. S. Lewis once said, “The devil cannot stand to be mocked.” once you can joke about something all power is taken from it. Horror movies aren't as scary when they joke about the villain. If someone made fun of Jason hockey mask, he would not be as scary and they could deal with the problem. If we joke about suicide, it becomes a less scary topic, then in all seriousness we can discuss a problem no longer afraid. If we are silent, the fear is allowed to grow until people decide to be silent about suicide. The feeling that suicidal thoughts are not normal grows. I think we all can agree that getting feelings repressed only leads to bad things. Joking only brings it into the mainstream, allows us to see it for what it really is, not a scary thing, an issue to be worked on. Joking about it is not only healthy it is important.

Let me be clear, no one is arguing for suicide. What I am arguing for is comedy itself. When start saying we can't joke about one thing, we say then we can't joke about the next thing and so on until there is nothing left but maybe Jim Gaffigan. So, make a joke, get a laugh, discuss suicide in the light. Keep joking because through comedy we find the truth. Through comedy we become better. Through comedy, a new, better world full of laughter, joy and stupid jokes about suicide is found. All I want is a brighter world and if I can joke about the darkness maybe I can keep it out.

Rylan Rowsey // Sophomore, Chemistry