There's A Problem With Glorifying Celebrities After Suicide | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

There's A Problem With Glorifying Celebrities After Suicide

914
There's A Problem With Glorifying Celebrities After Suicide
Suran Photography

Chester Bennington's suicide coincides with his friend's birthday. That friend, Chris Cornell, also hung himself back in May. Some believe Cornell's death might have been what pushed Bennington over the edge, but there's no way of knowing for sure, of course.

Yet if there's the chance that he did, why would he choose to go the same way? Did he ignore the fact that his own death would cause others that same pain he battled?


What drives people to suicide is something I can't understand. But, there's a problem with celebrities who commit suicide.

It's when people say things say like, "What Bennington leaves behind, Pinfield says, is a body of work that will impact generations of musicians to come."

It's articles like this, I believe, that enable suicidal people.

Basically, if you end your life, we'll write about the legacy you'll leave behind and everything will be okay.

Yeah, no — try again. What about the impact Bennington's death will leave on his seven kids? He left behind three college-aged kids, a high schooler, a fifth grader and twin five-year-olds.

SEE ALSO: To The Person Who Calls Chester Bennington's Suicide "Selfish"

In an interview with Q104.3, Bennington shared his reason for having stopped touring with Stone Temple Pilots. The reason? It was because of his kids.

"It was just too hard on my family, so I basically was like, you know what, I’ve got to stop being selfish here. When I’m not doing Linkin Park, I’ve got to be home with my babies," Bennington said.

Bennington also left behind his goddaughter, Cornell's daughter. I can't even imagine losing my dad to suicide — only to also lose my other father figure to suicide a couple of months later.

SEE ALSO: To The Person Who Doesn't Feel Bad For Chester Bennington

But what's done is done. Instead of glorifying someone who has caused an insurmountable amount of pain on so many people, why not talk about how wrong of a decision it was?

If music wasn't fulfilling, you could have tried making a change. Instead, he fixed his own problem but then caused a ton more in the process.

Whether or not Chester knew his intentions behind his decision will remain unknown. Since I know people reading this will ask me why I didn't focus on prevention — I'm here to say that this is prevention that makes sense to me.

I hope that someone battling depression or contemplating suicide reads this and says, "Damn. That really would be a stupid thing to do."

My goal isn't to stir up anger at Bennington. I'm certainly not denying the fact he battled real issues. Instead, my goal is to change the conversation around suicide.

Stop telling everyone how many #1 billboard hits he had and start talking about how his decision has scarred thousands, probably even millions, of lives. He wasn't just a father and Linkin Park's lead singer. Chester Bennington was a role model to many.

Chester, you had a great run, but it wasn't meant to end. Life is a gift and even if you had the right to end your life, it was the most selfish thing you could have done. Your legacy has been stained, and you made the wrong decision.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1897
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16625
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3522
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments