suicide

[sinikalragdoll]

Our local radio station has a #bangene campaign in effect due to the comments of Gene Simmons regarding depression and suicide. Although I support freedom of speech, I feel that Gene has gone too far as his opinions could influence others who are so deeply depressed to the point where suicide is considered an option. With such social influence

Comments

[twirl_madly]

You are so brave for sharing that. Thank you. I've always felt that suicide attempt survivors and all of us who have made it to our breaking point are a serious source in the study and healing within the suicide prevention community. I've written about it before, but I think it was on facebook...

I've not heard Gene Simmon's opinions, but I'll keep an ear out in some kind of sick curiosity.

Thank you for sharing your story. *hugs if you want them*

[tashiro]

There's a thing here though. This isn't about freedom of speech, this is about the consequences of speech. Gene was fully within his right to say what he wanted, but we're fully within our right to ban him from the public venue.

It seems, often, that people believe the 1st Amendment protects you from the consequences of your speech - and it doesn't. It prevents government censorship, but that's as far as it goes. Private businesses, like radio stations, are fully justified in hosing him for what he's said.

And yeah, I'm fully backing the idea of kicking him off the air.