by Annalyn Andriyenko

Created on: October 15, 2009

This is an age old question that has brought doubts, controversy, vivid opinions and debate through centuries. Is the act of committing death to one's self truly an act of cowardice? Or is it vigilance? Back in older periods of Japan such as the Edo period, the act of the suicide was prevalent in the world and social structure of the samurai, it was a way to honor one's self and to be free of the riddled problems and hardships of their life. Suicide bombers came around centuries later, known as kamikaze during World War II. They flew planes into their enemy's as act of honor for their country.

Not only is Japan know for this act, but many other countries and cultures may see it as defining one's self, seeing it as a sacrifice for their land. Giving up their life for their country. Some may not even notice it, but this can also pertain to the military, a soldier of any caliber heading out to war is aware of the issues and hardship they must face. Although it is not suicide by their own hand, they are willing to die for their country, it is a form of patriotism.

But what if someone wants to die at their own hand, wants to end their life over some troubling issues, some issues they feel will all melt away once they leave this world. Well, it is not the best way of thinking, and many people do not condone with it. It is but a very foolish proceeding and a selfish one at that. Let's use an example, a person who has all the glory, a good relationship with family and friends who care for this person deeply. But this person has a devastating secret they do not wish to share with them, they feel like giving up.

With out a single word, they commit the act of suicide before any of their friends and family get a chance for one last word, one last goodbye. What if you were put in that position with someone you cared about who just randomly had done such a thing? You'd feel very bitter, angry, confused, and most of all depressed and saddened by the sudden lost of a loved one. Killing one's self is so self seeking, in that it hurts others around them. Thinking first before acting upon it is the only way before going to that level.

Thinking what loved ones would feel if such an act was committed, it truthfully shows that yes, people do care. No matter who you are, where you come from, losing yourself would affect someone out there. Committing suicide is the most foolish thing any one could ever obligate. No questions asked, it hurts others deeply and is a true sign of giving up in the lowest ways possible.

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