Conversation

Bit of metacommentary but I want to make a point on a poigniant political act from a place of real world experience.

I have a very dear friend who committed suicide by cop as an act of political martyrdom.

For some reasons I irrationally felt partly responsible.

There was a strong push to celebrate their martyrdom from around the left.

I did some media interviews following along with this. Respecting their choice and agency, trying to push away my own sadness and guilt, and to go with the more comfortable and safe left celebration of this "act of heroism."

But having some distance, I know how sad and tragic the events of their life was in the months and weeks before this. I know they had a bleak and desolate view of their future life that felt unbearable.

And while I want to still honor this choice, it wasn't the amazing pure act of heroic valor everyone wanted it to be.

The political content of this suicide didn't make it any less tragic and sad than any other suicide.