Jessica Garcia

Professor Hall

Eng 1101

April, 27, 2019

Suicide is described to be a very difficult topic but it is important and necessary to talk about.  According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States”, some problems that often contribute to suicide are related to relationships, substance use, physical health, job conditons, abuse, trauma or housing stress. After the tragedy of losing a loved one due to suicide it is devastating for family and friends. Therapist Mark Redwood explained “that for someone in grief they may experience feelings of guilt which is very common” (Redwood). Guilt comes from the belief that we should have, or could have done something to prevent that person from turning to suicide. Learning more about what might lead to suicide may help prevent further tragedies from happening but if it couldn’t be prevented, you are always informed.

Robert Bryson Hall II some may know him as Logic, grew up in poverty in suburban Maryland. In his album Everybody released on May 5, 2017 , he confronts the challenges with identity that he experienced growing up and announces it as a piece about race in America that is explored through the lens of Logic’s biracial identity. His father is an African-American, while his mother is Caucasian but he lived a troubled childhood because both of his parents were alcoholic and addicted to drugs. Ahead of the release he explained,  “It’s about me being black and white, seeing life from two sides, and about that cultural evolution and how you can go from the darkest of skin to the lightest of skin” (Logic), he focuses on issues and the importance of privilege, equality or racism in America. In Logic’s interview discussing anxiety, depression and education his famous motto is “The fight for everyone regardless of race, religion, color and sexual orientation and against racism, oppression, discrimination, and sexual orientation” but in his music he also touches on depression, anxiety and suicide. You may remember from your history class the quote “All men are created equal”, stated on the Declaration Of Independence that regardless of race or ethnicity we must be held to be equal. It’s important to point out the issue that although we may be born equal we are not being treated equally therefore there must be change.
Throughout his album he discusses his race and experiences because he is proud of who he is but he also seems to be rapping from different perspectives. Logic focuses on “the fight for equality” because in society we aren’t treated equally. One of the songs in his album that I believe had most impact would be “ 1-800-273-8255”, that has in fact saved many people’s lives. It is clear that there is a transition from “ I don’t wanna be alive” to “ I finally wanna be alive”. The name of the song is the number of The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He raps from the perspective of a gay man who is struggling with his sexuality and is trying to find acceptance within himself specifically but he is scared about coming out to this family.

In the music video it took a dark turn when the truth comes out, the boy’s father finds out that he is gay and the boy runs away from home. His dad doesn’t accept the way his son identifies himself leading to the phrase “ I don’t wanna be alive” while the boy is calling the hotline. In school he is bullied adding on top of the fact that his own dad doesn’t support him. In the phrase “ I know I’m hurting deep down but can’t show it “, the idea of isolating yourself and putting on a fake smile to fool others that you are okay when in reality you aren’t. He is shown sleeping in a small corner even sleeping through classes, his track coach reaches to his dad because he notices that he is not getting any sleep even buys him food. The only one noticing that the boy isn’t okay is the track coach. The phrase also lets the listener feel connected, having the power to inspire the listener to call the hotline because they feel exactly the same. Later on the boy is shown running home to get the gun, crying because he realizes what he is going to leave behind, the love for track and his family but is also overwhelmed with his surroundings. The ending of the song delivers a message of hope, “You don’t gotta die, I want you to be alive,” told from the perspective of the person offering emotional support, the operator giving the reasons to why he should live.  At the end it fast forwards to the future where the young boy is a man marrying the love of his life and says “ I finally wanna be alive, I don’t wanna die today”, calling the hotline had saved his life and allowed him to experience what his life had in store for him, learning to make the most of the present.

On April 28, 2017, the day the song was released, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline received 4,573 calls. It was the second-highest total in the organization’s history, after the day Robin Williams died. Logic wanted to reach out to those that are struggling, depressed or  have suicidal thoughts. Reaching out to the public letting them know that if they relate and feel the same way that help does exist because their life is worth living.

In the 2017 VMAs, he performed “1-800” and used his platform to send out a positive message and let others know about the truth even if it hurts because in reality there are people struggling and feel alone. According to the director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, giving phone numbers where help is available is an important first step because media and public figures are big influencers. The tone is serious because on one hand he is talking about suicide which should be taken seriously but he also wants to spread awareness. During his performance he is joined by suicide survivors and individuals who lost loved ones due to suicide wearing shirts with the hotline number and “ You are not alone”  making the message clear. Psychiatrist Jeffery Barenstein stated “Silence can have tragic results but knowledge can save lives” (Barenstein). It’s important to let people know that if you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope and help you find a way out when you feel trapped.

Works Cited 

“Who Is Logic? Everything You Need to Know.” Logic (Sir Robert Bryson Hall) Biography – Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements of Rapper

“Home.” Lifeline

“Why Guilt Is so Common after a Bereavement.” Counselling Directory