For Jamey

[TheBigotBasher]

Run time: 08:20 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aER4KfBvpwA   Posted on YouTube: September 25, 2011 By YouTube Member: monstermemoirs Views on YouTube: 22197   Posted on DU: September 26, 2011 By DU Member: TheBigotBasher Views on DU: 1356

 
The latest victim of homophobic bullying was buried today. Lady Gaga paid him a moving and heartfelt tribute. She dedicated an updated version of her song, which itself is a tribute to self-expression “Hair” to Jamey.

Jamey was only 14. He committed suicide last weekend after being bullied at his school in Buffalo, New york.

She said Jamey was “not a victim but a lesson to all of us.”

[Grassy Knoll]

1. Outstanding, RIP Jamey. n/t

[WhoIsNumberNone]

2. I know she meant well, but this sort of thing sets a bad precedent

Put yourself in the mindset of a teenager who's thinking seriously about killing himself. The thought of your idol acknowledging your existence by posthumously dedicating a song to you -in front of thousands of other fans, no less- could seem like a pretty compelling reason to go through with it.

[MrMickeysMom]

3. I don't think so....

I believe what drives people, in particular, the very young to off themselves is the amount of pain they are in, with no options to make it stop any other way.

It's not for the 15 minutes of fame.

[TheBigotBasher]

4. I agree with you.

It is the seemingly inescapable pain that drives people to suicide not some desire to get a moment of celebrity status.

[WhoIsNumberNone]

6. It's not celebrity status

It's acknowledgment of and sympathy for your pain by your peers. Something suicidal kids typically don't get while they're alive.

[WhoIsNumberNone]

5. I guess your high school experience was better than mine

Maybe you didn't have to deal with the unrelenting abuse of a whole school full of humans who delighted in reminding you that you weren't one of them.

Well I did.

So you can believe me when I say that I'm well acquainted with the workings of the suicidal teenage mind. And while the perceived endorsement of a rockstar wouldn't have been enough for me, I can easily imagine it being enough for some. Not by itself, but when one has lost hope, it would certainly make it that much easier.

[MrMickeysMom]

8. I don't think a rockstar would be perceived to be "endorsing" this act

... Rather, it's the tragedy of being shunned. I was shunned, too. I'm about go to a high school reunion, not to face anything in particular, but to simple experience where people go from that point in life.

I didn't feel included, either. And later on in life, I can tell you that I identify with what this kid may have gone through. I believe LGG is trying her best to highlight this perception for those in the audience who might have the need to be reached.

I think it does more good, and my experience in high school is still MY perception, as is yours. We are both somewhere else in the evolution of our personality now, I think.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. I will take your word for it.

Love Gaga!