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From: gam@amdahl.UUCP (gam)
Newsgroups: net.suicide
Subject: Re: Why society - religions - oppose ...
Message-ID: <872@amdahl.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 6-Jan-85 03:31:11 EST
Article-I.D.: amdahl.872
Posted: Sun Jan  6 03:31:11 1985
Date-Received: Tue, 8-Jan-85 03:43:21 EST
References: <1191@ihuxm.UUCP>
Organization: Blue Mouse Trailer Resort, Hellmouth, CA
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> Here's something else to kick things off:
> 
> I was wondering about society's motives to counter suicide:
> there are some socio-psychological needs that go against
> suicide, but in any case they are not nearly as clear-cut as
> those opposing incest or murder. There must have been a lot 
> written on that previously.
> Also, those needs were strong enough to manifest themselves as
> instances of divinely prohibited actions in some religions. I 
> do not have a balanced picture here, maybe someone could give
> a perspective. 
> 
>                Mike Cherepov

Well, there's the quazi-Marxist view that suicide is opposed by
oppressing capitalist (dogs) as a depletion of the exploited
workforce!

Also, if suicide is seen as a devaluation of life, it might create
disturbing questions for survivors if it is freely permitted.

Also, the basic tragedy of suicide is the lost of the life and
experiences of an individual who is appreciated by their fellow
human beings.  They no longer contribute to the diversity of
human experience.
-- 
Gordon A. Moffett		...!{ihnp4,hplabs,sun}!amdahl!gam

"Her name was McGill, and she called herself Lil, but everyone knew
 her as Nancy...."