Was Robin Williams a coward for killing himself?

1. 85

   Stevennix2001posted 7 years ago

   Before anyone starts to bash me for this topic, I would like to point out that I am NOT calling Robin Williams a coward by any means.  If anything, I too was upset by his death, as he was one of the main reasons why I got into movies to begin with.  Hell, even during some of his bad ones, I still managed to enjoy them on some basic level; which is why my heart goes out to his friends and family that are suffering during this time.
   
   However, the reason I bring this up is because Shep Smith of Fox News implied that Robin Williams was a coward for killing himself.  Granted, he did apologize for it, but that didn't stop other people like Rush Limbaugh chiming in about how liberals are never happy about anything, and then goes on to insult Robin Williams. 
   
   I'll be honest with you guys.   I don't give a rat's a** what guys like Rush Limbaugh think about anything, as his opinion (along with Howard Stern's) are worth less than dog s*** to me.  If you honestly listen to Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh talk on their radio shows, they just like saying controversial crap that they  know will probably piss some people off because by pissing you off, it makes you want to listen to their show if only to find out what they're saying; hence giving them attention.
   
   Unlike the rest of us, they see any kind of attention as being good; whether it be good or bad.
   
   However, when i read through some of the comments on the young turks news report on this, it seems like quite a few people actually do think Robin Williams was a coward.  In fact, I even talked to quite a few people  that have told me they feel the same way.  I won't say their names for privacy reasons, but I do disagree with them wholeheartedly.
   
   Although these people are entitled to their opinions, I don't think he was a coward because truthfully...nobody really knows what his life was like.  Sure, it's easy for us to say some ignorant crap like, "Oh he's rich and famous.  Plus he has a loving wife and kid. boo f**king hoo.  cry me a river.  it's not like he couldn't cry himself into his piles of money."  However, we don't know what these celebrities go through on a day to day basis.  We don't know what it's like to constantly have all our actions recorded by the media to where we little to no privacy if at all like most of these celebrities go through..
   
   Sure, it's easy for us to say from a distance that he was happy with his family, but was he?  We don't know.   The reality is we only know what the media has told us about his family and lifestyle thus far.  For all we know, Robin Williams might've had problems that would've driven almost anyone insane over the years.  We don't know.
   
   I will say that I will certainly miss Robin Williams, as I consider him one of the best actors of all time.  As far as his death being cowardly or not, I don't think it really matters because at the end of the day... we lost a great actor and comedian that has brought so much joy to a lot of people.  Does it really matter how he died?  Yes, it's sad that he would kill himself, and my heart goes out to his loved ones.  However, we shouldn't be squabbling over whether or not his death was cowardly because it doesn't matter.  The point is he died, and we should be honoring him for the great man that he was in life. .  May he forever rest in peace, but what are your thoughts on this?  Do you think he was a coward?  Or do you think that Shep Smith never should've said what he said to begin with.  What are your thoughts?
   
   By the way if you all want some more info on this, then here's a few links:
   
   
   The Young Turks news report on this:
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9DLKxGJTk0
   
   Fox News original video clip where Shep Smith says his controversial statement about Robin Williams:
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruCWFk9vdRI
   
   Rush Limbaugh attacks Robin Williams and the entire Democratic party.  Do not watch if you're easily offended:
   
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNQFa9AM5MI

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      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Williams WASN'T a coward at all.  HOW DARE Shep say this.  Mr. Williams was in an acute depression and had money worries.  His tv series was cancelled.  He also was undergoing rehabilitation.  He was in a very dark place emotionally and the poor man saw no other way out.  That is unforfunate because he had family and friends who loved him.  He also had fans who idolized him.  It is a shame that a great icon like Mr. Williams would take his life.  Mr. Williams still HAD things to do.  What a horrific loss to this world on the passing of this great legend!
      

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         Stevennix2001posted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Well I'm not going to disagree with you, but Shep did apologize though for his comments, for what it's worth, he sounded sincere in his apology.  Although I think what Rush Limbaugh said was by far worse if you ask me...

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            gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            What you have eloquently stated is so true.  Mr. Williams was a gift to this world, a beautiful gift.  He made us laugh and made us cry.  He had that rare comedic genius which is unsurpassed.  Jonathan Winters had it and so did Jerry Lewis.   Mr. Williams will be missed immensely not only by Hollywood but by his fans.   The other day I was thinking of him and his stand ups, asking myself what other stand up comedy will he produce.  He is one of the great comedians and social commentators.  The great George Carlin died albeit not by suicide.  The great ones die so young.
            

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         Rod Marsdenposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Robin Williams will be missed by a lot of people. That's all we really need to know.

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      MarleneBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I can't imagine living my life like a celebrity. To have every move I make photographed, video graphed, and discussed in the news and all the social media channels would be difficult for me to bear. I can't imagine sitting down to dine with my family and having the world make judgments on whether or not the bacon I had for breakfast this morning was hearty or harmful to animals. I can't imagine never being able to get a break from the media and the world. However, I can imagine it is difficult for celebrities. I don't know how they endure it and stay sane at the same time. I admire Robin Williams for all that he accomplished in his life. I am sad that he is no longer with us on this earth. I don't think he was a coward for ending his life. I believe he was simply at the end of his tolerance level for whatever it was that he was dealing with. There is physical pain and suffering that comes along with depression. None of us really know how heavy his burden was and how much he tolerated before he threw in the towel and said, "Enough!" We all say we would never do such a thing. But, the truth is, we never know until we get to that place where we have to make that "in the moment" decision between continuing the pain or ending the pain. Sometimes, it can come down to that one simple decision. We mustn't judge people for the things we do not know. I pray that Robin Williams is resting in peace now.

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      bethperryposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think it is fair of anyone to jump to such a conclusion. Unless we know the individual intimately, we know nothing about what might compel them to end their life. Shep jumped to an awful and very unfair judgment, but yes, he apologized. I can forgive someone that realizes their own faults. But if Rush Limbaugh is riding the slam-Robin-Williams bandwagon, he's once more proving what a manipulating hypocrite he can be.

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   The Berbposted 7 years ago

   It is an ignorant and incredibly insensitive question to pose.  If one has never been touched by depression, one should learn something about it before making judgements on those who suffer from it.

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      gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      +1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 in TOTAL AGREEMENT!

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      ahorsebackposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Absolutely correct !

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      Stevennix2001posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Are you saying that im insensitive and ignorant for starting this thread?  If that's the case then its fairly obvious you didn't read my entire original post which is a lot more ignorant if you ask me

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         Sed-meposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I dont think that's what he saying. You stated from the beginning it wasn't your question.

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            Stevennix2001posted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah that's true.  Sorry I was at work during my lunch break when I read his post, so I must've misread it because I was in a bit of a hurry.  My apologies to "The Berb."

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      SassySue1963posted 7 years agoin reply to this

      How about how the family members are touched by a suicide?
      
      A close friend of mine took his own life two years ago. Leaving behind a wife and a son. I have seen first hand the devastation left in the wake of his decision.
      
      While I wouldn't call anyone who committed suicide a coward, and I understand there is depression, sometimes substance abuse contributing, it is at its core somewhat a selfish act. There is no thought given to those being left behind to deal with the aftermath, confusion and guilt. Because there is always guilt.
      
      How didn't I know? What did I do? or What didn't I do?
      
      Even after two years, those questions still haunt my friend's family and they are forever damaged.
      
      That doesn't make my friend less than he was, a good friend, quick with a smile, kind to everyone. That also doesn't make his last act any less selfish.

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         Jean Bakulaposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         That's a tough question. I agree it must devastate the family, and make them wonder what they could have done. But I didn't live in his shoes, and we can't understand the depths of pain a person who would take such desperate action would go to.
         
         I didn't realize Robin Williams was the only child of parents who lived in a 40 room mansion, who basically ignored him. He passed his time as a child by trying to make the servants laugh. He was one of my favorite comedians, but it was easy to see his vulnerable side. In the days after his passing, it was most obvious if you watch the You Tube clip from when he won the Oscar for Good Will Hunting. He looks like a shy little boy as he walks to the stage, and doesn't "warm up" and act like his usual self until later in his speech.
         
         It must be difficult to have to act all the time. Apparently he was already hanging for quite some time and his wife never even bothered to go in his room to see him before she went out for the day. His personal assistant found him. So psychologists say we marry our mothers or fathers, and for Robin, I guess that was true. I'm not saying he probably wasn't a handful to deal with, because he must have been. It was well known he struggled with drugs for many years. I hope his soul finds peace, and am glad he made us laugh for the time he was here.

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         Aime Fposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I think it's incredibly unfair to assume that the person didn't give thought to their family/loved ones before making the decision. I think it's important to note that when someone doesn't value themselves or what they have to offer, it is incredibly difficult for them to see how much they truly mean to others. Someone suffering from severe depression might think they're doing their family a favour by leaving. Objectively it may be very obvious that it isn't true, but people who commit suicide aren't thinking objectively.
         
         People who contemplate suicide are also generally unable to see their 'future selves'. Meaning they can't imagine themselves in another time when things are better. That suggests, to me, that they likely also have a problem really understanding how their actions will affect their loved ones in the future.
         
         I understand why people think it's selfish but I think it's kind of a dangerous statement. For anyone who is considering suicide, hearing "it's so selfish" or "it's cowardly" isn't going to make them any better. If anything, it might make them feel even worse for considering it. We need to find a line somewhere between glamorizing it and demonizing it, where we just acknowledge that it's a disease and a problem and offer whatever support is needed without judgment.

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            Jean Bakulaposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Well said. I think mental health issues don't get the respect or attention they deserve. To feel so bad about your life that you think it would be better to end it, you have to be suffering terribly. You wouldn't be able to be objective. Your own pain would have to be so overwhelming there was no way you would think about how it would affect others. Or as you said, the person may feel like a burden to those who love him/her.

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   Sed-meposted 7 years ago

   Suicide is a selfish act. It is the quickest way out, leaving our loved ones to carry the pain that we couldn't bear ourselves. We all know suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, but until we can walk in someone else's shoes, how could we possibly know the depths of despair they were living with?
   
   The Berb said it best. When a tragedy like this happens, what is the point of judging and finger wagging? Where is the compassion? Some ppl were born without empathy. They should not be allowed a microphone.

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   psycheskinnerposted 7 years ago

   I am not going to judge a man I never even met.

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      Rod Marsdenposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Right on! Neither am I! I will, however, appreciate his movies.

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   SageCantonposted 7 years ago

   Anyone who considers suicide selfish has not directly experienced the pain and isolation that proceeds this act. Rather than judging and further ostracizing people who suffer, we need to have compassion and offer support.

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      Sed-meposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      It actually is a selfish act, especially if you have children... if you were referring to my post. But you should read the post to the end, b/c other than your first statement... I agree with you wholeheartedly.
      
      I just read this quote by Pastor Rob Pochek. It's perfect.
      
      "Let us not make sweeping generalizations about suicide. Let us be clear that sadness and sorrow at the loss of one made in the image of God is right. Let us be clear that mourning and grieving the loss of a husband and father is right. And let us be clear that, except for the grace of God, there go I." http://www.robpochek.blogspot.com/2014/ … liams.html

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   SageCantonposted 7 years ago

   Of course he wasn't a coward. Suicide has nothing to do with cowardice. Imagine you were holding a weight too heavy for your arm to bear and it eventually broke. Does that mean your arm is weak? No - it just means the weight was too heavy. People who take their own lives are burdened with pain that simply breaks them. They aren't cowards.

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   Kathryn L Hillposted 7 years ago

   If he could have lived in some amount of peace and happiness he would not have ended his life. I am talking about the peace and happiness we are born with: The physical ability to be happy provided by the perfect nervous system. Most babies are born with joy of life. With a perfectly working brain and psyche we all experience basic feelings of well-being on a fairly consistent level.
   
   BUT, when we tamper with the brain and psyche by flooding the blood stream with mind altering substances, or by expecting way too much of ourselves… we diminish our chances for well-being.
   
   In fact, some of those who resort to alcohol, pot, coke, heroin and pharmaceuticals, DESTROY the ability to experience the natural sense of well-being they were born with. When they experience more than what they can handle on a nervous system level, whether fame, fortune, or creative genius, they go overboard. Then, they are swimming, swimming... never on dry land and drowning in stormy seas of endless turbulence and terror. We will never know their hallucinations, their urges to scream from hysteria based on a total lack relief for their psyche/soul!
   
   It is beyond even discussing. We will never know. He did not write down what he was going through.
   
   MY words to the wise: Don't screw around with your brain /nervous system… no matter how depressed/ hyper or insomniatic you think you are. Just learn to deal with it naturally. You can do it. I have known many who refused to take pharmaceuticals and worked through their issues. There is a light at the end of the tunnel if you work with the nervous system as it was designed.
   Rest, sleep, work in balance.
   Be thankful for what you have. You don't have to be great.
   Leave that to God.
   TWISI

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   jmoboy1posted 7 years ago

   I think Robin Williams was actually a very brave man. He tried to battle his demons by attending counselling, rehab and the like. That must have taken a lot of guts.
   How can anyone call him a coward, when few knew just how much he was suffering in private?
   R.I.P. to a brave a tragic figure, who will be forever remembered for his genius.

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      Sed-meposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      One of the saddest things is that he remained sober for 20 years before drinking again. Addiction AND depression... such a massive battle.

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         gmwilliamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         It is a massive battle.   Depression and alcoholism are quite hellish conditions to endure separately but in conjunction, such conditions are beyond hellish.  There is one word to describe such conditions-the 9th circle of hell.  Nothing is so hellish abysmal than to endure depression and alcoholism.   It is a black beyond the blackest black.
         

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            Sed-meposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Yeah... I wrote a hub about it on my old profile.

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   word55posted 7 years ago

   Leave him be. He served society as he should have. Leave him be. There's no place here for judgements.

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    lone77starposted 7 years ago

    I heard one independent researcher (Stefan Molyneux) who related on his YouTube channel compelling evidence that it was not a suicide and that Mr. Williams had accidentally killed himself during an act of sexual self-gratification -- getting a bigger high from self-induced asphyxiation which went tragically wrong.
    
    This puts quite a different spin on things. When people are embarrassed, they tend to protect their egos by lying. I don't know what happened, but I would not be surprised if Mr. Molyneux is correct.
    
    If Robin Williams had committed suicide, it would have been the height of selfishness. Suicide is the most self-concerned action anyone can take. It has "me, me, me" written all over it. Suicide is an abomination and a coward's act, but apparently Robin Williams did not do this.
    
    Anyone contemplating suicide has my love and compassion, but following through with the urge is a coward's act. Facing life and putting self-concern behind you are heroic. Loving others despite your own suffering is saintly.
    
    One of my high school teachers thought suicide was a cute lifestyle choice. I despised him for even thinking it. Saying it to a room full of teenagers was criminal.
    
    I love Robin Williams. His work, compassion and love remain an inspiration for us all. Whatever the truth behind his demise, I send him only love. May he find rest and spiritual growth, wherever he is.

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    healinghands1668posted 6 years ago

    Is a man who jumps out a window because his clothes are on fire a coward? Absolutely not. Would there have been nonlethal ways to ease that pain? Most likely. But when you're in that much pain, you can't always think clearly. And because depression can be almost invisible, help can be harder to come by.

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    brimancandyposted 5 years ago

    I recall seeing a Robin Williams interview after he made the movie "The Bird cage". He said that he got all kinds of calls from reporters and people he knew asking him if he was gay. he said it was very strange, and you could tell that he was very upset by it. I remember he said that when he played Mork  on Mork and Mindy nobody asked him if he was an Alien. He said that people had the wrong perception of him, and that it made him very upset.
    
    The critics were also pretty hard on him on movies that he made the last few years of his life. They were saying that he lost his edge, and he wasn't the same Robin Williams everyone knew.
    
    As for  Rush A-hole and Howard turd. I could care less what they have to say.the only thing will shut them up is knock out gas and duck tape. the put the in a locked room together, and see how long it takes before they start screaming let me oujt!! I can't stand this Ass hole!

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    ahorsebackposted 5 years ago

    I really find it amazing that living people call  those who take their own lives cowards but  I also find it  pretty insensitive  to be critical of anyone for anything ,anyways  !  Unless its done so absolutely  in a constructive way ,  And it can be . Unless you have ever suffered severe  depression or anxiety  you simply cannot know the cost of such a decision.   To call a dead person a coward for choosing such  a way to die is both insensitive and  immature.   Those of you who are so  hypocritical  remind me that we call many ailments today a "sickness "  , yet attempted or successful suicide isn't that ?

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    AnnaDanishekposted 5 years ago

    To my mind everyone has a right to do with his life anything he wants.

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