After watching the video, I have to write a reflection paper answering the following questions, doing my best to use sociological terms and definitions when they are applicable.

These are the questions:

1. What did the work of sociologist Emilie Durkeim on suicide rates contribute to our understanding of suicide? 2. What do you think is the most valuable part of Talon and his mother’s message? 3. Thinking about pressure of impression management, how do you think this affected Talon before his almost-attempted suicide and his reluctance to go into the mental hospital? 4. Were you surprised at how many people in the audience responded that they were personally affected by suicide? If so, why? If not, why? 5. Suicide is often called a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Why do you think people who attempt suicide and fail usually always report that they immediately regret their attempt, as Talon’s mother mentioned in her talk about people who have jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and survived? 6. Why do you think Talon watching the girl jump from the building made him choose to stop his attempt? 7. Comment on the idea of Max Weber’s Iron Cage and discuss why you think this does or does not apply to people who are suicidal. 8. What do you think about the fact that Talon appeared to be happy and positive to all who knew him before his decision to end his life? 9. Research what to say or do if you or someone you know is suicidal, and write about what you learned.