I get your point. But this young man didn't pose for anything. I would be devistated.

Similarly, I thought part 2 was note worthy indeed, but they are two different situations. Not that the boy's actions were justified, but his life was turned inside out and he might not have had anyone to help him recover.

COMPLETELY different situations.

It's one thing to pose for photos, and another to have intimate moments broadcast on the internet.

Vanessa Williams was accustomed to being in the public eye... not that she wasn't mortified, I'm sure she was.

But this young man was (as I understand it) a shy and private person.

Yeah, I agree that there are definately better options.

The video can be removed by court of law, and the two kids that did it could have been charged. While still devastating, the matter could have been brought under control. He had such talent and was so bright, I'm sure he could have gone far in life.

And ya know, homosexuality exists, and people really should just get use to that. I don't care what someone does sexually with another person, no matter if they are straight or gay, making babies, married, single, whatever. I don't care.

And who's the sicko taping someone having sex? Isn't that sociopathic. I'm not a doctor. If anyone should be embaressed it should be the peeping tom.

It is difficult to stand up with squared shoulders, and walk around with your head up after secrets are disclosed.

I wish people would remember how quickly things blow over, and how soon people are on to the next scandal.

I think it would be good for teens to be instructed in coping skills for when life goes down the toilet...as it does now and then for us all.

How we deal with these things is key, screwed up shit happens to everybody, but not everyone rolls over and gives up.
You never know what can happen in your life, things change quickly....

nice and thought provoking. *hugs*

I remember the V. Williams scandal now that you brought it up. I don't think anyone thinks about it at all today unless reminded.

All in all, I don't think the situation is the same. Yes, there is not good reason for suicide but who knows the pain that another person cadn handle.

No victims, only volunteers. Both of these people progressed forward with their animal instincts. But both were in the public eye, and both were crowned with a position, particularly Miss Williams, that exuded a rather wholesome image, which was, of course, shattered, by the nude, lesbian photos.

Secrecy is the shroud of pain. I guess the lesson here is, don't do anything that you wouldn't want to confess before everyone and almighty God.

"I guess the lesson here is, don't do anything that you wouldn't want to confess before everyone and almighty God."

I disagree.

I disagree as well. The young man was having a private sexual relationship. Most of us humans have these. While I am not ashamed of mine, I would not want my sexual life on video for anyone to view either. AND I am an adult person. This was a very young person. Vanessa Williams made a choice that came back to haunt her-she lived with it and more power to her. The young man made no such choice to make himself public. People invaded his privacy (illegally) and then posted his private life to amuse themselves. These are eveil people and they deserve whatever punishment is dealt to them. I hope they do blame themselves for his death, they're responsible for it.

I am surprised at some of the responses. As I recall, an acquintance convinced Williams to have some pictures taken and she thought little of it. She did not agree to pose for a national magazine. However because they acquired the pictures with a release, they could publicly embarass her.

But even if this was her fault, why does that change things. One would think she would have a harder time getter over what happened if she caused her own problems.

My point, was that whether others caused the problem or her own action were the cause, she was able to forgive herself and take steps to address the problem. In the end while temporarily embarassing, it probably brought her into the public limelight, and unintentionally helped make her a star.

Sometimes life does that, we don't get to chart out our path, fate sometimes points us in different directions.

Perhaps religion teaches that. Moses was a man with a lisp, somehow placed in Pharoah's palace. He asked G-d why did you pick me of all people to help free the slaves.

Some things we cause, and sometimes we are placed in tough situations by fate. The two stories teach us that we need to try to make the best of what occurred, regardless of whether we caused the problem or other's did. And sometimes when we work hard though a tough situation, goods things happen.

Koolman,
What exactly does your post mean?

"........... guess the lesson here is, don't do anything that you wouldn't want to confess before everyone and almighty God........."

I'm not being sarcastic or sardonic or mean. I just really need to understand your message.

I hope you are not implying that the poor boy who committed suicide was wrong because he did something he shouldn't do before God.

I think I'm wrong, but I would love it if you would clarify.

Thanks,
Bridget

The point is tough things happen. You have to do your best and sometimes good can come from adversity.

For the poor Rutgers student, he needed to realistically evaluate the situation, perhaps seek professional help. He might have realized that while telling your parents you are gay is hard, it can be done and they will have to live with it. Perhaps a transfer was needed to a new school, or taking a year off. I felt very bad for him because I had been bullied. While it is hard to think clearly in a stressful situation, you need to try and realize that clear thinking, taking steps to address problems, can help improve your life and address your problems.