“No Laughing Matter”

Internet image. 

A reflection on the death of Robin Williams 
(and a possible introduction to a sermon on Matthew 15:21-28) 
by Magdalena I. García

On August 11, 2014, Robin Williams, an American actor and comedian who had struggled with depression throughout his life, as well as  with cocaine and alcohol addiction, was found dead after committing suicide by hanging himself. Williams was 63, and he died at his home in Paradise Cay near the town of Tiburon, California.

His successful career included multiple awards and such acclaimed films as The World According to Garp (1982), Good Morning, Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Awakenings (1990), The Fisher King (1991), and Good Will Hunting (1997), as well as financial successes such as Popeye (1980), Hook (1991), Aladdin (1992), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), Jumanji (1995), The Birdcage (1996), Night at the Museum (2006), and Happy Feet (2006).[1]

On the morning after his tragic death, the word of this untimely loss was at the top of all newscasts. Newspaper headlines announced the tragedy, and reported progress on the investigation to establish the official cause of his death. Radio talk shows replayed old interviews with Williams, and hosted medical experts to discuss depression. Facebook was inundated with images of his life and expressions of collective mourning.

And yet, this outpouring of emotion, appropriate as it may be, raises questions about our society and its values. Why is it easier for us to be overcome with grief at the isolated death of a celebrity than at the daily killing of children and youth in our cities and in other parts of the world? Why is a death in Hollywood more important than one in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, or on the streets of Gaza? Why are some lives more valuable than others?

Robin Williams was a funny man, no doubt about that. But the questions raised by our reaction to his death are no laughing matter.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams