CVP 6

CVP 6: CRITICAL LENSES

Part 1 Descriptive Lenses
Descriptive lenses are things “we can experience with our senses” such as touch, smell, taste, and hear. Visual arts and performing arts are apart of our descriptive lenses. Particularly the performing arts stands out to me when discussing my topic which is Suicide and what exactly leads people to commit suicide when they become overwhelmed with depression. In my opinion, film can have an effect on people who are dealing with depression. Watching movie about suicidal characters or characters dealing with the same problems they are, can influence those on the verge of suicide to commit the act. Movies also give viewers the perspective of other people involved including the suppressed. As we watch a film who addresses this subject, we can see different points of view as opposed to just our own when living in real time. When looking through this particular lens, I begin to wonder exactly how much effect television and movies have on people who are socially or mentally ill. Does this false world give people hope? Does it cause them to become more depressed?  How many people have committed suicide over something they have watched through performing arts? An example that I found was from the movie Shawshank Redemption. In this movie, Brooks, a main character, is released from prison after serving 50 years. When he is released on parole the overwhelming environment around him and his lack of connection to the world leads him to commit suicide only days after his release. Perhaps many people can relate to Brooks in the sense that they feel a lack of connection to the real world.

Part 1: EVALUATIVE LENSES
According to our lesson, Evaluative lenses focus on what is in the background that influences how you describe and interpret things. “When one is able to unlock the past and to get to the origin or source of an idea, one has the power to change it.” For my assignment I will be focusing mainly on the Philosophy portion of this lens. “philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning subjects such as existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind and language.” I chose this particular lens because I believe the way you speak to a certain individual as well as how you react to their behaviors can have a significant impact on a person. An example of this is when parents belittle their children or use verbal abuse. The lack of ability to communicate in a supportive and loving manner can lead a child to become depressed and less vocal about their feelings. Children lack a sense of rationality and perhaps hear of suicide and commit suicide not knowing the actual outcome of their actions is death. On April 16, 2013 a young boy at the age of 13 in Palmdale, CA, who was allegedly bullied was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. I believe it is our job as parents to consistently be apart of our children's’ lives and to be able to communicate with young children to understand their feelings and to help them cope with their surroundings. Not only is it important to listen, and discuss feelings, but it is equally important to observe the actions of loved ones around us. Just because they say everything is okay, does not mean that it is. We must make it our duty to notice what is not being said and why they are avoiding this particular conversation. This lens brings several questions up such as “Were their warning signs?” “Was this suicide preventable?” “What was the cause of the suicide?”

Part 1: INTERPRETIVE LENSES
Interpretive Lenses focuses on language and communication and the importance of language to communicate with one another. Communication is the process of sending messages from one person to another whether it is through body language, words, or vocality. I chose to deal with this specific portion of the interpretive lenses because it is important to communicate with friends and family members if you become depressed or suicidal. Typically, when a person is either of these things, their communication skills are minimal but subtly present. Although a person may not be able to have the strength to admit they’re depressed or having suicidal thoughts, body language may also be key to awareness. People have the ability to communicate through non-verbal communication which can make it easier to understand how a person is really feelings. Their bodily gestures, facial expressions, lack of eye contact, or physical appearance can show family members and friends a side of them that is not being expressed through vocality. This particular lens can open up several  questions as to “were their warning signs?” “Was there proper communication through both parties?” and “What was said or done that could have prevented the suicide?” By understanding the importance of communication, we can begin to see past what is merely said to the world, and look beyond. When speaking with individuals who admit to being depressed and seek counseling or other help, perhaps we could find out whether or not they tried to express their feelings to others.