As I checked my social media today, I saw something horrifying, and then I checked Youtube to find what I expected: an apology video. Now, most of the time I'll watch these videos and then assess the situation. But anyone who does not even bother to consider how triggering a dead body in 'Suicide Forest' is when editing will not have my views. And it only adds the question: why go there and film?
This goes out to anyone who willingly films in there and does not carefully edit their content to remain respectful to the families.
Or those that are respectful and try to keep people from directly seeing anything that could be triggering or detrimental. To those that do this: thank you.
What's the allure of all of this? Why go and be shocked to find someone dead?
I ask myself this everytime someone I've watched goes there. And most of the time it's okay, aside from the creepy music and reactions. This is mostly because I never see any bodies. Seeing someone freaked out is enough for me.
The problem is people who go there, after being thoroughly disrespectful, slapping a hotline number at the end. The number itself is helpful, but it does not promote awareness in the way you meant it to.
In fact, it makes everything worse, as if someone has no clue what the image will do, and hasn't bothered to consider their viewers, but think a tiny band-aid of an effort will fix everything.
What's a proper apology for their disregard then?
Well, maybe don't mention getting views if you are trying to apologize. Saying these words can come off as insensitive, and slightly narcissistic. An apology should come from the heart as if you mean it. Half-assed one's only scream: I was told to do this.
As an influence on fans, nothing you post should be fake, especially apologies.
How do we spread awareness?
To begin, look up programs and information to educate yourself and others. First-hand stories can also be beneficial, as the person has already been through that state of darkness, or know someone who is now gone because of it.
Next, we can show support and help people. It's not a hotline, but it is effort shown to say that their life is worth living. Kindness and support matter in awareness.
But ultimately, awareness comes through many mediums. It can be talking someone out of it and realizing what they intended to do or being that person who was someone's reason to live. But we need to be aware of the signs and what causes people to do this. And that's the hardest part.
Is that a place to film?
I'd say, no. But that's because of my story and how much it affects me still. It's famous, but that doesn't make it okay to film there. Many people's lives are lost there, and the energy can't be good.
Maybe find somewhere else to go and film extensively. Trauma and pain don't go away quickly and seeing those images do not help. Let's be respectful and limit how much film is put out of Aokigahara, or suicide forest, because death should not be clickbait.
