Personally, I heard about the video Logan Paul posted on his vlog set in the Aokigahara Forest in Japan; more commonly known as the “suicide forest” and I was instantly irate.

How could someone post a video with someone who tragically died and laugh about it?

How could Logan Paul go through all the steps he had to, to post a video on YouTube and not think long and hard about the effect it would have on other people?

Because he’s human, that’s why.

I know this is a very unpopular opinion but hear me out.

How often as writers do we write things without thinking of exactly how our audience will react?

How often as communicators do we say things we don’t mean-- on social media or out-loud?

How often as humans do we laugh at the most inappropriate times as we are hit with anxiety?

I’m not saying what Logan Paul did was OK because it definitely isn’t, but I am saying he learned from his actions and I feel like, with his latest video posted January 24, 2018, you can see that.

I also can’t say that I’m a fan of his vlog because honestly, I don’t watch YouTube very heavily.

But

As someone who has struggled immensely with depression, I accept Logan’s apology and respect the steps that he is taking to make a change in understanding and becoming an advocate and educator on the subject.

Most people who are famous, Internet famous or otherwise wouldn’t have handled their mistake in such a way. They would apologize publicly and call it a day, but Logan made it a point to become educated and I think that shows a lot of integrity.

So, maybe instead of persecuting him, you should consider watching his most recent video and seeing that yeah, he may be arrogant, yeah his other content may lack maturity, but after all, that is how he has become crazy famous.

Logan Paul’s previous actions were offensive, but I think most importantly we need to recognize that he has taken steps to understand one of the most stigmatized parts of mental illness--Suicide.

You never have to watch him again, I probably never will, but as a content creator and a person that makes mistakes, I encourage you to at least watch his latest video and form your own opinion from there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWjxSkJpxFU

You are never alone.

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