When Being “Sad” Made Youth So Happy (Rendering)

It is no question that music affects everyone, especially youth, but it is also important to note that mental health is an extremely important concern when dealing not only with adults but also youth. A popular rapper amongst youth by the name of XXXTENTACION released a song entitled “Sad” which discusses his struggles with the breakup he had with his ex-girlfriend. The song is so catchy however that when it is played many youth just sing along and enjoy the music but do not really understand what they are saying. The chorus is as follows:

Who am I? Someone that’s afraid to let go, uh
You decide if you’re ever gonna let me know (yeah)
Suicide if you ever try to let go, uh
I’m sad, I know, yeah, I’m sad, I know, yeah
Who am I? Someone that’s afraid to let go, uh
You decide if you’re ever gonna let me know (yeah)
Suicide if you ever try to let go, uh
I’m sad, I know, yeah, I’m sad, I know, yeah

Do you notice one striking word in the chorus? I certainly do and that word is “suicide.” The concept of suicide always been a concerning issue but even more so now within the last couple of years due to an increased amount of cases. It is essential now that we do not only look at the lyrics or how catchy the song is but at the bigger picture. Results of a critical study conducted by Landstedt et al found that mental health was mainly associated with negative aspects, distress, and/or illness (Landstedt et al, 2009, pg 966). The main focus of this would most definitely the concept of “social interaction.” To put this simply it is basically the concept that includes good relations with others (Landstedt et al, 2009, pg 966). How does this apply however to youth? Well first and foremost, I would like to begin by saying that this famous rapper XXXTENTACION was only 19 years old. His issues that he faced by having a poor relationship with his ex-girlfriend which eventually caused him to have suicidal thoughts. Upon completing several weeks at my school and community practicum it is important to note that social interactions shape much of how youth are feelings with themselves. The sense of belonging is important because it gives a sense of community and friendship. “Some boys did, however, mention potential negative responses (e.g. being ridiculed for atypical masculine behaviours, such as expressing emotions).” (Landstedt et al, 2009, pg 974) This quote really stood out to me because youth can often be criticized for showing emotion, especially males by their peers. It is still a predominant thought that men are not supposed to show certain kinds of emotion and this is not right because it can lead to depression and even suicide. Another great example is an artist who has the young generation singing all of his songs, Drake. In an interview with Jian Ghomeshi, he states that people think he is very emotional and have some sort of longing for a woman when this is not the case. This quote in and of itself proves that those claims by others could potentially bother him in a sense. If youth look up to Drake and he has issues with these claims, could this mean that it may allow the young ones to have issues with showing emotion especially for males? The interview is posted below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ423XvumDI