TO THE EDITOR:
On Friday, I noticed the DTH front page declaring in loud, green block letters: “THIS IS MENTAL ILLNESS.” As I read the article, I was disappointed to find that, for the sake of a headline, the DTH inappropriately connected violence to mental illness.
I wholeheartedly support addressing and remembering the Henderson Street shooting of 1995. I appreciate the paper’s effort to report on the shortage of resources committed to addressing mental health in North Carolina.
What I do not appreciate, however, is the use of an eye-catching title and sensationalism that creates such an egregious simplification of a nuanced, complex, very real issue.
The Henderson Street shooting does not reflect mental illness in its entirety. Violence is not inherent to every person who suffers from a psychiatric disorder. By using such an oversimplification as its title, this article perpetuated an already existing tendency to vilify and ostracize those with mental illnesses.
Write about mental illness to increase awareness. Remember the tragedy of the Henderson Street shooting. Bring to light the massive underinvestment in mental health resources. Definitely provide information about the resources available on campus for those struggling with their mental health.
But do not use broad generalizations of such a painful, relevant, and misunderstood issue that affects so many people on and beyond this campus as a hook.
Nikki Behnke
Junior
