Community shocked by suicide

Activist's immolation evokesActivist's immolation evokespersonal, political reactions The political and psychological implications of local activist Kathy Change's self-immolation Tuesday sparked discussion and intense personal reaction among members of the University community. Change, a graduate of New York University, wrote in letters to the Penn community that her death was intended to promote her political views. College senior Scott Mulhauser, a witness of Change's suicide, said the episode has "left me a mess." "I can still see it readily," Mulhauser said. "The image of her standing there burning will be imprinted on my memory for a long, long time." Although Counseling and Psychological Services provided sessions Wednesday for students who wanted to talk about their reactions to Change's death, Mulhauser said he did not attend because he had class. "CAPS was a good idea," Mulhauser said. "It's such a significant and dramatic event that efforts like that should definitely be continued." A witness of Change's death that asked to remain anonymous said she did take advantage of the University's counseling services, but noted that they did not provide much comfort. But she added that the counseling might be helpful to others. The witness also chided the community for analyzing the reasons behind Change's suicide. "I don't care why she did it," she said. "I'm still trying to deal with the fact that I saw someone walking around on fire." College junior Josh Marcus did not witness Change's death, but said he feels an obligation to spread her message since that was what Change hoped would come from her death. Marcus said he posted Change's writings on local newsgroups and was overwhelmed by the number of responses he received. "People were struck by her clarity and rationality," Marcus added. But Psychology Professor Judith Beck, who is based in the psychiatry department, noted that "most suicide comes down to some type of distorted thinking." Beck added that the vast majority of suicide victims suffer from mental disorders. And Sociology Professor Harold Bershady said he hesitated to label Change's suicide as altruistic. He defined altruistic suicide as "sacrifice for a larger entity" like the kamikaze pilots of World War II. According to Bershady, Change's goals and doctrines were largely undefined and isolated. "I wonder whether her beliefs are projections of her own disturbances," he said. "Something terrible happened and its significant meaning is obscure." Change's suicide sparked students to act by holding a vigil late Tuesday night on College Green as an immediate way of paying their respects. And since the suicide, many have left flowers or candles near the peace sign. According to Marcus, students are holding a "drum circle" tomorrow night near the peace sign as well.