Tribal traditions exhibit both rigid and flexible elements. They can swiftly adapt to foreign lifestyles, fashion, dress, and even accents. However, they remain profoundly rigid in certain aspects, particularly those rooted in deep-seated beliefs and practices. This dichotomy is evident in how some tribal communities respond to suicide: while modern practices are quickly adopted in superficial matters, they are hesitant or resistant in areas that could potentially be advantageous.
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In numerous tribal settings, suicide has long been disapproved of and viewed as a serious transgression, shaped by religious doctrines. For instance, certain Abrahamic religions teach that suicide is among the gravest sins, leading to a significant stigma. Consequently, individuals who die by suicide, along with their families, often face severe social repercussions.These may involve being denied formal funeral rites and being labelled as cursed, exacerbating their distress. The deceased's body is not interred in the common cemetery, let alone brought into the village.
Donald Black's Theory of ‘Social Control’:
(Black 1983) theory of ‘social control’ offers various styles of social control: penal, compensatory, therapeutic, conciliatory, and preventive. In the case of suicide, the tribal response can be seen as a blend of penal and preventive social control. By denying proper funeral rites and shaming the family, the community aims to deter others from contemplating suicide, thus attempting to break the cycle. This type of social control underscores the community’s efforts to maintain social order.
Need for Sympathetic Treatment:
Nevertheless, this strategy is deeply flawed. It fails to address the underlying issues that lead individuals to take their own lives and instead adds to the trauma of the bereaved families.Contemporary perspectives argue that suicide demands a compassionate rather than a moralistic approach. It is vital to acknowledge that individuals who contemplate or commit suicide often do so because of overwhelming and unexplainable trauma. Passing judgment on them or their families goes against the compassionate principles that many modern societies strive for, including the very religious teachings that condemn suicide.
The Nature of Judgment:
The concept of judgment, especially in the context of suicide and cognitive wellness, raises profound questions about our roles and responsibilities as individuals and as a society. The notion of Judgment Day, often associated with religious beliefs, symbolises a future reckoning where one's actions and decisions are evaluated.
The question of whether Judgment Day is a future event or something that unfolds in our present lives challenges us to rethink our approach to judgment and accountability. If Judgment Day is a future event, it implies that we are not in a position to pass final judgments on others’ actions and decisions, particularly in sensitive areas like suicide. Instead, this suggests that our focus should be on understanding and supporting individuals rather than condemning them.
Conversely, if we view judgment as a present reality,the emphasis should be on providing guidance and assistance to individuals instead of relying on moral condemnation. (Foucault 2012), just as incarceration is designed for social correction, where individuals are judged and imprisoned to facilitate their rehabilitation, those experiencing suicidal thoughts can also be approached with either harsh judgment or understanding.The approach offers them with a chance for improvement and assistance, as opposed to simply criticising their predicament.
The Role of Parents and Society:
Contemporary youth are heavily influenced by their social surroundings, including educational institutions, peer groups, and digital communities, which can make up to 60% of their interactions. This dynamic often results in parents having limited insight into the complete range of their children’s experiences and pressures.While parental involvement is crucial, it is essential to acknowledge that this responsibility does not solely fall on them. Societal institutions must also play a part. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving parents, educators, community leaders, and policymakers.
Schools, community organisations, and local groups should actively contribute to creating supportive environments for young individuals by implementing programs that boost resilience, promote open communication, and offer access to cognitive well-being. Proactive measures by these entities are vital. They should concentrate on providing support and education to both young people and families, fostering a culture of openness and understanding rather than waiting for a tragedy to occur.
Way forward:
To address the gap between traditional beliefs and modern understanding, it is imperative to implement certain measures. Initially, there needs to be a transition towards providing proper rituals for individuals who have died by suicide. This adjustment can aid in diminishing the associated stigma and provide comfort to bereaved families. Additionally, it is crucial to organise counseling sessions and workshops specifically aimed at the youth in Northeast India, who are increasingly grappling with such issues. In other words, Black’s (1983) therapeutic approach needs to be incorporated alongside the tribal perspective, which views suicide through penal and preventive measures.
The response to suicide within tribal communities highlights a broader conflict between traditional customs and contemporary perspectives. While traditions play a significant role in maintaining cultural heritage and identity, incorporating compassionate and therapeutic approaches towards suicide, tribal communities can uphold their traditions while prioritising the cognitive health and overall well-being of their members.
The paper is drawn from real incidents involving the ostracism of families of suicide victims, emphasising the necessity for reform. It highlights the importance of approaching suicide with empathy and understanding, promoting a transition from punitive actions to more compassionate and considerate responses.
(The author is a Ph.D research scholar at a city University. All thoughts and views expressed are the author’s own.)
