[katherineparker]

I don't think he's being idolized because he committed suicide. He's idolized because of who he was and what he accomplished. He still deserves recognition even though he committed suicide and his recognition isn't based on his suicide.

[Kylekramer]

Looking at the general reaction around HN to Swartz before and after his death, I find it very hard to ascribe his recent idolization to anything but his suicide.

He was certainly deserving of praise, but his post-suicide lionization (and subsequent Carmen Ortiz bashing) does send some icky messages regarding suicide and its effect on one's legacy.

[bcj]

I'm inclined to agree with this view. Regardless of how he died, I think there would have been a bit of idolization, but I have trouble imagining someone making this documentary had he died in a car accident.

[katherineparker]

I can see where you're coming from. Suicide, and death in general, in someone's youth when they've been very productive and successful seems to immortalize them forever in that moment. Some people romanticize that, but it's illusory. Anyway, just saying I can see your point. I'm hoping most people can look past that and see who he was instead of just the tragic part of it.