Lecture Notes: "What Happens There - Believer Magazine"

Key Themes and Main Ideas

Levi Presley and the Stratosphere Hotel

• Levi Presley, a 16-year-old, jumped from the Stratosphere Hotel's tower in Las Vegas.
• His jump coincided with several other events in Las Vegas, highlighting the city's complex character.
• Witnesses and officials had mixed reactions to his death, often avoiding detailed discussion.
  • Police and hotel representatives were reluctant to provide information.

Suicide in Las Vegas

• Las Vegas has a high suicide rate compared to other U.S. cities.
• The city's suicide rate exceeds deaths from car accidents, AIDS, pneumonia, and other causes.
• Mental health resources are insufficient, with only four psychiatric beds per 100,000 people.
• Las Vegas also leads in child abuse deaths, drug use among teenagers, DUI arrests, high school dropout rates, bankruptcies, and divorces.
• Despite its challenges, people continue to flock to Las Vegas.

Suicide Prevention Efforts

• The Las Vegas Suicide Prevention Center operates with limited resources.
• Volunteers receive minimal training and work under challenging conditions.
• The center's director, Marjorie Westin, emphasizes that the real causes of suicide in the city remain misunderstood.

Cultural and Social Insights

• Las Vegas' rapid growth and economic focus create a distinct societal environment.
• The city's image is tightly controlled, often avoiding harsh realities that might deter tourists.
• The Stratosphere's architectural permanence contrasts with the city's flexible and transient identity.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

• The author shares experiences volunteering at the suicide hotline and interacting with Levi Presley's family.
• The search for understanding Levi's death highlights the complexities and often hidden narratives of Las Vegas.
• The narrative explores the intersection between personal tragedy and the city's broader social issues.

Symbolism and Cultural Critique

• The Stratosphere is seen as a symbol of Las Vegas, yet its meaning and success are questioned.
• The city's architectural and economic strategies focus on attracting and entertaining tourists while ignoring deeper societal issues.

Conclusion

• The article provides a multifaceted view of Las Vegas, combining personal stories with broader social critiques.
• It questions the sustainability of Las Vegas' economic model, given its social challenges and the high suicide rate.
• Ultimately, the narrative suggests that understanding and addressing these issues require a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.