Golden Gate Bridge Research Paper

The dominant narrative views the bridge as a legendary destination, however, to the locals, it symbolizes much more than just a view, it represents grief. The Golden Gate Bridge was completed in 1937, and is the “9th longest suspension bridge in the world,” connecting the counties of San Francisco and Marin (Golden Gate Bridge Research Projects). You can view the San Francisco Bay from the East side of the bridge and the Pacific Ocean, all the way to the Farallone Islands, off the West side. The Golden Gate is painted “International Orange” and at “midspan the height (from the roadway to the water) is…270 feet” (Golden Gate Bridge Research Projects). The Golden Gate Bridge has over “10 million” visitors annually, who are eager to walk the bridge and be dazzled by its picturesque views (Golden Gate Bridge

One such individual is Kevin Hines, who “felt an instant regret…the millisecond (his) hands left the rail” (Hines). Since then, Hines, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, has become a “mental health advocate and suicide prevention activist” (Mosbergen). He has also produced a film, “Suicide: The Ripple Effect,” in which he describes the feelings of hopelessness for those contemplating suicide, as well as the horrifying effects that suicide has on those left behind (Hines). Furthermore, Hines and other mental health advocates, hope that by installing a bridge safety net, along with expanded access to mental health, the number of suicides will decrease (Hines). Proponents of the safety net point to barriers erected at the “Empire State Building…Sydney Harbor Bridge (and other) suicide magnets” which have decreased “the number of jumpers…to a handful or to zero” (Friend). Nevertheless, detractors argue an individual contemplating a jump over Golden Gate’s 4-foot guardrail will simply find another manner to commit suicide (The Bridge Rail Foundation). However, research has concluded