So if you have not heard of the show 13 Reasons Why by now I presume you live under a rock with no access to Netflix or any form of social media. In the off chance that you are one of those people, essentially the show consists of 13 episodes in which Hannah Baker reveals the 13 reasons behind her decision to take her own life.
While the show is by no means uplifting, it reveals the heartbreaking truth and raw reality behind suicide. Shortly after the show’s release, controversy broke out in which many argued the show ‘glamorized’ suicide.
#13reasonswhy #suicide should not be glamorized, it's the most selfish, narcissistic act ever. Graphic rape scenes do not=education.
— Avivi Steinburg (@SteinburgAvivi) April 15, 2017
Does #13ReasonsWhy glamorize teen suicide? https://t.co/0qU4TrVKP8 pic.twitter.com/1zuluYODwI
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) April 15, 2017
While Avivi Steinburg argues that the show’s graphic rape scenes are not necessarily educational, the Rolling Stone’s article touches on how audiences are engrossed in the drama surrounding Hannah’s suicide versus the actual suicide itself. While Hannah’s tapes discuss the implications of bullying and sexual assault, they also distract us from the “utter emptiness and grief that occur after someone commits suicide.”
Despite the show’s criticism, many found the show’s portrayal of suicide to be quite noteworthy.
Still can't get over #13reasonswhy. It perfectly delivered its message about suicide, bullying and the struggles teenagers go through.
— The Narrator (@TheNarratorPH) April 15, 2017
#13ReasonsWhy is so uncomfortable to watch at some points & that's how it should be. Rape, suicide & bullying need to be talked about.
— 13 Reasons Why (@13ReasonsTweet) April 12, 2017
#13ReasonsWhy is a must watch, it's graphic and shocking but shows mental illness and suicide how it SHOULD be shown. Real. Not sugar coated
— jess (@jess_hughes9) April 5, 2017
Why do so many people hate 13RW? I think it's an empowering show that shows u how much sensitivity & care about others can do#13reasonswhy
— S (@calum__hood) April 16, 2017
The raw, graphic depiction of suicide drew many viewers to speak out on the show’s success in delivering a clear, relevant message that is not certainly not sugar coated.
Regardless of your stance on #13ReasonsWhy, for those of you who have not watched the most talked about Netflix series of the year, when you do, I suggest you prepare yourself with a box of tissues and perhaps a shoulder to cry on.
You’ll thank me later.