Like half of America, I decided to partake in the trend of watching Netflix's highly acclaimed original "13 Reasons Why." My friends and I heard great things about the limited series so we embarked on the journey of Hannah Baker's thirteen tapes, attempting to watch them all in one night–but that is a very different story in itself.
Almost instantaneously I recognized the significance of this series in the very first episode. Beyond the amazing cinematic style of the show, the story is absolutely crippling. It's about a teenage girl who decides to take her own life.The show revolves around her friends and family who are left in the void of her absence. Each episode introduces a new aspect of Hannah's tragic story, bringing into light the several factors that aid in one's decision to commit suicide.
Not too far out of high school, I can relate to the insecurities and borderline bullying that went on in school. Hannah's story is significant because it's relatable. Everyone has experienced being let down, betrayed, lied to, etc. in their lives. Maybe, just maybe, we were even on the other side of the pain, not fully realizing the role our actions or words really had on that individual. Every tape represents these regrets as Clay Jenson is clued into the chaos that was Hannah's life.
Apart from being relatable in the sense that we've all been in high school and have witnessed the drama, "13 Reasons Why" is all too relatable to another group of people: those who have lost someone to suicide.
I knew starting this series would be difficult to watch because suicide has an especially painful sting in my vocabulary. In 2012, my family's lives were thrown into utter confusion and sorrow when a family member took his own life. Much like Hannah Baker's family and friends, we never anticipated this move and were severely shaken by the aftermath we found ourselves in.
Watching Clay and the other's reactions to the unfolding events reminded me of a time where nothing could be fully explained. The person you most want to ask questions is gone and you're left trying to put the pieces together.
With every episode I watched the more painful it became. This series is devastating because although it is adapted from a fictional novel, Hannah Baker exists. She's that name you hear a parent whisper about or the headline story on the news. If suicide hasn't directly affected your life I am happy for you, but for many, gesturing a finger gun to the head or complaining that you want to kill yourself is more than just a sad joke. It was our painful reality for a time, something that we had to accept.
Although I've seen other articles claiming "13 Reasons Why" should be boycotted or was too vivid in its depiction of Hannah's death, I'm here to advocate for the show. Watching all thirteen episodes was undoubtedly painful, there's justifiably no way to escape that–even if you've never been affected by suicide. However, this series had a positive influence on garnering suicide awareness and for that I am grateful. There are far too many people that view suicide as a viable option and I sincerely hope seeing this series has influenced them to reach out for help. And for those around individuals having a hard time to reach out as well.
We can never know the exact impact of our words and actions once they leave us, but we can control their content. Simply checking up on a friend we haven't spoken to in awhile or saying a few, sweet words to a stranger can have a positive impact on another's life.
