13 Reasons Why We Shouldn’t Hype '13 Reasons Why'
Start writing a post
Entertainment

13 Reasons Why We Shouldn’t Hype '13 Reasons Why'

A show that is overrated and downright dangerous.

117
13 Reasons Why We Shouldn’t Hype '13 Reasons Why'
Netflix

As season two of "13 Reason Why" reaches its second week of airing, many people have reported on the entirety of the show. The feedback is not sounding good, and for a good reason. This show has been hyped for too long, and while it has been given some praise, it has also been faced with a lot of criticisms.

Here is a list of thirteen reasons why "13 Reasons Why" is an overhyped, unacceptable depiction of a teen drama.

1. It glorifies and romanticizes suicide

A reoccurring theme is that if Clay and Hannah had gotten together, she wouldn’t have committed suicide. Unfortunately, if someone is suicidal due to depression, the only one who can help them is themselves or a medical professional. Depression is a disease of the brain, and it is not treated solely by love.

2. It uses gun violence as an attention-getter

So far this year, a gun has been discharged 31 times on school grounds. We have had four fatal shooting in 2018. Gun violence, especially in schools is an obvious problem in today’s society. "13 Reasons Why" explored this topic in the end of season one and during season two. In the last episode of season one it was used as a cliffhanger for the next season. I feel as though it is exploiting this unfortunate trend in American society. It is also untasteful as these school shootings are so common.

The show is contributing to the desensitization of gun violence by turning it into a plot point. It is also inconsiderate in the fact that the majority of audience members are teenagers in high school. Gun violence is a very real fear many high schoolers have, so to see it in a TV show just amplifies the pressing fear they feel.

3. Hannah uses her suicide to guilt people or gain power

Suicide, for the most part, is due to feeling so insignificant that you believe the world is better off without you. It is a deep self-loathing. It is not used to guilt people. Hannah’s tapes to the people in her life just prove that she is spiteful and immature.

4. Goes against recommendations for depicting mental illness

A majority of guidelines from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention were broken through the depiction of Hannah’s suicide. This foundation promotes awareness and knowledge about suicide while trying to keep people safe from being triggered into suicide attempts. Hannah’s suicide was so graphic that it could have easily triggered depressed individuals into harming themselves.

5. Graphic scenes — Hannah’s suicide, scenes with Tyler in season two, rape

As previously mentioned, the show has extremely graphic scenes. I understand trying to get a point across, but when your audience is mainly teens, I feel as though the graphic scenes could be lessened, and some are just flat out unnecessary. There are graphic sexual assault scenes in both season one and season two, with different characters. As mentioned before, Hannah’s suicide scene was so graphic that it was dangerous for some viewers.

6. Teachers don’t deal with Hannah the right way

This one is brief and the main point of season two. Hannah tries to get help from teachers and guidance counselors at school, but they essentially ignore her. This is unrealistic and may make viewers feel as though they can’t go to professionals for help.

7. Hannah makes Clay suffer

If Hannah loved Clay, she sure had a poor way of showing it. Hannah made Clay go through all the tapes about blaming other people which led him to believe that since he was on a tape, she blamed him too. Yes, this didn’t end up being true, but it still had that effect on Clay.

8. No one properly deals with their issues!

No one gets help or calls the police. Everyone in this show had a poor way of dealing with issues. Some problems could’ve easily been solved with a little intervention.

9. Not enough trigger warnings

I know, I’ve brought this topic up a lot. But, it is so important!!! The show has a brief warning at the beginning of episodes citing disturbing content, but I don’t think that it prepared anyone for just how much disturbing content would be in that episode. A more descriptive warning would be a lot more helpful for people, so they know a little bit more about what to expect and what is safe for them to watch.

10. Bad characters

Most of the characters are bland, cliché and underdeveloped. Yes, we go into a little more depth in season two, but in season one I didn’t feel like there was any emotional connection to any character. This would make the story even more heartwrenching and emotional, but the show just missed their shot for likable characters.

11. All adult figures are oblivious

Clay begins withdrawing from his family once he gets the tapes (which he hides from his family) and although his family, especially his mom, notices, they don’t really do anything to help or figure out what has their son so shaken up. As mentioned earlier, Hannah goes to get help from some school figures, but they ignore her and don’t intervene.

12. Promotes stigma and stereotypes while it's trying to do the opposite

This show is very so much about stigmas and stereotypes and how you should never judge a book by its cover. It tries its best to show us that you never know what is going on behind closed doors, and not to judge meanwhile, ingraining stereotypes into our heads. The jocks are the villains, the nerds are the heroes, etc. This gets tiring and does the opposite of what the show TRIED to do.

13. It doesn't address or provide resources for mental illness

Not once does the show talk about depression, anxiety, BPD, or any other mental health issues. It also does a poor job in showing ways for people to get help. Instead, the show makes it seem like the only option is suicide. While this isn’t true, many younger viewers may not know this and could consider suicide as the only way out.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help, Call 1-800-273-8255 To Talk To A Trained Councilor

If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis and Needs Immediate Help, Call 911

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

14558
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

944751
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

121867
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments