Recently, Netflix released season two of the controversial original show, "13 Reasons Why," based on a novel written by Jay Asher following the deadly school shooting in Texas.
Netflix announced that due to the Santa Fe High School shooting, they would be canceling the premier event for season 2, which still aired as planned. As I read through the comments and did some digging, I saw more and more people blaming this specific show for the mass school shootings that have occurred and that many people disapprove of the show.
My problem with this is that people are trying to blame the media for these deadly disasters that are occurring when they should be taking a closer look at mental illnesses. People are ignoring the fact that mental illnesses are real and if not treated correctly, can cause harm to themselves and others.
Of course, I have seen the articles and posts saying that the producers of the show are "glorifying suicide," but I have to disagree. They are being honest. Suicide is not meant to be pretty, but it is something that needs to be talked about. Rape needs to be talked about. Drug and alcohol abuse needs to be talked about and yeah, it gets ugly.
For that episode specifically that includes the suicide scene, there is a disclaimer at the beginning and for season two, there is one at the very start of the season. The cast and producers have made it a point to let those know who are suffering with mental illnesses that they are not alone and that there is help. They also made it known that those suffering should not watch the show as it could trigger them in some way.
Nobody had a problem with the story when it was a book. But now that it is a show that millions are watching, there is suddenly a problem discussing rape, drugs and suicide? If this is the case, then dozens of movies and shows are the cause of deadly shootings as well. Violence has been around a lot longer than the media has.
Cancelling this show is not going to stop violence. Discontinuing games is not going to stop violence. Media is not the cause of violence. So stop blaming the media for people acting in certain ways because they have a mental illness and take a step back and look at what we can do as a society to help those who need it before it becomes too late.
