Warning: This article contains spoilers for 'Thirteen Reasons Why'
Suicide — a sensitive topic for anyone to talk about, thus it is often overlooked by many of our youth who are given little exposure to it. A show — with a potential audience so wide that it has the opportunity to send a dire message: that you never know what somebody is going through and to think before you act. The new Netflix sensation "Thirteen Reasons Why" has it's viewers glued to the screen with the story of the late high school student, Hannah Baker. The premise of the show is, essentially, the thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker took her own life. But, could it be sending a dangerous message? While many are praising the show for bringing awareness to suicide prevention and the importance of maintaining mental health, some, like myself, see a potentially troubling interpretation.
When I was in middle school, I read the book "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher that the series is based on. So, I was naturally drawn to the show when it was announced. I vaguely remembered the plot of the book and I gave it a shot without realizing the profound impact it would have on me. It's an emotional rollercoaster, there's no denying that. I found that I was shedding tears for both Hannah and myself, relating to her character on a deeper level as many of us have struggled with bullying, depression, and other things that she faces. It wasn't until halfway through the series, however, that I began reflecting on the messages that some may extract from it — that suicide is the only way to be heard. That message is incredibly dangerous.
Hannah Baker's thirteen tapes are her way of making certain that the people who wronged her would hear her, and her insurance was her threats for them to be publicized. When I think of these tapes, I see a revenge tactic. While I would never try to deny that Hannah is the victim, her threats that the tapes may be made public if her instructions are not followed exactly shows that she believed that her suicide was a way for her to regain control and ensure that her voice be heard — and I fear that people may find truth in this.
Of course, I would never condemn suicide victims; however, I am a strong believer in being able to overcome anything. I think that the biggest problem with this story is that instead of bringing attention to resources available to help victims of bullying, depression, etc., it instead glorifies Hannah Baker's suicide and paints her as a hero. Hannah's story highlights the problems that our generation faces, but she also proposes a permanent solution for a temporary problem, and the scariest part is that people are rooting for her.
Suicide is not the only way to be heard and it is not the only escape from the problems that we face, and it is alarming with the heavy influence the media has on us that it is glorified in this series. So, instead, let's spread the message that help is all around us. When we feel alone, depressed, suicidal, seek help and support — because what we are going through is only temporary. Please, if you or someone you know is struggling, take solace in the fact that things will get better and suicide is not the solution.
If you or somebody you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255