The following article contains spoilers for Netflix’s "13 Reasons Why" series, mentions explicit content, drug use, and sexual assault. If these are things you are not comfortable with, I apologize. To make up for it, you can read my much happier articles.
The first season was controversial enough. Hannah Baker’s suicide, Clay’s breakdown, Alex’s attempted suicide, Jessica dealing with the aftermath of remembering what happened, and Bryce Waters facing zero consequences for his role in Hannah’s death or the rape of at least two high school girls. The second season gives a deeper look into who Hannah actually was, and secrets come out.
Season two breaks down social issues that so many of us are experiencing first hand, but people want to come at the show saying it’s making light of or these are things that don’t need to be talked about/glorified. While the show does have its faults, it does anything but glorify any of the issues it addresses. I will say it time and time again, for some kids these are conversations that need to happen. I don't believe in exploiting, I believe in educating.
One of the many issues addressed is sexual assault and with the “Me Too” movement, I think this is important. Consent is important, what consent means is important, what you do with it is also important. While Hannah never verbally said “no” she resisted Bryce in numerous ways. Jessica was passed out, intoxicated and unable to care for herself. She did not make the decision. Chloe experiences it from her boyfriend. Often we think because that person is our partner that assault cannot happen in a relationship. If it isn’t wanted, consented to, it is assault and you have the right to call that person out.
Alex Standall did try to put a bullet through his head, but he lived to tell the story. The second season picks up with Alex home and recovering, with an overprotective mother and a father who refuses to address the issue. Everyone wants to pretend it didn't happen, he didn't try, but he did. And talking about these things is important. We never really talk about how to deal with someone who tried to take their life. I think if they want questions answered, they deserve that. Recovery is a bumpy road and I believe you should do whatever you can to accommodate that.
Bullying is another issue...this is the one that gets me the most. Tyler, our photographer from the first season, is bullied, beaten and sexually assaulted by Montgomery in the bathroom upon his return to Liberty after a reform program. This was one of the hardest scenes in any film or show I have ever watched. I couldn’t watch it, honestly. We turned off the TV and just sat for a minute. My 13-year-old sister looked at me and said “I know it’s not right, I know it happens. But I just don’t understand how you could do that to another person.”
And I thought back to my time in high school and the things I heard about boys doing, it never seemed like a big deal then. But now I know. I’ve seen the most backlash for this scene, but if you think this doesn’t happen or we don’t need to talk about these things, you’re wrong. This isn’t being done for views, to win awards, to make actors famous, or to cause controversy, these are young people putting themselves in gut-wrenching situations to show the effects our actions can have on others.
There will be so many comments and I'll get messages talking about how it doesn't need to be done regardless, but I support it. I support exposing real-life issues and turning the conversation to activism for what we can do to love/support one another.