If you haven't binge watched the series 13 Reasons Why, or read the book, then be warned that this article is clearly going to have spoilers. For those of you who have read and/or watched it, I'm sure you're probably just as much of an emotional wreck as I am. But it's good that you are, this series provided some seriously important themes that need to be addressed.
1. The illusion that respect/reputation is the most important thing to exist.
The main reason Hannah is victimized over and over again is because students are trying to maintain the reputations they have. Hannah encounters many unwanted sexual advances (along with a slap across the face) because Alex wanted to seem cool. She continues to deal with people thinking she’s a slut because Courtney doesn’t want anyone knowing she’s gay. Not only is Hannah a victim, but Jessica is sexually assaulted because Justin didn't want to upset Bryce, a friend he has a lot respect and gratefulness towards. This series is a prime example that pride isn't everything, nor should it be.
2. Violence
From getting hit in the face, to the fist fights, sexual assaults, verbal arguments and even the death of a student, there are multiple acts of violence displayed. Many were witnessed by other people, but were kept secret. If this doesn't tell you to watch the things you say and do, it should tell you to speak to someone when you do see or do something. The results could be devastating.
3. Violence (part two)
Violence is such a major theme in this series, but along with the acts of violence committed by others, there’s also the acts of violence against one’s self. Hannah had faced so much violence that she ended up causing herself the most harm of all. There’s also the quick mention of Skye’s self harm, because she claims it’s how she survives.
4. Rape Culture
I hope this scene spoke volumes to everybody who watched it. Here, Courtney embodies everyone who still tries to make rape okay in the 21st century. Saying things like, "If you believe Hannah." "Alleged rapist." "Hannah's truth is not my truth." Courtney tried to justify Bryce's rape because she was scared to show who she truly was. If the things Alex and Ryan didn't say to Courtney didn't make it clear enough, let me say this: rape is never okay. Do not make it seem okay.
5. A reminder that our choices and actions do matter
Time and time again, we see the students, parents, and even Mr. Porter attempting to justify Hannah’s suicide by saying it was her choice, while simultaneously turning a blind eye to their own actions. This should remind us that the things we say and do, no matter how small, will impact people's lives. I think this is where I should point out that "kill yourself" jokes are never funny. Never.
6. High School Education in a Nutshell
Hannah briefly mentions the pressure that high school education puts on students. How we go from being kids one day to responsible adults signing away our lives to college debt. Our test scores define our intelligence, and the amount of money we have decides how fancy our degree is. Things like this really do make an impact on a student's happiness and self esteem.
7. Clay said what others were too scared to say
Acting like it never happened won't make it go away. It won't get rid of any guilt and burying shame deep down doesn't make it disappear. This scene was important because at this point nobody was really talking about what had happened. They were covering it up and trying to "move on" by hanging up signs that help exists, and by painting over the slurs in the bathroom. Silence was one of the things that led to where they were now, and no one seemed to realize that. No one seemed to care anyways. This type of thing happens in real life, every day; silence is not the answer. Pretending things are okay is not the answer.
8. Being Aware
This comes down to two things. One, Clay becoming aware of Skye and reaching out to her as a friend. He’s noticed how big of an impact one person can have on someone who needs a person to be there. Two, Alex, and the lack of awareness there seemed to be. Some people may have notice the signs, others may not have. Either way, Skye and Alex (and Hannah) are characters that should teach us a simple but powerful lesson: pay attention.
9. Love
...or in this case, lack thereof. The series repeatedly shows people Hannah trusted turning their backs during her time of need. It shows people kicking her while she was down. The theme here is straightforward: if you love someone, show them. If you care about someone, tell them. In a world as harsh as this, people need to know. Before it's too late.
