There has been so much attention on one of Netflix's most recently released series "13 Reasons Why." I have seen both positive and negative reviews of the show, and with these opinions come strong words and even abrasive arguments floating all over social media. With such diverse ideology on a series that was just released not even a full two weeks ago, I had to investigate for myself.
This past weekend that is exactly what I did. I sat down with a cup of coffee and an open mind for a 13-hour binge session. Yep, 13 hours. Each episode, topping 50 minutes, is dedicated to a single tape in the 13 tapes left behind by a high school junior, Hannah Baker, after committing suicide.
I know I have already lost some of you with that last statement, but stay with me. "13 Reasons Why" is based on a novel of the same name by Jay Asher. With pop star and previous Disney Channel star, Selena Gomez, on the team of producers, this show is meant to give meaning to the true pain of what some teenagers experience. The show is widely popular for the same reasons it's being frowned upon. The show does its best to be raw, to show the ugly truth behind matters of reality that most try to hide away. Ever heard the phrase "truth hurts?"
Press pause. Now let's take a step back for a second. I am a television production student with a passion for all the inter-workings of TV. I am also a journalist, so I am very good at being objective and looking for the truth in a story; however, I also have some personal experience in the related topics of the show. That being said, here is my response to the naysayers of "13 Reasons Why." Press play.
Suicide, especially in teens, is a hard topic to tackle. Bullying, drugs, drinking and sex are hard topics, too. But people feel the need to bring those subjects into the light, so suicide should be, too. It's a hard reality that many encounter every day.
According to the Jason Foundation, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people from ages 10 to 24. Suicidal thoughts, tendencies, and actions are more prevalent in this age group than cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease COMBINED!
That being said, this show may be covering a hard truth, but if it is opening people's eyes to the reality of what some teenagers deal with, then that is a positive thing. Of course there are going to be those that disagree with it. But first of all, it is on Netflix, not daytime television, and second, it does give a brief description of the show with ratings. Yes, for some, myself included, some scenes were horrific and painful to watch, especially in the last episode (I will spare the spoiler alerts by going into further detail). But maybe the fact it is hard and painful to watch can help those who haven't experienced it to understand what those who have have been through it.
The actors involved with this project are remarkable. Yes, there are some we love and some we hate, but that is their purpose. We are supposed to hate them, hate their actions, hate their responses, hate everything about them. That is what makes them outstanding at their job.
This show is doing exactly what the creators set out to do. It is making the audience think, making them question scenarios that they have seen happen or been a part of. It is causing controversy and conversations. It captured the attention of various types of people in all age groups.
It has shown teens that words and actions can cause irrevocable damage to a person's mind and to think twice before insulting, degrading, slut shaming, spreading rumors or other harmful and hurtful things. It is showing parents warning signs to look for that they would otherwise be completely oblivious to, just like the parents of Hannah Baker. It is showing the domino effect one person can have on an entire body of surrounding people. It is showing the inner workings of depression, and I for one applaud the creators, producers and the actors for doing so.
So if you choose to watch "13 Reasons Why," which I highly recommend, make sure you have the ability to sit and pay attention to all occurrences in the show. Take the time to get the full effect of what the show is saying. Get the message! It's not about passing blame or about revenge. It's about one girl's sad story being told to wake people up before it's too late.
