Stop Romanticizing '13 Reasons Why' | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Stop Romanticizing '13 Reasons Why'

You are everything the series is trying to protect from its viewers.

329
Stop Romanticizing '13 Reasons Why'
Entertainment Weekly

There's no denying the impact "13 Reasons Why" has had since it debuted on Netflix on March 31st. It has shattered records, spawned numerous trending hashtags, and managed to tastefully and correctly display the harsh topics of teenage depression, suicide, bullying, and rape.

I just wish people fully understood that.

The plot of Jay Asher's famous novel centers around the aftermath of Hannah Baker's suicide. The young teen ended her life and decided that afterwards, a set of tapes (in 13 parts) would be sent to each person she deemed a reason for her downward spiral; as told by her acquaintance, and reason, Clay Jenson.

The novel (and eventual Netflix adoption) follows Clay as he listens to the tapes and attempts to make sense of the final year of Hannah's life. It was supposed to bring attention and start much needed conversations about suicide prevention, consent, substance abuse, and the importance of anti-bullying policies. But no one got any of that.

As you can see from this prom proposal, this ground breaking mini series ended up just being something added on someone's queue because everyone was talking about it in the hallway.


Complete with 13 paper casts, NOT LIKE THEY WERE SOMEONE'S SUICIDE NOTES OR ANYTHING

Americas reaction to "13 Reasons Why" is everything wrong with society in 2017.

From the outrage against the graphic rape and suicide scenes, from the focus on Clay and Hannah's "ship" rather than Hannah Baker's mental well being, and the romanticizing of Hannah's overall existence paints the very sad picture of what is valued in this society.

The rape scenes were graphic because that is what rape is; graphic. It's not supposed to be easy to watch because it is a horrible, horrible things, that cannot continue to be glossed over on television or else it happens more often in real life.

Clay was irrelevant to Hannah's story because they were never a relationship, they weren't "cute" or "the way he looked at her is #goals". It was a one sided relationship with Clay pursuing Hannah, who wanted nothing to do with him, until that proved to be helpless. He never even really knew Hannah, or even had the slightest clue of what was really going on with her, he just had a high school crush on her.

Hannah including Clay on the tapes, implying that it was because he didn't love her enough, was nothing more than a manipulative move to make Clay mourn for her more after her death. The whole point of the tapes was just Hannah's way of getting the last laugh.

And Hannah Baker is not a martyr. She is not a broken bird who lost her strong, brave, fight and found her only release. It wasn't in anyway shape or form tragically beautiful. Yes we're supposed to feel for her and it s a tragedy she ended her life because of horrible things that happened to her, but we're also supposed to hate her.

Because it was selfish and cruel to release the tapes and personally direct blame on people so they're forced to live with that the rest of their lives. Because that is what suicide is, it is the ultimate selfish act against everyone close to you. BECAUSE SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER.

That is why we saw her graphically slit her wrists. Nothing about Hannah Baker's life, or the end of it, was glamorous or good; nor should we treat it like it is.

The public's reaction doesn't take away from the brilliantly written, produced, and directed Netflix series (and novel). It is not just a show you binge watch because it's trending on the internet and the actors are good looking, if you're mature enough you might actually learn something.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

3754
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

28607
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

12350
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments