What '13 Reasons Why' Taught Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What '13 Reasons Why' Taught Me

If you're listening, it's too late.

718
What '13 Reasons Why' Taught Me

This past weekend, I gave up all responsibilities and started another Netflix adventure. This time a show that I've heard a lot about, and one that I've been anticipating for a while now, "13 Reasons Why".

Originally depicted in a novel by Jay Asher, "13 Reasons Why" walks through the life and death of the young Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), who recorded 13 tapes and 13 reasons why she committed suicide. These involve many controversial topics, like bullying, young love, sexual assault, stalking and much more. The main protagonist of this story is Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) who struggles with grief and receives the tapes from Hannah's trusted individual.

I originally became interested in this story when I heard about the book from a few of my friends. They all raved about the book, saying how great yet sad the story is, and honestly, I didn't know what I was getting myself into.

I know that when I started watching the Netflix original series, I didn't cry like I expected myself to. Instead, after watching each episode I felt a little bit more hesitant of the world around me.

Being a former victim of bullying and seeing what others have faced, I empathized with Hannah. I felt her pain and I recognized myself in her more than once throughout the entire series. In addition to the empathy and sympathy I felt for each character going through a bad situation, I started to recognize how much our actions really impact others.

I learned that we all have choices, and those choices shape our own life, as well as others, even if we don't know it. Whatever we do, whether it be bad or good, has the power to impact another person. We can say something, we can assume things, and we can even make mistakes that actually hurts someone, but maybe the best choice is to just care about another person.

We don't know what is going on in other people's lives unless we actually ask, so it's better to be kind and caring than to risk hurting another person.

In the series, she says "some of you cared, but some of you didn't care enough." And no matter how cynical or hateful a person can be, if they can care about another human being, they have the power to save a life.

In addition to this, I learned that although this show was a dramatic portrayal of highschool, a lot of the negative mentality and sexist language still radiates through today's society. I know in my highschool, many girls were harassed, and I look around the world and see it's still very much present in college, and in everyday life.

After watching the entire season in a weekend, my emotions are definitely at an all time high, but I really appreciate what this show and novel did.

This series highlights almost all of the topics people are afraid to discuss, like suicide and bullying. But hopefully this show can teach others the truth about victims and how they get to the point of no return, so that maybe, one day, we can actually save them.


From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

19493
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.

8209
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
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5981
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5184
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments