The Netflix original show, ’13 Reasons Why’ has gotten quite the hype in the past few weeks, and whether you agree with the criticism or the praise, this is a show that needs to be talked about. When I began the series, I had no idea how powerful, haunting, and tragically important it really was. The basic premise of the show is that the protagonist, Hannah Baker, left thirteen tapes about thirteen people that she says contributed to her suicide. Each of the episodes goes through one of the tapes, and uncovers the hurtful words and actions of Hannah’s peers, and those she once considered her friends.
I commend the show for being fearless in exposing the unacceptable truths happening on many high school and college campuses where bullying exists. Although I agree that there are parts of the show that are unrealistic, and arguably ‘glamorous,’ I found much of the show very difficult to watch, and highly upsetting and disturbing. The show’s bold decisions to not shy away from the rape and suicide scenes, and actually portray them in much detail, has spurred much controversy, and although I first thought the show might have gone too far, I think the scenes were pertinent in showing the realistic horror of these often silenced situations.
Whether you love or hate the show, I think everyone can agree that it has brought these very real, and very uncomfortable situations into focus, and to the public’s attention. The fact that this show confronts these issues head on is important, and while I understand that such a show with sensitive topics might affect someone differently, I have to believe that the discussion resulting from this show will have a positive effect on helping those suffering from bullying or abuse, and those that have turned a blind eye to it.
Some schools have either banned the show altogether, or required parental supervision, and while I completely understand this, I think students should be allowed to watch it. Yes, it is very upsetting, and can be quite consuming, but I think turning away from it is an injustice to those who do not have the choice to turn away from these same situations in real life.
The show is certainly hard to watch, but it is the kind of show you cannot forget, and which stays with you long after the last episode. This show makes you realize that you never know what is going on in someone else’s life, and you never know how the little things you say or do can affect someone else, sometimes in a huge way.
No one on the tapes thought they did something that caused Hannah’s suicide, but it was each of their little actions, or lack of action, that led the protagonist to take her own life.
Not only does this show give a voice and a face to all those personally affected by these situations, but it reminds each of us the importance of treating people with kindness, and simple gestures that show we care. The best way to prevent such a horrible tragedy, like suicide, from happening is to be the best person, daughter, son, or friend you can be.
All of us have things in our own lives that are difficult, and if we each try to understand the challenges of others, we will be much more understanding and compassionate people. We each have the power to make someone’s day, and sometimes the smallest thing like saying hello or good morning, holding the door, or sitting with someone in the lonely school cafeteria, can make all the difference.
