*Warning: Spoilers*
Recently, I finished all three seasons of the Norwegian show "Skam", which translates to "shame" in English. After seeing tweets on tweets about "Skam", I decided to try watching it. I would have never thought that I'd spend days watching it, since it isn't in English and you need to read subtitles. "Skam" is basically a new generation of "Skins", except it's actually bearable (sorry I couldn't get past the first season). Each season follows a new character, telling their story and offers insight to their life. The first season follows Eva, who is having relationship issues with her boyfriend Jonas. The first season also focuses on Eva's new found friend group, including some of the most powerful and feminist characters in the show. The second season follows Noora, who secretly dates a guy who is known to be a jerk who disrespects girls. And the most recent season, the third and my favorite season, follows Isak through a difficult and questioning part of his life. This season, in my opinion, is the most emotional and important--with messages that relate to real issues and problems that teens face. Such messages are also extremely inspiring and relevant.
Female Support
As I said earlier, Season 1 introduces us to a lot of the most vocal feminist characters in "Skam". First, we're introduced to Noora, who is against slut shaming and isn't afraid to vocalize her opinions. Even to a girl she doesn't even know, Noora makes her feel better after being called a slut. Noora also totally roasts a guy who called her friend worthless, which was one of her most iconic moments. She is the epitome of a supportive friend, who looks out for the ones she cares about and will do anything to protect them. The first season also shows the audience the creation of the ultimate female friend group. All these girls empower and love each other, a message that should be prevalent in all friend groups.
Religion and Hate
Sana is another major feminist figure in the show, and for lack of a better word, a total bad ass. Like Noora, Sana has the instinct to protect her friends from harm (she threw water on a girl for calling her friend a slut). Sana, sometimes even more so than Noora, vocalizes her opinions and sticks to her values. One value that she always stands by is her religion. A beautiful part of Season 3 is when Sana validates and comforts her friend, Isak. Isak is gay and afraid to come out to his mother, who is extremely religious. Sana knocks down the thought of justifying hate through religion. The aspect of religion, and Isak's belief that religion denounces gay people, looms over his head and brings him major stress and denial. But when Sana says these wise words to Isak, his mood suddenly turns around.
Coming To Terms With Your Sexuality
One of Isak's major struggles is accepting his sexuality. "Skam" addresses the stereotypes of gay people, but also makes the statement that gay people vary and are not all the same. At the same time, though, "Skam" talks about all that the gay community has overcome, just to be themselves. Isak is ignorant and very naive about the subjects he seems to know so much about. His roommate, Eskild, is also gay and acts as a mentor to him--educating Isak and guiding him through his new relationship.
Mental Illness
And if you didn't think Season 3 could get any more dramatic, we learn half way through that Isak's love interest (Even) is bipolar. "Skam" has a way to debunk a lot of common thoughts about certain issues. On mental illness, "Skam" makes it known that people who have mental illnesses are not crazy. After Isak and Even's relationship was going really well, they hit us with this tragic twist. I cried. But, it has a happy ending. One of my favorite scenes is when Isak runs out of a church during a Christmas concert and goes to see Even, where they first met. This all happened while a rendition of "O Holy Night" playing in the background. Isak hugged Even and told him "You're not alone". Isak decided to stay with Even, and made it clear that he would help Even. I cried again.
Take Life Minute by Minute
Honestly, watch "Skam." You'll get addicted, you'll cry, but you won't regret a second of it.
