13 Reasons Why

13 Reasons Why: An In-Depth Look at the Controversial TV Show

Netflix’s hit TV show 13 Reasons Why has sparked countless debates and discussions since its release in 2017. The show, which is based on the novel of the same name by Jay Asher, follows the story of a teenage girl, Hannah Baker, who tragically takes her own life. Before her death, she creates 13 cassette tapes, each detailing the reasons why she made the decision to end her life. While some viewers praised the show for its raw and honest portrayal of teenage issues, others criticized it for its graphic and triggering content. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the show and explore some of the reasons behind its controversial nature.

The Show’s Impact on Mental Health

One of the main criticisms of 13 Reasons Why is its potential negative impact on mental health, particularly for young and vulnerable viewers. The show’s graphic depiction of suicide and other sensitive topics such as sexual assault, cyberbullying, and drug abuse has raised concerns among mental health experts and organizations. The National Association of School Psychologists even released a statement urging school officials and parents to discourage vulnerable students from watching the show due to its potential harm.

On the other hand, fans and supporters of the show argue that it brings awareness to these hard-hitting issues and opens up necessary discussions on mental health. The show’s creators have defended their decision to include such graphic scenes, stating that they wanted to show the harsh reality of these issues and how they can ultimately lead to someone taking their own life.

The Controversy Surrounding the Suicide Scene

The most controversial and highly debated aspect of 13 Reasons Why is the portrayal of Hannah’s suicide in the final episode of the first season. The scene, which shows Hannah graphically slitting her wrists in a bathtub, sparked a major outcry from mental health professionals and parents who felt that it was unnecessarily graphic and potentially harmful to vulnerable viewers. Some even argued that it romanticized and glorified suicide, which could lead to copycat behavior.

In response to the criticism, Netflix updated the warnings and added trigger warnings before each episode that contains sensitive material. They also removed the graphic suicide scene from the show’s streaming service. While these changes were applauded by some, others believed that the damage had already been done and that the scene should have never been included in the first place.

The Role of Responsibility in Depicting Sensitive Topics

One of the biggest debates surrounding 13 Reasons Why is the responsibility of the show’s creators and producers in depicting sensitive topics such as suicide. On one hand, some argue that it is their responsibility to accurately and realistically portray these issues for the sake of art and storytelling. Others believe that they have a moral and ethical obligation to handle such topics in a responsible and sensitive manner, as it can greatly influence susceptible viewers.

The controversy has also prompted larger discussions on the responsibility of media, particularly in the age of streaming services where there are fewer content restrictions and regulations. While art is meant to provoke and challenge societal norms, it is also important for creators to be mindful of the impact their work may have on vulnerable audiences.

The Power of Storytelling and the Importance of Open Discussions

Amidst all the controversy and criticism, one thing that cannot be denied is the power of 13 Reasons Why to start important conversations about teenage issues. The show’s popularity has shed light on topics that are often stigmatized or ignored. It has opened up discussions about mental health, bullying, and sexual assault, and has encouraged young viewers to speak up and seek help if they are struggling with similar issues.

In the end, 13 Reasons Why serves as a reminder of the importance of storytelling and the impact it can have on society. While it may not have been perfect in its execution, it has started a conversation that is necessary and long overdue.

The Authors Behind the Controversy

13 Reasons Why was created by Brian Yorkey and executive produced by Selena Gomez, among others. Yorkey, who also wrote the screenplay for the show, is known for his work in theater and his other television projects such as Looking for Alaska and Battleship Galactica. Gomez, who gained fame as a singer and actress, has also dabbled in producing and is known for her work on the Netflix series Living Undocumented. While the show has faced criticism, both Yorkey and Gomez have defended their creative decisions and believe in the importance of telling this story.

In conclusion, 13 Reasons Why may have its flaws and controversies, but it has undoubtedly succeeded in bringing attention to important issues and starting important conversations. It’s up to us, as viewers and members of society, to continue the dialogue and work towards creating a safer and more understanding world for teenagers and those struggling with mental health issues.