13 Reasons Why It's Problematic.

Trigger Warning: Talk of Self-Harm and Suicide.

          Many of us have probably watched or know of this trendy and viral Netflix series "13 Reasons Why". Yet most of us are still denying and looking past the dangerous and problematic ways of how the series spreads it's message. So, let's talk about it.

          Now, I have personally watched the series, and I have to admit that it is very well-done artistically and as a successful TV series for people to binge on. And I also do applaud for the directors, producers, actors, writers...etc to be all trying their best to spread such an important message and trying to bring awareness to issues like bullying, sexual assault, sexism, rape, self-harm, and suicide. It is true that the show has started many conversations, bring the spotlight and the awareness needed for these issues. Yet, the series could have done better, because if we're gonna talk about these issues, let's do it right. So let's begin, with my few reasons (there aren't 13, I just titled it like that because I wanted to include the series' name, sorry !) why it's problematic.

1. Lack of Trigger Warnings:

Yes, they did give out a general trigger warning before those episodes that are more explicit and graphic, yet it's not enough. People are triggered by all sorts of different things on different levels, giving out general statements of "oh by the way, you may get triggered" but not letting the audience know of the possible topics and triggers ahead is not enough.

2. "The Revenge Fantasy"

Hannah dies by suicide and leaves 13 tapes of her reasons why, blaming and accusing of those who have bullied and assaulted her. The show is portraying the idea of "suicide" as a revenge plot, trying to place guilt onto those whom may have contributed to one's decision to take their own life. Though I do not want to generally criticize those who may believe in such action because everyone has been through different situations that may have caused them to be suicidal with such intent, but I have to say that this does contribute to the stigma against suicide. When I was in therapy for being suicidal, I was asked if I self-harmed to feel, or to die. Well, in Hannah's case, it seemed almost that she died by suicide to make the others feel...

3. The Exploitation of Suicide

The series exploits suicide, which is a serious issue that we should all be more aware of. The producers have been exposed in which that they did do research and went to the experts and scholars of suicide prevention and have done everything they were told not to do and show. The graphic scenes of Hannah's suicide in the second last or last episode is very triggering and dangerous for the audience. Many schools have even reported their concerns as some students are influenced negatively and started to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Also, the original ending in the book has Hannah attempting to die by suicide by an overdose, yet was saved after being rushed to the hospital. The directors have explained in interviews that they changed the ending to make it more of an impact, to really make the audience "get it". So... dramatizing and exploiting the graphic and rawness of suicide to make the show's ending more jaw-dropping ? And people who are fans of the show applaud for such dramatic ending, saying that they're brave for showing how "real" suicide is. Well, overdosing is also an extremely common and real way of many suicidal attempts, not to mention - it's how the story was originally meant to be told.

4. Romanticizing & Glorifying Suicide

Maybe the show didn't techniquely romanticize or glorify suicide (debatable), but I've already started seeing merchandising of the series like people making and selling necklaces with little tapes...etc. How about we don't make fashionable accessories out of a symbolic suicide note ? How about we don't sell merchandising for this show because it's quite insensitive and controversial ? Okay, if even there is merchandising, why can't it be like a little self-help book or something to actually prevent suicide or help those who are impacted by such issue ?!

5. Noninclusive Entertainment

After all, it's entertainment. It really is, and we can't deny it. Yet I do not find it problematic just because it's for entertainment, because I think it's also used as an art form to spread awareness, which is great ! What I find is not so great is how noninclusive this series is. It does not create a safe and inclusive content that is suitable for all audiences, especially not towards the audience that it should care most about. SO many people whom have dealt with sexual assault, sexual violence, suicidal attempts...etc. have all said that the show is too triggering and too much for them to watch. So if those with lived experiences can't watch it, then who's watching it ? This reminds me of how transgender roles in films are often played by cisgender actors, letting cisgender people narrate and portray stories of what they think it's like to be transgender, non-binary, queer...etc. It's problematic because then the target audience will for those who do not have lived experiences, creating more assumptions and stigmas towards the issue. In this case, most of the audience are those who are mentally stable enough to get through the series, thinking that it's the greatest series ever just because it's so impactful for them to realize how hard it can be for those who are bullied, assaulted, or are suicidal. I think that in the entertainment and media industries, we really need to start letting those with lived experiences to create the content that will be inclusive and for those with lived experiences. Example, Beyonce releasing "Lemonade" as a tribute FOR black people especially black women and remember how many white people just didn't get it ? Yeah.

6. Where's The Hope ?

Where was the hope in the series ? Where was the hope that people with such experiences need ? Where was information of how to get help or to seek support ? Where in the series is it actually helping those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies ? Why is it just showcasing and using the rawness and the pain to make people "realize" things ?!

          Again, I have watched the show and was extremely triggered by it and impacted negatively, so I do think that it's important for us to realize how problematic the series can be. Yet I do applaud for the show's success artistically and it's attempt to spread awareness. I am personally very impressed and happy with the show's diversity in regards of race and sexuality. Though it is definitely not a show that everyone needs to watch, because not everyone can watch it. Also, there has been such a controversial debate over this, and maybe you've watched it and loved it, maybe you didn't get impacted negatively, and that's great for you. What I'm trying to say is that there are people who have been hurt by this show's careless portrayal of such sensitive topic and it does go against suicide prevention experts' research and recommendations. So... stop saying that we're just hating on the show, because we're not. All I want is for people to really think about what they're doing before handling such issue and not deny the problematic ways of this show. I hope that if there's anyone seeking for help, that they have someone to go to and receive the right support that they need. Please reach out to a close-one, a professional, a counselor, or call a Suicidal/Distress/Crisis helpline.