Degrassi: The Next Generation (DTNG) supplied us with some of the most insane and intense moments in TV history, however, they always packed a real lesson along with them. Their dramatic storylines may be too predictable or consistent to be truly shocking, but they have provided practical life lessons for the younger audience watching. Here's a list of just a few of the reasons why the show became educational, powerful, and impressionable for the younger viewers:
1. Sex Education
This show did a fantastic job of educating their viewers of sexual health. From STD's to teen pregnancy to getting your period in class, DTNG covered everything. Shows that highlight important health issues that are most of the time left out of public schools are our heroes. The scenarios exploring safe sex, STD education and bodily changes lead to younger people making better decisions regarding their health.
2. LGBTQ representation
At this time, more and more shows were coming out with gay and lesbian characters. For the LGBTQ audience at home, storylines that covered sexual health (as it was rarely, if at all discussed in public schools), coming out and struggling with identity was more than helpful. In recent seasons, they also managed to bring awareness to the transgendered community by adding Adam, a young transgender student at Degrassi High, to the cast. DTNG normalized LGBTQ characters and for that, we are all grateful.
3. Rape and sexual violence
When the show was still just a young revival of the original Degrassi from the 80s, they managed to explore sexual violence, unhealthy relationships and the emotional aftermath during a time when it wasn't portrayed on TV as closely. This portrayal was very important as sexual violence has alway been a major issue that is only now gaining traction on television and film. Providing scenes of sexual violence, abuse and the real emotional trauma that follows, has only raised awareness of this issue and will hopefully bring it to a stop. Thanks to DTNG, younger viewers were able to recognize unsafe situations and how to receive help when facing these traumatic events.
4. Cultural acceptance
DTNG came in clutch for younger viewers who felt ashamed of their ethnicity or religion. This is seen especially in Season 2 with Hazel's acceptance of her cultural background and religion. After 911, it was difficult for muslims to display their beliefs without receiving some sort of ignorant remark. In one episode, Hazel was able to realize her family, beliefs, and ethnicity were nothing to be ashamed of and should be embraced instead of hidden. Following a religion that may keep you from some of the most basic parts of being a teenager is hard, like dating for example. This show worked through all of these problems and overall allowed every character struggling with this to become ok with their identity and embrace their diversity.
5. Abusive parents
Craig mostly takes the cake for this issue. For several episodes, Craig and his father were examined up close for their unhealthy relationship. Craig's father was both physically and verbally abusive to Craig, resulting in a broken boy with manic depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses diagnosed in later episodes. This storyline helped many kids under the stress of abusive parents, and allowed for everyone to see what an unhealthy relationship actually is and how to deal with it safely.
6. Teen pregnancy
This is one of the more popular as teen pregnancy is huge. The show managed to normalize this issue and broke it down from the stigma it held. The characters on the show that became pregnant were followed through that process and grew from children to parents as they tried to raise their babies with or without help, all while getting a high school diploma. Whether or not they got pregnant on purpose, choosing to stay pregnant would change their lives forever. The viewers at home were abel to see these consequences and make better decisions that would fit them if ever becoming pregnant at a younger age. This show is legit a guide for all issues that teenagers deal with every day.
7. Abortion
For the characters who didn't go through with their pregnancy, they got an abortion, or at least flirted with the idea. The show made sure to normalize this as well, because abortion is nothing to be afraid of. It is simply a totally understood option for anyone who becomes pregnant and just doesn't feel right going through with it. This normalization is so important because there is such a stigma against getting one, when in reality it is a feasible option that should be left up to the woman. No shame, no hate: just a fully thought out and well made decision regarding their future.
8. Sick parents
Dealing with a sick parent isn't fun. You are constantly worried about them and their health, scared to see the struggle afterwards if they don't get well, and are constantly reminded of how sad and crushing it is to see a loved one ill. DTNG focused on this especially when Emma's stepdad, Snake, got diagnosed with cancer. The pain that the child feels is unbearable, but they are definitely not alone. The show told everyone that sickness happens, but you can find comfort in safe places and not feel alone.
9. Mental illness and self harm
This show is absolutely filled to the brim with characters of mental illness. Which is actually a good thing because depression, anorexia and other disorders are sadly very common. DTNG explored these effected characters and showed that mental illness is far from the end of things. There is such a thing as recovery and ways to end the pain that those effected may feel that doesn't include suicide, self harm, or self medication. DTNG reminded viewers that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of and can be worked with.
10. Public humility
In a day and age with cell phones and social media, this is a hugely relevant issue. No matter what it is, if it is embarrassing and recorded on a cell phone, there is a large chance it could end up on social media and used against you, especially with petty people everywhere. This show taught viewers the consequences of taking explicit video or pictures or the embarrassing result of posting something you shouldn't online. Better to learn from Manny or Darcy's mistake than on your own, for sure.
11. Drug use and addiction
This issue is seen widely off and on screen. Drug use and addiction is extremely prevalent in our generation. Drugs are so common and so easily accessible that just about anyone can get their hands on some. DTNG explored story lines that displayed the true risks of drugs, the emotional aftermath of addiction and how to find help for these problems in a safe and healthy way.
12. School violence
Even if you've never seen an episode of this show you know this episode. Jimmy gets shot by Rick, and ends up paralyzed from his waist down for the remainder of his time on the show. Rick acted out after experiencing intense bullying and becoming an outcast in his school. Depressed and feeling like there is no end to the pain, he decides to end things himself. This episode was hard to watch as it is all too real of a issue with the current lenient gun laws and accessibility. School shootings are almost constantly in the news and although this went down as only an intense episode, it was also a reminder to the audience how real gun violence and bullying can be.
13. Death
Ok, so maybe this is the most intense episode. Anyone who's been watching from the start knows the death of JT was enough to cause streaming tears and chest pain. JT was a loving and amazing character that didn't deserve anything close to this fate. Unlike any other death on the show, this death was totally unexpected and ultimately ended a roller coaster of drug abuse and depression. The viewers were able to see the aftermath of what it is like to deal with the death of a peer. DTNG was legendary for displaying real life events no matter how dramatic, and the death of a loved one still remains to be the most difficult.
