You’ll never guess what I did this weekend, or maybe you will. Along with what seems like half of the nation, I spent this past weekend binge-watching Netflix’s newest series, "13 Reasons Why." The series, based on the 2007 novel "Thirteen Reasons Why" written by Jay Asher, follows high school student, Clay Jensen, as he uncovers the story behind his classmate’s decision to end her life. Due to the weightiness of the show’s topics, which include, rape, suicide, and depression, the series has caused a tumultuous conversation. Some viewers feel as though the show romanticizes, glorifies, and exploits teenage suicide and, therefore, will have a dangerous impact on teenagers that watch the show. While others, like myself, feel as though the show honestly portrays the aforementioned issues and how they affect individuals, their loved ones, and communities.
When I sat down last week to begin the series, I was aware that the show would not be a heartfelt comedy, but after a two-day binge, I did not expect to be the mess that I was. Scratch that. To say I was a mess is an understatement. To be quite frank, I was beyond a mess; slumped over in my bed hysterically crying, with boxes of takeout littered around my room and the nails on my fingers gnawed down to the cuticles. Since I have finished the series, I have rewatched it and recommended it to all of my friends. Trust me I could go on and on about why I think everyone should watch "13 Reasons Why" but below are 5 of the most prominent reasons!
1. It's relatable
One thing that continued to surprise me throughout the show was how ridiculously relatable it was. The creators/producers did an excellent job of avoiding cliches and instead created a wide variety of multidimensional characters. Each character came from a different background and lifestyle and they all have their own struggles that are shown as realistically and accurately as possible, which makes it easy for the diverse audience to find at least one character that they can relate to. Additionally, high school is often a time period in people's lives that is recreated on screen, but never have I seen it executed as perfectly as it was in "13 Reasons Why." The show does an amazing job of showing what the modern American teenager is like and what problems, even hidden ones, they are likely to experience daily while roaming the halls of their high schools. One of the reasons the show is so devastating is partly due to the fact that it is so relatable. All throughout the show, it is easy to envision yourself in the shoes of the characters.
2. It's so much more than high school drama
Another reason that I think people should watch "13 Reasons Why" is because at the end of the day it is so much more than a high school drama. While high school drama is a major focal point of the story, ultimately this show is centered around suicide, which is often a “swept under the rug topic.” Not only does the story portray suicide and what can happen leading up to suicide but more importantly it shows what happens after a suicide; how it affects a community, a family, a school, a business, etc.
3. It discusses issues such as sexual assault, bullying, and depression
Along with suicide, "13 Reasons Why" also depicts other gripping issues that are usually tiptoed over, such as, sexual assault, bullying, and depression. The show has been the subject of a lot of controversies because of the depictions of these issues and the graphic depictions at that. There are two episodes in the series that have graphic rape scenes and even though they are prefaced with warning messages, many critics have said that they were unnecessary and far too graphic. But, guess what? Rape is something that is graphic and it should be something that viewers have an extremely hard time watching but that doesn’t mean it shouldn't be shown because unfortunately, it is happening. The depiction of rape in "13 Reasons Why" is beyond disturbing and I would be lying if I said it didn’t still haunt me. But I believe it would be an injustice if they made those scenes any less graphic and just glossed over the topic because then it wouldn’t be accurate. All too often, we hear about rape but may be desensitized to it if we aren’t being directly affected by it. The depiction of rape, bullying, and depression in "13 Reasons Why" opens the doors for active conversation and displays what a big problem these issues really are.
4. It's suitable for adults as well
Although I believe the primary audience of the show is most likely teenagers to young adults, I think this show is suitable for all ages above that. I especially believe that it would be incredibly beneficial for adults and parents to watch. While much of the story is centered around high school drama, there is also a lot of scenes that involve the parents of the teenagers. Once again, if adults were to watch this I think it could serve as an eye-opener and a definite conversation starter.
5. It displays how important it is to be kind
While the show does commonly discuss significant issues such as rape and bullying and how detrimental their effects may be, "13 Reasons Why" also displays how important simple acts of kindness can be. It is so easy to walk by someone and offer up a smile or a wave, so why not? You never know what someone is going through and that little gesture could mean so much to someone. "13 Reasons Why" does stress the aforementioned point continuously throughout the series.
After reading this if you're even the least bit interested in "13 Reasons Why" I would say you should definitely head over to Netflix and give it the chance it deserves. Amidst, all of the controversy, press play and have an open mind. Take everything in, try to connect to the characters, and attempt to realize that everything you do and say matters, no matter how big or small it may seem.
