'13 Reasons Why' Did Not Affect Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

'13 Reasons Why' Did Not Affect Me

I'm disappointed to tell you why.

59
'13 Reasons Why' Did Not Affect Me
IMDB

I was in 7th grade when this book was published. I can’t remember how I got my hands on it but it instantly became my favorite book, and still sits in one of the top five spots. Back then I’m sure I just enjoyed the drama the book is filled with. I didn’t really know what it was speaking to. I knew about suicide and that drinking was bad, but that was about it. I am still unsure of why it intrigued me so much. But I quickly made all of my friends that enjoyed getting lost within the pages of a hardback cover read it.

Fast forward ten years, it’s become a Netflix series. The series is impeccable. I think the producers did a fantastic job of recreating the novel and did justice to the character’s quiet well. However, I’m a bit troubled by the amount of attention it’s receiving. I’m not surprised by the way just now the book is getting publicity, sometimes that’s just how it works. I’m caught off guard at how everyone is so, very mind-blown by the events that take place.

Our generation is relatively the first to grow up with as much social media and access to everything. We grew up going home from school to get on MySpace or AIM. I remember spending hours just scrolling through nonsense and recreating my profile with a cool new template. But, all of this is nothing new. We all know this. Was everything unaware of the downsides to technology? The affects it has on teenagers, and even young adults is something that many have done research on. Cyberbullying became a term not long after the influx of young people online.

We’re all told how to beware of predators. We were, or at least I was, told not to say anything to someone through a screen that you wouldn’t say to their face. Granted, my 12-year-old self was fearless and would say anything, so that argument went out the window. Anyways..

Sexual assault, rape, bullying, teen drinking and suicide are pretty much the main themes throughout the show. I watched the entire series within a few days and by the last episode, I just sat there and thought, Okay time to find something else. I’ve seen on Twitter and Facebook people end the show in tears, in disbelief. So I have been wondering why that wasn’t my reaction.

The conclusion I’ve come too is that I’m unaffected by the magnitude this show takes the viewer to as far as pain and the shock factor it reaches when portraying the significance, the events each character goes through.

And I think that’s because I already knew about it.

Even if I hadn’t read the book ten years ago, now being a 22-year-old senior in college, I am very aware that these topics are real things.

It is a great production and should be shown to all young adults and teens. It has the potential to open many eyes, considering book stores are closing at rapid rates I assume most teenagers these days would choose to binge watch the show instead of reading the book.

But to everyone that is around my age or older, why are you so surprised?

Suicide happens every day.

Sexual assault happens all the time.

Alcohol abuse is nothing new. Even in teens.

Maybe I’m ignorant to assume society has been blind to these issues.

Maybe I’ve been exposed to the issues more than I want to let you in on.

Maybe I would like to think that we aren’t afraid to talk about suicide and rape anymore.

Because we shouldn’t be.

As I said, the series is great. It will and has already started many conversations about hard topics. Still, I seemed to be unaffected by it because it portrayed nothing I haven’t been exposed to. It troubles me more that everyone is just now talking about it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190856
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15242
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458115
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26764
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments