13 Reasons Why '13 Reasons Why' Is Should NOT Be On Your Netflix Watch List | The Odyssey Online
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Health and Wellness

13 Reasons Why '13 Reasons Why' Is Should NOT Be On Your Netflix Watch List

Many people cried out in hatred of the show, and although I was hooked while watching it, I agree with those people 100%

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13 Reasons Why '13 Reasons Why' Is Should NOT Be On Your Netflix Watch List
imdb.com

"13 Reasons Why" is a Netflix series that depicts the aftermath of a high school teen’s suicide. 13 reasons of why the teen took her own life were prerecorded, and, now after the tragedy, are being circulated among the 13 people that each tape is about. The suspense and feeling of guilt are paramount in every minute of each episode.

I can personally say I was one of the many that were hooked on the 13-episode series when it first came out. After finishing the first season, many people cried out in hatred of the show, and although I was hooked while watching it, I agree with those people 100%.

Suicide is not a topic that should be glorified through a show. This show does just that and, through familiar situations and stages in life as a teenager, became dangerously attractive to young viewers.

As the second season of this show begins to air on Netflix, here are 13 reasons why "13 Reasons Why" is NOT an okay show:

1. Depression is a serious mental health illness, not something that should be romanticized.

People experiencing this should seek help, and this show should have shown main character (Hannah Baker) seeking help – she did not, it was not shown as an option.

2. It glorifies suicide.

Plainly and simply wrong.

3. It depicts suicide as an acceptable, even favorable option.

WHAT!? Suicide rates among teens reached a 40 year high in 2015 and continue to grow. Why are we showing this as an option in a show target at teens?

4. It romanticizes revenge.

It shows (through the circulation of the 13 tapes) that guilt is a great way to get revenge. Wrong.

5. It shows not one, but two rapes on screen.

Necessary? I don't think so.

6. As if that is not enough, it SHOWS Hannah Baker taking her own life.

It's essentially step-by-step instructions showing how she does it. I had an extremely hard time watching this and was baffled they showed it.

7. It paints Hannah Baker's depression as an overreaction.

Almost every character ridiculed Hannah Baker and made her sound as though she was overreacting. Depression is not an overreaction.

8. It shows other characters that self-harm and shows it as a healthy alternative to taking your own life.

One character is quoted, saying, “That’s what you do instead of killing yourself. Suicide is for the weak,” when confronted about her self-harm scars. Despicable.

9. It romanticizes the idea of death.

As if romanticizing suicide wasn't enough. Again, WHY?

10. It fails to address the real issues with victim shaming.

It depicts a rape victim coming forward and confiding in a counselor, then showing the counselor try to talk to her as if it was “her fault.” I’m sorry, what?

11. It shows acting out in violence or using alcohol/drugs as ways people cope with hard times.

Although some may do this, it is not the healthy option and should not be advertised as an option.

12. It shows audience members that it is better to not say anything when you witness a crime or harmful behavior towards someone.

The prerecorded tapes circulated through 13 people and not one of them came forward after learning of the multiple crimes committed in the past.

13. It is inherently negative.

How do you spin an issue-based show into a positive light? Not by doing anything this show did, that’s for sure. They should have shown positive, healthy options for those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, not depicted options like suicide and self-harm in gruesome yet “okay” ways.


After viewing the first season of "13 Reasons Why," I cannot even imagine how their second season will unfold. I hope much better than their first season.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, I do not advise watching this show. Please know you are important and you are loved. Please seek help if you need it.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

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