Adriana P.

Moreno
Cristina I. Perez
Angel G. Trabal
Tatiana Taylor
Prof. Gayle Griggs
Ingl3231
1 June 2017
Beautification Not Education

The hit Netflix original series 13 Reasons Why premiered on the popular

streaming site back in March. Although it has been very popular among teenagers and

young adults, this adaptation of the book of the same name has sparked a lot of controversy

due to its graphic scenes. It surrounds the mystery of Hannah Bakers suicide and the

thirteen tape recordings she left behind, each one of them explaining why she took her life.

This TV show was blamed for an increase in suicide among teenagers due to its

glorification of suicide, on the other hand, the open conversation about suicide has helped

start a discussion of mental health and suicide awareness.

Each tape was addressed to a different character and explained how they played a

crucial role in her decision. The real motive behind the tapes could be interpreted as

Hannahs effort to make her tormentors pay for what they did to her. By showing this, the

show creates an idea that by committing suicide, you have the last word and youre

somehow getting revenge. Therefore suicide contagion and copycat behavior is a

concern for many experts (Howard). Exposure has also been associated with attempts and

ideation, which increased dramatically the risk of suicide, especially among the youngest

age groups (Swanson and Colman 875). This false idea that suicide is somehow a way to

get back at their tormentors could lead vulnerable viewers who identify with Hannahs

ordeal to consider following her footsteps.

 Additionally, it portrays a false misconception that suicide is someone elses fault.

Writer Abbey Dudas explains, Yes, some of them did terrible things that could have

accelerated or caused her initial thoughts of suicide, but at the end of the day, Hannah was

the only one with control over her suicide, and the responsibility was her own. Although

the bully's actions towards Hannah may have been terrible and cause her to think about

ending her life, it was not their fault she committed suicide. This behavior portrayed

throughout the series is dangerous as it perpetuates the misconception that suicide is

someones fault even though it is the victims decision to end their life.

Also, the series irresponsibly shows the scene where Hannah gets into the bathtub,

fills it with water, and slits her wrists. This scene could trigger a variety of reactions in

people who have suicidal thoughts or a history of depression. The National Association of

School Psychologist released a statement that said, ...exposure to another person's suicide,

or to graphic or sensationalized accounts of death, can be one of the many risk factors that

youth struggling with mental health conditions cite as a reason they contemplate or attempt

suicide (qtd. in Howard). In a weak attempt to raise awareness, the creators inadvertently

created this sensationalized account of suicide, which could backfire.

As seen 13 Reasons Why is a topic of controversy. Its purpose was intended to

address teenage suicide and depression. TMC News interviewed Shelly Simpson, clinical

social worker and counselor at Menningers Pathfinder Community Integration Program.

Simpson stated the following I was reflecting on how many people I have heard in the last

month say the word suicide which is such a we dont say that word. It is a word that we,

as a society, are afraid to utter and [the show] has gotten people all over the place saying

it. (Riley). This series opened a conversation about suicide, which in many communities is

a taboo subject.
 That is not all; it also shows what teenager go through daily with no censorship.

Teenagers are faced with bullying, brutality, and trauma, 13 Reasons Why addresses

these subjects. Many episodes begin with warnings that there will be scenes containing rape

and suicide that may be difficult for some viewers. As well, the series comes with many

utensils for those who are considering suicide such as a website. At the end of the season,

Netflix added a special episode that goes over the themes discussed in the series along with

the actors and a psychologist specialized in teen mental health. This issue may be

uncomfortable and sensible to handle, but its the reality that most teenagers face daily.

The series message is to raise awareness about teen suicide, but it might have

backfired. The glorification of suicide along with the behavior portrayed by the protagonist

Hannah Baker and its graphic suicide and rape scenes could lead their viewers to have false

perceptions of suicide and may be a trigger for spectators that might feel strongly about

these subjects. On the other hand, the open conversation about suicide shown in the series

can help viewers understand this topic and know that this is an ugly reality that is part of

our society. In the end, this show could be a platform to raise awareness for suicide, or it

could raise concerns among viewers because of the strong content and its misinterpretation

of suicide.

Works Cited

Dudas, Abbey, and Shivani Gonzalez. "Point Counter Point: Is 13 Reasons Why Worth the

Risk?" The Queen's Journal, 29 May 2017, www.queensjournal.ca/story/2017-05-

28/lifestyle/point-counter-pointis-13-reasons-why-worth-the-risk/. Accessed 29 May

2017.

Howard, Jacqueline. Why teen mental health experts are focused on '13 Reasons Why.'
CNN, http://edition.cnn.com/2017/04/25/health/13-reasons-why-teen-suicide-debate-

explainer/ Netflix. 13 Reasons Why Promotion. Photograph. Spoiler TV, 16 Mar.

2017, images.spoilertv.com/13%20Reasons%20Why/Season%201/Key%20Art/13-

reasons-why.jpg.php. Accessed 22 May 2017.

Riley, Britni. "'13 Reasons Why': Raising Awareness and Concern." TMC News. N.p., 25

May 2017, http://www.tmc.edu/news/2017/05/13-reasons-raising-awareness-

concern/. Accessed 28 May 2017.

Swanson, Sonja and Colman, Ian. Association between exposure to suicide and suicidality

outcomes in youth. CMAJ, July 9, 2013 vol. 185 no. 10 pp. 870-877

http://www.cmaj.ca/content/185/10/870.full.pdf+html.