I HATE 13 REASONS WHY

I hate “13 Reasons Why,” a Netflix original show that has gained immense popularity, especially at the recent release of it’s second season. 

I have only seen the first season and do not intend on watching the second because I think the implied messages behind the show are toxic, especially to girls of my age and position. The show is about a high school girl named Hannah Baker, who kills herself after sending out a number of tapes to those whom she recognizes as the reasons that she committed suicide, hence the title, “13 Reasons Why.” Putting the terrible acting, boring cliches, and corny script writing aside, the show is so problematic. As it follows Hannah and her relatable problems in high school, it romanticizes depression and suicide, making it seem beautiful and poetic. After killing herself, most of Hannah’s proclaimed “reasons” for killing herself feel responsible and awful for their actions. Hannah becomes the center of attention at her school, neighborhood, and beyond as everyone collectively feels saddened and regretful of her death. Everyone misses her, which the show portrays in a romantic and desirable way. The show revolves around suicide and teenage depression without bringing helpful awareness to the problem. Instead, it makes it seem tragically beautiful and even trendy. It doesn’t discuss these modern problems so that it have a positive effect on depressed teenagers who can relate to Hannah Baker’s problems, but basically encourages teens to commit suicide, implying that they too will gain the recognition and attention they lack in day to day life if they do kill themselves. 

While I personally believe that this show has caused a lot of harm among adolescents, at the same time, some have said that it has helped them through their depression or served as an outlet for them. However, there are more people who have suffered from its implications after binge watching “13 Reasons Why.” 

With a second wave of popularity upon the release of the second season, I am once again appalled at the way that the show portrays mental health issues. It makes suicide seem poetic and beautiful, like the ending of a Shakespeare tragedy. I am only hoping that this very popular show, at the arrival of its second season, does not contribute to any teenage depression or suicide.