The Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has received a lot of love and also criticism. Some love this show because of its brave portrayal of a teenager’s struggle with depression, and some people hate it for this same reason. However, here are five common misconceptions about the show.
1. The show is too extreme/dramatic
Although the show may seem dramatic, similar events to those portrayed in the show actually occur. Suicide in and of itself is the extreme end of a continuous struggle with depression. Some of the events such as the scene where a male character was being brutally violated in the bathroom at the end of season 2 may seem unrealistic. However, I personally have heard of an account similar to that depicted. Therefore, it does not depict fictional events, but events that happen in real life.
2. “13 Reasons Why” is an inaccurate depiction of depression
Some viewers may proclaim that the show does not accurately represent a person’s case of depression. However, individuals that struggle with depression experience this mental illness in different ways. For this reason, is there actually an “accurate” depiction of how someone goes through depression?
3. The show glorifies suicide
I completely disagree with this statement. In my opinion, “13 Reasons Why” shows how suicide affects the people who are left to grieve an individual’s life. If anything, because of the dramatic repercussions that followed Hannah’s suicide, the show discourages teens from killing themselves and influences them to go to someone for help.
4.“13 Reasons Why” is a negative influence on youth.
The shows mature rating lends to the fact that children under a certain age should not watch this show alone. Before episodes, there is a warning of sexual or overly mature content. Although “13 Reason Why” is meant for mature audiences, its lessons on compassion and understanding are invaluable to today’s youth. If Hannah’s friends had shown more understanding toward her, she would have felt that she could confide in them about her depressed feelings.
It makes people more aware of how their actions affect others.
5. The show blames the individuals on the tapes for Hannah’s death.
It may seem as though the tapes were meant to blame others for her suicide. I believe that the tapes were actually highlighting how more than one event can lead to an individual’s decision to commit suicide. It’s called “Thirteen Reasons Why,” not thirteen reasons to blame. Hannah did not create the tapes to blame others for her suicide, just to let people become aware of how their actions affected her. She wanted others to learn from her situation.
Critics may see the show as unrealistic; however, it may actually be too real. Not everyone is going to view the show with the same perspective. Bullying through social media and other forms of communication, can push people to commit suicide. The important lesson to take away from the show is to pick up on the signs that someone around you is struggling with depression. It is also crucial that individuals know that they matter to the people around them.