A few days ago the second season of 13 Reasons Why debuted on Netflix. Just as with the first season, it has many people praising and criticizing the issues they talked about. The debate it still going on whether it’s a healthy show that helps teenagers feel less alone, or one that encourages self-destructive behavior.

The first season focused on a girl who commited suicide and left 13 tape recordings for those who were considered the reasons for ultimately taking her life. I wrote my opinion last year on this show and it was before I really understood the terrible portrayal and representation of mental illnesses along with many other issues it talks about.

The whole premise of this show is immoral; it depicts a girl who left tapes deliberately to have those in her life know it was their fault. In my opinion leaving those was unnecessary and paints her as the victim in most situations, however many people didn’t deserve to feel that guilt for the rest of their life.

Moving on to the second season, it catered towards the aftermath of everything that happened and caused even more backlash in the media, particularly over the lack of trigger warnings and one particular scene in the last episode.

Firstly, I don’t think there should’ve been a second season. As an avid fan of the book since 5th grade, they strayed away completely from the story and adding more just leaves fans of the paperback feeling bitter over the way it’s being shown.

In the last episode there is one scene that is highly graphic and disturbing that caused many outcrys over social media. Many people have probably seen or heard about it, as it showed a classmate being brutally beaten and sexually assaulted by other guys. While some people are arguing that it’s important to show and it leads to discussion, other people are upset that the scene came out of nowhere, despite the warning in the beginning. I agree that more people should be talking about the subject because it does in fact happen, however there were less unpalatable ways to stimulate conversation over it.

There are many other flaws with this show. Instead of showing how to help the main character, they portray suicide as an answer rather than providing healthy coping solutions or alternatives. It treated suicide as a revenge plot and glorifies it by alluding that Clay, another character’s love, could have saved her. If you’re someone who wants to watch a meaningful show with an actual plot, keep scrolling on Netflix.

Sincerely,

Sydney

For anyone in need of additional resources in regards to this column or the TV “13 Reasons Why”, the following links may provide useful information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efEvNBqHXEA&feature=youtu.be

https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources/school-safety-and-crisis/preventing-youth-suicide/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators/13-reasons-why-netflix-series-considerations-for-educators
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/13-reasons-why
https://afsp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TipsForParents_2017.pdf