Sensitive Topics in Media

Lately I've been seeing a lot of sources saying 13 Reasons Why is bad for teens and it's getting me fired up...

 

There is one important thing you must know about me, if someone insults something I'm passionate about, I will fight you. I am a strong advocate for not censoring material because the topic is sensitive or mature. If you find the topic too much or triggering, DON'T WATCH IT, I completely understand that, but you have no right to tell me what I should watch. I began getting fired up about this topic a few days ago and took to twitter…

I know a few people who said they won't watch 13 Reasons Why due to personal reasons; that's great, please don't watch it if it will be detrimental to your mental health. But a show you find triggering, others might get uplifting messages from. I have been a fan of 13 Reasons Why since I read the book freshman year. I, ironically, find the novel's ending uplifting. The message I have always taken from the story is that you don't know what's going on in someone's life and you underestimate how far as simple complement can go. You never know who is the Hannah in your life searching for a sign that someone cares, and your speaking to them can be what they need to make it through another day. It all comes back to carpe diem and the fact that you never know when a moment with someone can be the last time you two are together.

While I am seeing some discuss this message from the book/show, I am also seeing many people say it glorifies suicide and is harmful. I do not believe either version glorifies suicide; I believe that by showing the consequences of Hannah's death and how it affects her family, it shows that suicide can devastate those who love you. Through the characters of Hannah's parents and Clay, the show emphasizes the fact that while you think no one cares, someone actually does. You just have to find that person that you can open up to, and who will be there no matter what. I promise we all have these people in our life, it is just a matter of looking in the right places.

Finally, I must emphasize the importance of bringing awareness to issues such as suicide and not shutting down shows that are trying to have a conversation about them. Communication is vital to both helping others know they are not alone and bringing awareness to what you can do to help those around you. I'm not saying you have to watch and enjoy 13 Reasons Why, but at least understand how the show might help others.

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Elise