Thirteen Reasons Why to Watch 13 Reasons Why | No Spoilers Obvi

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This contains absolutely no spoilers. 13 Reasons Why - a brand new show just recently released on Netflix, its the series adaptation of the novel by Jay Asher from 2007. I'd never heard of the book until Selena Gomez posted on her IG that she was part of the production for a passion project for Netflix.

Well, I watched it, and in one word...it's heartbreaking, but everyone needs to see it and here's why:

1. It's socially-conscious and relevant
2. It sheds light on the effect of simple words, rumors, etc.
3. It addresses bullying
4. It addresses depression and anxiety/social anxiety
5. It addresses the trivialized teen struggle (in high school, personal life, etc.)
6. It addresses the flaws in the U.S. education system
7. It addresses rape culture
8. It addresses sexism and internalized misogyny
9. It addresses the importance of clear sexual consent
10. It addresses slut-shaming
11. It addresses stigma around gay couples adopting children
12. It addresses the miscommunications due to generational/age gaps
13. It addresses the misrepresentation of the teen experience

I could give 13 MORE Reasons Why this show is a must-watch tbh. It just touched me on a deeper level than I ever thought a show about teens ever could. The main character commits suicide (this is not a spoiler, because this is the story's foundation. It's literally called 13 Reasons Why...I killed myself, basically). And this just hurt me so deeply once I reached the end of the last episode, because I just couldn't imagine feeling so helpless and defenseless and numb about life for so long that I'd be driven to suicide. I've experienced depression, and my anxiety is overwhelming at times, but I still know how privileged I am as a person to never feel like suicide is my only option, and like there is no one who'd give it a second thought if I were gone. This show gave me chills, because it really opened my eyes to how so many people feel this truly empty. And so many very, very young people experience this, too young. It's heart-wrenching.

I'm not pointing fingers or judging those who are suicidal, because life can be too much and it's understandable to want the pain to just end, but no matter how heavily one might feel otherwise, there is always an alternative option.

Please visit here if you need help. There are hotlines, text lines, and online chats available.
April 9th, 2017 at 08:03am