“13 Reasons Why” show does not glorify suicide

Angel Van Horn

Screenshot from Netflix
“13 Reasons Why” follows Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) as he listens to tapes left by Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford).

The popular show “13 Reasons Why” is the new binge-worthy show that teens across America are obsessing over. The show may contradict itself in a way that emphasizes the sensitive topic of teen suicide.

“From watching this show, I feel that “13 Reasons Why” is an approach to helping any teens in need of help,” sophomore David Eskichyan said.

The Netflix Original was originally published in book form in 2007, then released as a series in 2017. Trying to attract a younger audience, the author and producers, including Selena Gomez, used real life issues that take the lives of 500,000 to 1 million teenagers each year. The show demonstrates how some teens turn to suicide as their first option. The purpose of the show is to make it known how anything like bullying can lead a teen to end their life.

“The show tries their best to inform people why suicide is not always the option,” freshman Lucianne Lejarde said.

Considering how bluntly structured the show is, the focus is on drawing attention to how easy it is for a teen to feel out of place and mistreated to the point where they kill themselves. The show uplifts the topic in a way to make people aware on how serious suicide is. It gives the illusion that suicide is being promoted when in reality it’s being taught about. Suicide is never the way to end something you think is hurting you. It will only cause more problems.

The show not only promotes the topic in a positive manner but informs viewers how drastic some reasons are for a teen ending their life. “13 Reasons Why” properly brought up the sensitive subject without glorifying it.

“Sometimes we think it’s the fastest way to stop the pain when in reality, it’s just going to hurt everyone around us for years,” sophomore Julissa Rangel said.