Jay Asher in 2007 wrote “13 reasons why” to show how actions have consequences. It has now become Netflix’s most controversial television show.
The show and the concept of teenage suicide has gone viral among many young teenagers. It talks about a high school student, Hannah Baker and the result of her emotionally disturbing suicide. The toxically instructive show displays the realistic and harrowing topic of teenage suicide. It is aimed specifically at a young audience in order to achieve awareness on a subject society struggles to talk about.
The show also explores the issues of cyber bullying, sexual assault, depression and what it means to live in a world where women are devalued by their physical appearance. It bravely tackles the harsh reality of how suicide is an excruciating and violent end to all hopes and dreams. Many people are grateful for the show, as they believe that it allows society to have actual conversation on suicide.
Creator Brian Yorkey said that they didn’t want anything glamorous about they show-
"We worked very hard not to be gratuitous, but we did want it to be painful to watch because we wanted it to be very clear that there is nothing, in any way, worthwhile about suicide," he told EW.
“13 reasons why” tells us that we live in a world where terrible things happen. Rape, depression, homophobia and many others still exist. They are plagues in our society and they will continue to grow and spread. The show explains that many of us stand by-idly watching as these problems happen. 13 reasons why is a emotionally raw show that focuses on the ugliness of society and how we have the capability to destroy another person’s soul.
By Bhavya Bhaskaran, Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College
