By Mary Hachey
On Friday May 18th, 2018, Netflix released a second season of “13 Reasons Why.” Just as it's debut season, season 2 of the controversial hit series received immediate backlash.
The television series authentically tackles several real-world problems including sexual assault, substance abuse, slut-shaming, bullying, and mental illness. Because of this, it has faced an extreme amount of criticism from not only psychologists and teachers, but also parents and teens alike. Critics are accusing the show of glorifying suicide, being unnecessarily graphic, and presenting a lack of understanding on how to safely address such sensitive issues.
On Friday May 18th, 2018, Netflix released a second season of “13 Reasons Why.” Just as it's debut season, season 2 of the controversial hit series received immediate backlash.
The television series authentically tackles several real-world problems including sexual assault, substance abuse, slut-shaming, bullying, and mental illness. Because of this, it has faced an extreme amount of criticism from not only psychologists and teachers, but also parents and teens alike. Critics are accusing the show of glorifying suicide, being unnecessarily graphic, and presenting a lack of understanding on how to safely address such sensitive issues.
In response to the backlash Netflix received from the first season, the director included a brief warning at the beginning of the first episode, where three of the actors advise viewers against watching it because of the potentially triggering content. Each episode ends by providing viewers with crisis resources. The cautions Netflix has taken have been appreciated by some, but others say that the show could also try a less graphic approach at trying to start a conversation about suicide.
The show follows the lives of students in high school, so the primary audience is teens. Research shows a majority of teen viewers feel that they can relate to the characters and the problems they face.
Mashpee students voiced their varying opinions after finishing the second season. For example, Paige Lundberg, a freshman at MHS said, “I get frustrated in the fact that they refuse acknowledge the fact that she must have had severe depression or a mental issue of that caliber to carry out such an act. They perpetuate the stereotype that depicts sufferers of mental health issues as just victims instead of educating the public on the dangers of these disorders.”
On the other hand, sophomore Anna O’Neill, said, “Though there is much controversy over it, I think that 13 Reasons Why is eye opening for students. I know at least I am more aware of my peers and am willing to lend a hand if anyone needs it. I can’t imagine such events occurring at Mashpee.”
Another sophomore at MHS, Adriana DeSimone agreed with Anna: “I think it is a pretty good show. it teaches people to be careful what they say because everyone is going through something they won’t speak about, and it displays how society can be messed up in a way.”