If you haven't subjected yourself to Netflix's problematic new teen drama, 13 Reasons Why, the series is about a 17 year old girl who commits suicide, leaving behind 13 tapes; each tape dedicated to a person and their mistake that led Hannah Baker to take her own life. The entire story revolves around a revenge suicide and follows Clay Jensen, the main protagonist, as he unrealistically draws out listening to the tapes so the show can extend to 13 hour long episodes.

Let's begin with the title, 13 Reasons Why.

"Why", implying there are legitimate reasons to commit suicide, when there most definitely are not. Suicide is never the answer. It's not your way out, it's not an act of revenge, and it most certainly will not end how it did in the unrealistic portrayal in a Netflix TV series.

Before I continue I'd just like to add a disclaimer: I in no way have any intention of minoritizing what Hannah Baker went through, nor do I want to sound as though I am belittling her or anyone else who has tried or succeeded to take their own life, however, 13 Reasons Why sends the message that suicide can be justifiable when bad things happen to you. It leads vulnerable viewers who are more susceptible to suicidal thoughts and tendencies to believe taking their own life is the answer, rather than encouraging them to reach out for help. Contrary to the viewers claiming the show explores and analyzes the nature of mental health, the show completely disregards addressing other important factors that played a part in Hannah's decision (Such as depression). The show is receiving credit for discussing important mental health issues, but never actually talks about it. There is no mention of depression and or anxiety on the tapes, nor is Hannah's mental state ever seen as responsible by any of the characters or the audience. Dangerous rhetoric such as, "We [the characters] all killed Hannah Baker" is used throughout the series. The biggest mention of any mental disorder is in regards to Clay, and his anxiety is only used as a plot device to excuse his drawn out listening of the tapes. 13 Reasons Why didn't "raise awareness" of important issues, it took advantage of, glorified, romanticized, justified, and sensationalized them.

Hannah's decision is italicized because it is important to remind everyone that the only person who killed Hannah Baker, was Hannah Baker. If someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, or has committed suicide, remember it was their decision, not yours. This is another unfortunate message sent throughout the entirety of the show. It leads both the audience and the characters to believe that if someone they know kills themselves, it's their fault. Which just isn't true. This is a particularly risky idea to send out for people who are in abusive relationships, and are being manipulated and or threatened into staying in them, in fear of their partner or loved one committing suicide.

Let's talk about Hannah Baker. Hannah Baker was treated unfairly by many people, and had a a lot of unfortunate things happen to her. She was a victim of everything from petty high school drama, to bullying, rape culture, and sadly, rape itself. Ultimately, it was the sexual assault that led her to take her own life. This is a devastating and tragic occurrence that happens all to often. Even once, is too often. Hannah Baker is not to blame for the mental state she was in, nor for what happened, or how it affected her. What I would like to point out is that 13 Reasons Why had the opportunity to actually discuss the result of rape culture, bullying, and what to do in the case you or someone you know is experiencing it, but they missed it. Rather than informing their primarily younger audience to their available options, or even just encourage them to reach out, it took advantage of the sensationalism that suicide and rape scenes could provide. For those who have experienced something similar the scenes were triggering, and for those who hadn't they were simply unnecessary. Yes, the show did give warnings before the episodes with particularly graphic scenes, however, if your target audience is people struggling or people who could relate to the story, and your goal is to raise awareness, how do you expect to do that if the viewers can't watch crucial parts to the story? It wasn't about awareness, or helping those who are struggling. It was about sensationalism.

I want to make another brief mention of the romantization portrayed in the show as well. One of Hannah Baker's "reasons" for committing suicide was that Clay Jensen, her coworker and classmate, never told her he loved her. Not only is this incredibly demeaning, it's also just inaccurate. If not being told your loved by your high school crush was a "reason for suicide" the statistics would be even higher and scarier than they already are. Mental illness was to blame. Again, mental illness was to blame. 13 Reasons Why blamed a boy in high school for the death of a classmate, because he didn't tell her he loved her, and then got credit for raising awareness on important issues that need to be discussed. Where is the discussion? The only time this argument is somewhat refuted is by the school counselor, Mr. Porter, who says, "You can't love someone back to life." However, the camera pans back to Clay, who responds with, "You can try."

Back to Hannah Baker, and why she's no better than most of the people on the tapes. Hannah used suicide as an act of revenge. She wanted to get back at everyone who wronged her by making them live with the guilt of her death for the rest of their lives. She put her high school crush who didn't love her on the same set of tapes as her rapist, and after putting in the time and energy to crafting the perfect revenge plot, didn't even bother to leave her own parents a note. Not only is this incredibly manipulative, it's also an extremely dangerous idea to put in the minds the viewers. What's even worse is that Hannah Baker is seen as nothing but the victim, and all of her manipulative and twisted behavior is written off or excused. She stood idly by as her friend was assaulted in front of her, didn't report it or at the very least tell her friend what had happened, and then proceeded to document it on tapes that were to be passed around. Did Hannah Baker deserve what happened to her? No. But did the majority of the people on the tapes deserve what Hannah Baker did to them? No. Don't get me wrong, the people who hid behind the tapes and refused to come forward about the crimes on the tape (specifically the assaults) are cowardly, and I have no intention of defending them either. They protected themselves and in turn protected a rapist. That is inexcusable. Nearly all the characters on this show represent the worst society has to offer, and although these types of people exist, they shouldn't be idolized, stanned, or have excuses made for them. Which is exactly what happened.

One of the last things I want to mention is Mr. Porter, the (world's worst) school guidance counselor. Hannah Baker makes a last minute attempt to tell him how she had been feeling, and about what had happened to her. She is then questioned, rather than supported and helped. This is sadly a very real possibility in today's society, and needs to be addressed. However, by only providing viewers with this one example of someone reaching out for help, and it going poorly, it sends the message that your first attempt at reaching out for help should also be your last. Which is tragic and couldn't be more untrue. 13 Reasons Why yet again misses an opportunity to provide guidance on what to do for those who could potentially be in a similar situation. Not only that, it discourages people from getting help in the first place. It could've showcased alternative ways to reach out, and motivated people to explore other options, but instead, this single interaction with her counselor is followed by Hannah's decision to commit suicide.

The last problem I want to mention is the simplification of mental health. One of the show's final scenes witnesses Clay Jensen asking one of his classmates, who shows warning signs of suicide, to hang out. This gesture is meant to symbolize Clay "saving" her, since he couldn't "save" Hannah. It leads the audience to believe that a simple "Hello, do you want to hang out" is the cure all for depression and suicide. Unfortunately this is not the case. Being kind, although extremely important, is an over simplification of what it takes to help those suffering from mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of suicide, it should be reported, so the the person struggling can get professional help before it's too late.

"13 Reasons Why" was a mishandled, botched, and poor attempt at representing suicide and the affects of it. It glorified a tragedy, and missed the opportunity to truly make a difference and shine a light on some very important topics in today's society. I will credit it for its extremely diverse cast; which included a gay, catholic, latinx, as well as an Asian American female with two fathers, also struggling to come to terms with own homosexuality. However, diversity and representation, although crucial and important, do not excuse the problematic and overall dangerous messages portrayed in 13 Reasons Why. Much like committing suicide, doesn't excuse manipulative and abusive behavior. I'm not "missing the point" of the show, I'm simply recognizing that the show missed it's mark. If you or someone you know needs help, I encourage you to reach out, and keep reaching out.