In 2007, Jay Asher published a book called ‘13 Reasons Why’, highlighting a young high school students life and her struggles through bullying and betrayal. March of 2017, the first episode aired as a Netflix original. Immediately, controversy sparked. Many – myself included, condemn the manner in which the series depicts the graphics of Hannah’s suicide and how opaque the writers were in their lack of understanding of how to show a topic as serious as this, on screen for thousands of vulnerable and susceptible kids to watch freely.

‘”You always want to make a show that connects and I think we knew we were making a show we felt we were onto something with the show we were creating,” director and executive producer Tom McCarthy told E! News at 13 Reasons Why’s Netflix FYSee event. “You can never anticipate a response, especially with the young adult viewers…I don’t know if controversy is the right word…it’s a debate…”

To reflect on this statement given by the director and producer of the show, I have many things to address. First, this show definitely connects with its viewers, but not in the way anyone would want. There have been numerous accounts of teen suicide blamed on ‘13 Reasons Why’. Would you say that’s creating something special? I believe the director’s decision to show Hannah’s suicide in the last episode of the first season wasn’t to trigger unstable kids into hurting themselves with intent of not living anymore, but with that being said, kids have been. As the director, responsibility needs to be taken, going against better judgment and putting a scene that graphic, in a show that’s targeted audience is teenagers, they must have had some motive. Knowing what to and what not to demonstrate, they went ahead and did it. I understand the thought of wanting to produce some sort of show that will have impact, whether it be through deep emotional connection, or through a sense of populated loneliness. However, using insecure and unsteady teens as an audience to skyrocket your poor understanding of mental illness, isn’t the respectable way to connect with an audience.

Second, controversy is absolutely the right word. A debate can be defined as a formal discussion on a particular topic…in which opposing arguments are put forward. Controversy is understood as a public debate about a matter that arouses strong opinions. Relating those definitions to the public issues involving this tv show, the distinction is clear. Ultimately, the topic of teen suicide, and raising awareness that it is a real and weighty matter, is something that needs to be discussed openly, and without blame or frustration. Sensitive topics require a thoughtful approach. This tv show was not a thoughtful approach.