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Showing posts from June, 2017

On suicide

Like pretty much everyone around me, I watched 13 Reasons Why on Netflix, and I have strong opinions. Before watching the show, I heard a lot about it. Some people lauded the way it raises awareness of bullying and sexual assault in high school (and beyond) and their effects on people. Others thought the show glorified suicide, representing it as a viable solution for people struggling with mental illness or who are going through a rough time. I've also heard criticisms of Hannah Baker, the main character who kills herself; some people see her as a whiny little girl who was just seeking attention. Supposedly, the show makes it seem like she receives the attention she sought, even though she was already dead. People expressed concern about the effects of the show on teenagers, worrying they would want to "try" suicide, and not understand that it's permanent, unlike drugs, alcohol, sex, etc. I started watching the show having heard all of these arguments, and I intend