So, season 2 of 13 Reasons Why will be released on Netflix tomorrow. I just have a few things to say before that happens.
In the wake of #MeToo and Times Up, I just want to remind you of the unity that so many of you expressed. How you listened to the people who came forward, believed them and supported them.
Hold on to that as 13 Reasons Why starts trending again.
When the first season was released, I saw way too many people saying that both Hannah’s assault and depression were invalid because her experiences didn’t match their own. Way too many people that had similar experiences to Hannah’s were told that they too were invalid.
This is unacceptable.
Everyone has different experiences. Everyone responds to certain things differently. Just because you’ve had a particular experience and reacted a certain way does not make you an expert, or mean that everyone’s else’s experience has to be like yours. That’s not how any of this works.
This country already fails miserably when it comes to having an open dialogue, resources, providing proper and efficient support for both mental health and sexual assault. All you’re doing is adding to the problem.
A lot of people also complained that the school didn’t have any resources for students until after Hannah’s death. I absolutely understand how this could infuriate many people but the fact of the matter is that this is how it happens. A tragedy strikes and institutions learn from it.. That is how many safety aspects come about. It sucks but it’s the truth.
Another thing that y’all need to realize is that this was a book before it was a show. A book that was released in 2007. I was in the 7th grade at the time and I think that we can all agree that we didn’t have a lot of popular books for tweens at that time that dealt with sexual assault, depression, and/or suicide. Jay Asher was a head of the curve.
With that being said, I absolutely understand that this show will not be for everyone. It could also be incredibly triggering for some so if you are interested in watching I suggest that you pay attention to the warnings and stop if you need to.
I’m happy to have an open discussion about all of this and hear what everyone has to say. I’m open to hearing different viewpoints. That is how we learn and move forward. But I don’t want to see any disrespectful remarks or attacks.
But anyway, let me hear you thoughts. Here, on Twitter, message me. Wherever you’re most comfortable.
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I haven’t seen the trailer for season 2 as yet so I actually don’t know what it’s about hey. I’m guessing the aftermath of Hannah’s revelations?? As you know, I had some issues with season 1 but mainly because I shouldn’t have watched it to start with. I do really think it is important that people remember that no experience is alike. I’m definitely very interested to see what the reaction to season 2 is going to be!!
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From the trailer it seems like it’s unfolding that Jess and Hannah were not what’s his name’s only victims. Which I fully understand can make it either tougher to watch for some people but the trailer is a little vague so I’m not 100% sure
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Ohhhh wow. That’s going to be pretty intense. I think I will wait to see what people say and then I will watch it so I know what I am in for.
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I can let you know. I plan on starting this weekend
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Yes please!! I hope you like it 😊
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Thanks Steffy, I’m going to start watching today
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*standing ovation* I could not have said this any better myself. I have seen so many articles against the series. While it is a heavy topic, it is very REAL. It is sad that schools are just now getting information regarding mental health to their students, this has always been around people! We have a long way to go – but I honestly think this series helped push this movement. I have suffered from mental health most of my life and I stand by 13 Reasons Why. Thank you for voicing your opinion on this, I am going to watch season 2 this weekend. ❤
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Thank you so much! Like you said, it’s heavy stuff but it happens. We need to talk about it. I agree that the series has definitely sparked some of the conversation and I think that’s even more reason to watch. I will also be watching this weekend, and maybe reviewing too 🙂
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This is a great post, Rae!
I don’t know what it was like in America, but from the people I spoke to – most of whom were parents in their late 30s / early 40s from work – the show definitely opened up a dialogue and allowed the parents to discuss suicide and bullying with their kids. I remember one coworker from work saying that, but she upset me too because when I discussed the sexual assault issue and how I think it’s important for parents to talk to their kids about that too, but she didn’t think that part was important. Literally rolled my eyes right at her because I guessed that would be her response. (She has a son that she dotes on and ALWAYS speaks about his accomplishments, while ignoring her daughter’s.) So I feel like – for me, at least – this show allowed people to discuss one aspect, but not really another (although it does look like season 2 will). This happened with a few other people I spoke to as well – they all completely ignored the sexual assault element of the show and were low-key shocked when I brought it up, too.
People who invalidate Hannah’s reasons are 100% contributing to the stigma around mental illness, which prevents people seeking help / finally talking about it. I don’t think people really understand the meaning behind their words sometimes, and the effect that can have on another.
All that being said, I’m quite hesitant to watch the second season. I watched the trailer and it upset me, especially the quick snippet we get to see with the rapist (forgot his name!) making out with a girl. I just feel like season 2 is going to be graphic and actually show women being assaulted, and we already know they rely on shock factor as they showed Hannah actually committing suicide in season 1.
I don’t know. I’m really in two minds about the whole thing. On one hand, I think its an important show, but I also feel like they can do better. Do I think the creators actually care about teens and opening up dialogues? No. If they did, they’d be much more careful in what the show actually showed. I think they just want ratings.
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Exactly! I’m amazed at how willing many people are to ignore the assault. You’ve probably heard me say this before, but that’s the reason that I hate Perks of Being a Wallflower. You can’t just ignore sexual assault when it’s in your face like that.
I think I can agree that producers only care about ratings sure. But Jay Asher and the cast care about the aftermath I think.
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I completely agree with you! Check out my article! https://thetamarillo.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/13-reasons-why-did-the-show-go-too-far/
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I feel like this show gets a lot of unwarranted hate. It’s not a bad thing to bring awareness to issues such as sexual assault and suicide. These are very triggering topics and everyone is entitled to feel however they want to about the way the show was executed. Certain topics could have been handled better but we can’t ignore the positive impact it has brought.
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Agreed! I know that it’s not for everyone and that’s okay, but the conversation is still important. It’s just that after Me Too I expected that support to carry on and instead people are reverting back to the victim blaming and what not
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I just recently finished watching the second season , and thought Okay , I need to write a whole post about it . I do relate that the first season was a beautiful vesion of the book , it dealt with the assult and made Hanna like a victim ( and I belive she was ) we are all victims of this cruel society . However , this season seemed more like a contradiction to the first , another side of the story , and episodes 12/13 were just so beautiful , kind of hit the reality , ” Sexual assult won’t stop but the deision you make will make an end to it , i’s in ow you face your assulter ” . I guess Netflix tried to show the bad decision of suicide this time .
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I see what you mean but I don’t think I would call this season a contradiction but more like a “there’s always more to the story” kind of thing. You know what I mean? At east that was my interpretation I guess
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