Reasons why Netflix shouldn't have adapted "13 Reasons Why"

Netflix teamed up with Selena Gomez to produce a television series based on the young adult novel "13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. The novel centers around a girl who commits suicide after several classmates bully her. She sends everyone involved an audio cassette tape that serves as a clue to why she committed suicide. Only one classmate pieces together the clues and prevents another person from committing suicide in the end. Even though young adults are capable of handling difficult topics, it is still delicate. Suicide is a major issue that should not be taken lightly or make popular by a television series.

1. It glamorizes suicide.

By making these clues, the characters unintentionally make suicide like a game. Each incident that tortures the deceased girl is only made worse when the tapes highlight its reality. Suicide is seen as "mysterious," not "devastating."

2. Teenage bullying is not addressed realistically.

The book and series are both common in that the deceased girl is helpless. She has no resources available to help her. In reality, suicidal teens have help available. Hotlines can be used to talk about difficult issues and discuss solutions to their problems that doesn't involve their deaths. School counselors and nurses are required by law to give medical assistance which may include admissions to mental facilities. These mental facilities are able to further help the teen and create a plan to better their mental health.

3. The behavior of teens is stereotyped.

Although bullying has a silencing effect, not all teens remain a bystander. Teens who intervene are more positively associated since their behavior is seen as the most helpful.

4. The outcome of rape could have been addressed better.

Rape is a serious crime that is punishable by law. A person could be a politician, preacher, actor/actress, etc. No more how much money or power they may have, they're not above the law. Jessica's rape would of counted as third degree and would be punishable as a Class E felony. Since Jessica was too traumatized to act on her own, Hannah should have better judgement and looked out for her. By pressing charges, Jessica would have been able to get help in the form of a rape kit, counseling, and closure knowing that her rapist will never strike again.

5. Shame is given to LGBTQ+ members.

LGBTQ+ community members already stand out for being different in terms of sexuality. By the classmates pressuring a student to address their sexuality, they don't respect the student's comfort limits. These invasive questions are a reality but portray the actions of the student as cowardly. The student clearly wasn't comfortable and the only way they thought to get rid of rumors was to join them in harassing Hannah.

6. Clay was given way more responsibility than he should have received.

Clay was given the immense task of solving Hannah's suicide. Despite being a teenager, he takes the task out of love. Hannah's suicide should have been handled by a detective. The detective has more resources and time to handle her death. If Clay wanted to contribute, he could have given the audio tapes and let the detective be the one to hunt for the rest. Clay has academics to worry about and the burden of her death shouldn't hold him back from pursuing his life to the fullest.

7. Healthy relationships aren't portrayed.

Teenagers are known to have struggles with relationships. It's during these years that they experience and learn the most about relationships and sexuality. However, media manipulates what is seen as "normal." By pitting women against each other (Jessica vs. Hannah), it makes it seem like men are a reward for them (Alex). Also, Alex makes it seem like Jessica has to have sex with him in order to prove she loves him.