13 Reasons Why -- which is a Netflix series inspired by a novel of the same name -- was heavily criticized for glamorizing the idea of suicide. But is this criticism really valid -- Here is my viewpoint:
Hannah Baker's tale of suicide and investigation into the same -- presents a microcosm of modern high-school culture, where casual bullying is accepted as a norm. Bullies more often than not get away with no/minor punishments, irrespective of the heinous effects of their conscious actions on the victims.
Now comes the critical question -- Whose mistake is it? Is it the victim's mistake for being weak and committing suicide (or) Is it the bully's mistake for pushing the victim to the brink of wanting to commit suicide.
Was the mistake entirely with Hannah Baker (victim)? (or) Was it with Bryce Walker (perpetrator)?
The series does not provide any direct answers -- It leaves the dissection of characters' morality to the judgement of the viewers.
13 Reasons Why, merely used suicide as a plot element, to draw us deeper and deeper into its contradicting world, consisting of the good, the bad and the ugly -- Even those who criticize it will have to acknowledge the raw power of the story's inherent message.
Comments
Post a Comment