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13 reasons why

Some time ago, I watched the series 13 Reasons Why and it really left me shaken. It tells the story of Hannah Baker, a teenage girl who decides to end her life, and before doing so, she records a set of tapes explaining the thirteen reasons (or people) that contributed to her suffering.

Even though it’s a ficti
onal series, the situations it portrays feel painfully real: humiliating comments, rumors, photos shared without consent, rejection, sexual pressure… And maybe the hardest part is seeing how most adults around her don’t know how to listen or fail to react in time. It made me reflect on how sometimes even small actions can have a huge impact on someone who’s already feeling vulnerable.

The series also clearly shows that bullying isn’t just about the person who bullies and the person who is bullied, it involves everyone around: those who watch and stay silent, those who ignore it, and those who normalize it. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary, to talk about this problematic.

The show portrays different forms of bullying: rumors, cyberbullying, verbal harassment, sexual harassment, and also the inaction of adults in the face of the protagonist’s suffering. One of the most powerful messages is how each individual situation might seem like “no big deal,” but when they add up, the consequences can be devastating. 

I know the series has caused controversy, especially regarding the way it addresses suicide. And it’s true, it should be watched with care, especially if you’re a teenager or going through a difficult time. But I also believe it can be a good starting point to open up important conversations  about topics we often find uncomfortable or taboo: bullying, mental health, consent…


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