Thirteen Reasons Why people are talking about Thirteen Reasons Why

I got this idea in my head to start doing a chain of 'Thirteen Reasons Why' posts starting on a Thursday because it started with the same sound.. odd, yes. However, it means 4 blog posts in 1 week!

I'm currently in the middle of writing my dissertation but my brain needed to jump on the Thirteen Reasons Why bandwagon and see what all the fuss was about.. I'm glad I did!

1. You can binge watch the whole show! - Yes, that's right. The show is on my beloved Netflix and whilst it's 13 episodes long, it is easy to go through the whole thing in one sitting.
2. It looks at sensitive issues from a different perspective - The Thirteen Reasons Why series has a lot of different issues intertwined between the story lines and whilst some people argue that it makes some issues look inferior to others in the way it plays out, I think that it helps others, especially younger viewers, to know the difference between what is considered 'overstepping the mark'. I do not want to create any spoilers in this post but if you have watched it, you probably will know what I mean. If not, when you watch the programme you will realise what I'm talking about. 
3. It raises awareness - The show itself is great and therefore, the reaction from viewers has been incredible. By googling Thirteen Reasons Why, the website is actually a source of helplines for anyone having any issues raised in the programme (or for other reasons). It also gives people signs on what to look out for if somebody may need help or support.
4. It gets people talking - Not only does it raise awareness, it gets people talking. Whether this be in forums to voice their opinions, to people actually going to get help and support which is wonderful. This point kinda relates to point 4 but it is so much different. It enables people to talk about problems in such a way that a helpline or support group can't do. It also paves the way to get into conversations about alternative endings..
5. The suspense - My gosh does it leave you on a cliff hanger and so many unanswered questions! I hope there is a season 2, if not I understand due to the complexities of issues people may have about delving deeper but honestly, if it turns out to be a pile of poop (which I really do not think it will be) along as it saves one person's life then it is so worth it. 
6. Everyone has their own perspective - You learn through the series that everyone has a different take on certain scenarios and makes you empathise with certain characters. The show could have been made to make everyone look evil but it explores their own demons which enables the viewer to see that not everyone looks at a situation in the same way and we need to be careful in what is said or done or to apologise, make amends as soon as possible and to not let the story 'get ugly'.
7. It's unlike anything we've ever seen before - Unless I've been living under a rock, I've never seen anything like this in my life. The way it is set up, the storyline, characters.. everything. It is pure genius and shares such a special message. 
8. It has a book! - If you're not a Netflix junkie like me or just prefer to books, it is based on a novel by Jay Asher. Whilst I have not read it, I have seen many reviews to say it is just as good as the Netflix series, if not better.
9. Anyone can enjoy it - It's one of those series where you don't have to be of a set demographic. Anybody from any age, race, culture, any sort of background can either relate or enjoy the show. Just because the main actors and actresses are young, does not mean it's for a teenage audience.
10. Cyber bullying - In this age, there are new ways to taunt and bully people, especially through the use of technology. Numerous photos are sent around of different characters and whilst this is the first series I've seen on cyberbullying, 'Cyberbully' was the first film I had ever seen. It shows how one photo can change a person's life and allows the viewer to explore a different side to bullying.

Obviously, there are some down sides to this programme which I do not want to go into detail as over text, it is very easy to insult someone which I do not want to come across as if I am doing. There are some things in the series which I'm like 'AAAAH, WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THIS?!' or 'WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT?!' but it made me a lot more aware of people's perceptions and individuals ideas of right and wrong.

If you are reading this for advice, as much as I would love to help, I am not a professional. If you need help, please go online to the Thirteen Reasons Why website and select your country to get information on who to contact.