In a proactive stance against the controversial portrayal of suicide in Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”, students at Lincoln High School in Michigan have launched their own campaign titled “13 Reasons Why Not.” While the original series has faced backlash for glamorizing teenage suicide and neglecting critical mental health issues, these students aim to highlight positive narratives of support and resilience.
Throughout May, the initiative encourages students to share uplifting stories focused on acts of kindness that have helped them navigate challenging periods in their lives. Each morning, a new story is broadcast over the school’s loudspeaker, continuing until a total of 13 stories have been shared.
Participants in the project expressed concerns that “13 Reasons Why” only amplifies the voice of its protagonist after her tragic decision to end her life. They intend to convey a more empowering message, emphasizing that students have a voice and should feel comfortable expressing their struggles while seeking help.
One student, Mia Roberts, echoed these sentiments during her recording, which began in a similar fashion to the show’s lead character: “Hey, it’s Mia. Mia Roberts. Don’t adjust your device; it’s me, live.” She recounted a difficult relationship marred by emotional abuse and the impact it had on her self-worth. Ultimately, she thanked the friend who supported her during that dark time, declaring, “You are one of my 13 reasons why not.”
The response from the student body has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing their gratitude for the shared experiences. Another participant, Sarah Jensen, highlighted how her story about a teammate who showed her kindness during moments of bullying received warm reactions and support from peers.
This initiative also serves as a tribute to Jamie Carter, a former student who tragically took her own life in 2014. Her sister, Hannah, currently a senior, reflected on the importance of having such a project during Jamie’s time at school, believing it could have made a significant difference.
Since the campaign’s inception, there has been a noticeable shift in the school environment, with increased engagement and less tardiness reported in the mornings. The initiative has fostered an atmosphere of open dialogue about mental health, urging students to prioritize kindness and reach out for help when needed.
As Mia concluded, “We’re establishing a new standard at our school. It’s essential to treat each other with compassion and recognize that it’s okay to struggle. Once a community experiences the loss of a student to suicide, that impact is irreversible. We’re committed to preventing such tragedies from occurring again.”
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In summary, the “13 Reasons Why Not” initiative stands as a powerful counter-narrative to the original series, fostering a sense of community, support, and awareness around mental health issues among students.
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