A group of students from Riverside High School in Michigan is taking a stand against the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why,” which has drawn significant criticism for its portrayal of suicide. Critics argue that the show glorifies the act and fails to address the complexities of mental health, which contribute to many suicide cases. In response, these students are promoting their own initiative: throughout May, they are sharing “13 reasons why not,” highlighting the acts of kindness that have helped them navigate difficult times.
Each school day since May 1, a different student has shared their story over the loudspeaker, with the project continuing until 13 narratives are shared. The students involved expressed their concerns about the original show, stating that it only gives a voice to the main character post-suicide, potentially leading peers to believe that ending one’s life is the only solution to their struggles.
“I think the show presented a reality of high school life, but it implied that suicide was the sole option without providing mental health resources,” said Emma Thompson, one of the participants. “We aimed to counter that narrative with our project.” On the first day, Thompson began her recording similarly to the series, introducing herself before recounting her experiences in a toxic relationship that left her feeling worthless until a friend intervened. “Thank you for your support that I can never fully repay,” she said, naming her friend as one of her “13 reasons why not.”
Feedback from fellow students has been overwhelmingly positive. Jake Miller, who shared on the fourth day about a teammate who gave her support amid bullying on the volleyball team, noted that students offered encouragement and hugs in the hallways. Another participant, Sarah Lee, shared her journey confronting body image issues and said peers reached out to express their solidarity with her struggles.
This initiative also serves as a tribute to Lily Carter, a former student who tragically took her life in 2015. Her sister, who is currently a junior, remarked, “If we had something like this when Lily was here, we might have been able to help her.”
Since the project began, teachers have observed fewer students arriving late to class, as many gather to listen to the shared stories. “We’re creating a new atmosphere at our school, one that encourages kindness and support,” Thompson noted. “It’s crucial to understand that it’s okay to ask for help and face challenges. Once a community is impacted by suicide, the loss is irreversible. We hope to prevent this from happening again.”
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In summary, students at Riverside High School are actively combating the negative implications of “13 Reasons Why” by sharing uplifting stories that emphasize kindness and support. This initiative not only fosters open dialogue about mental health but also commemorates a lost classmate while striving to create a more compassionate school environment.
Keyphrase: “13 reasons why not”
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