Entire weekends have been lost binge-watching the show. Everyone is talking about it – online and around dinner tables. Conspiracy theories have been created and circulated. Now, the memes about suicide have arrived.
Yes, it was the inevitable next step following the popularity of Netflix’ new series 13 Reasons Why.
The show is based on a 2007 novel of the same name and tells the story of teenage girl Hannah Baker and the reasons for, or people ‘responsible’ for, her suicide.
Next minute, Hannah has been turned into Salt Bae (seriously) and everyone is missing the point.
Is 13 Reasons Why Helpful or Dangerous? Post continues below.
The show itself has been labelled problematic by critics and mental health awareness groups concerned its deception of suicide is explicit, glorified and simplified.
These factors have been shown to make suicide appear more possible, an option even, to those exposed.
The memes take this one step further.
13 reasons why
Hannah: Hey do you have anymore gum
Kid: Hi, I’m chewing the last one I’m sorry
Hannah: Welcome to your tape— Cey (@Stvr_b0y) April 11, 2017
Top Comments
Other media commentators have suggested the memes are in response to the "over reactionary" character of Hannah Baker - in that the contents of many (not all) of the tapes don't constitute the sort of thing that drives a teen to suicide. In that respect, the memes are actually satirically suggesting that suicide ISN'T a reasonable answer or reaction.
Agree. And that is exactly what makes the memes funny. It's a plain old p*ss take.
The show takes itself so seriously that it cannot help but create a counter reaction in some of its audience. Some of the audience cannot ignore the sense that the fictional Hannah character is a hyperbole and her solution is not reasonable or merited under her wide range of circumstances. The circumstances themselves are not very extreme by real life standards, it's just her reaction/solution which is extreme. Most people understand a plot device when they see it
Totally. The memes hit the nail on the head.