13 Reasons Why Controversy

Is Netflix's (and Jay Asher's) 13 Reasons Why too controversial to show on TV? Many experts think yes, and many others think it should be mandatory viewing for young teens.

I heard about this Netflix's show from a friend. Her teen and his friends were all watching it, and the show was the center of their daily chatting. She decided she needed to sit down and binge watch it to see what they were all talking about it. In passing, she had mentioned it to me. I had not yet heard of this show, however, 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher is one of my favorite books, and I have read and reread it many times. So I was more than curious. I had to look it up. 

Here is the description of both the show and the book:

You can’t stop the future. 

You can’t rewind the past.
The only way to learn the secret . . . is to press play.
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. 
                
Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever.

Newcomer Katherine Langford plays the role of Hannah, a young woman who takes her own life. Two weeks after her tragic death, a classmate named Clay finds a mysterious box on his porch. Inside the box are recordings made by Hannah -- on whom Clay had a crush -- in which she explains the 13 reasons why she chose to commit suicide. If Clay decides to listen to the recordings, he will find out if and how he made the list. This intricate and heart-wrenching tale is told through Clay and Hannah's dual narratives.

And the movie trailer:

I am intrigued. And very interested in how they brought Jay Asher's book to life on the television screen. And beyond that, I am curious on how they presented the difficult issue of suicide. The book is based primarily on the topic.

This show has created an uproar...

Many experts are concerned and feel this program will result in suicide contagion. (Suicide contagion is the exposure to suicide or suicidal behaviors within one's family, one's peer group, or through media reports of suicide and can result in an increase in suicide and suicidal behaviors.) They feel it will cause vulnerable teens to end their lives. 

While many others are saying it will help start the ever-hard conversation of suicide and bring to the surface the tough issue of depression and bullying. 

Which side is right? Do we avoid these issues? Does making a TV show like this bring to light these types of concerns? Or does something like this make it worse?

I have never shied away from the tough issues. I think it is important to bring to light difficult situations and always feel that books, movies, and shows are a great way to start the conversation. I do know, however, that glorifying tough issues can and will result in a contagion. Should this stop us from seeing or letting our teens see this show? I have not yet seen this show. I can not speak to how this show may or may not glorify the topic of suicide. I do love the book and feel it is a great conversation starter. I strongly feel that a conversation must be had, regardless of how difficult it is for us. I think avoiding these issues will make it worse, not better. And maybe, just maybe a book or show like this will save a life, not destroy one. 


This is a very controversial issue, however. And one most people would prefer to avoid. 

What are your thoughts???  Would you let your teen see this show? How do you talk about tough issues with your teen or your friends?

Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

Best, Becca


For more information here is a great article from CNN on the controversy http://www.cnn.com/2017/04/25/health/13-reasons-why-teen-suicide-debate-explainer/

Do You Know the Facts? Teen Dating Violence

...With his hand at the base of my neck, he pulled me close and kissed me on the forehead. Moving his hand to my jaw line, he raised my chin. I met his eyes.
"I love you," he repeated. "I would never hurt you." He stepped back and smiled.
When he walked away, I was left standing there, wondering why I believed him when my arm was throbbing in pain.

Break From You (available at Amazon.com)


The only statistic I'm going to throw at you is this one...

Mostly because this is shocking. 1 in 3 you ask???? Yep, 1 in 3. And that is way too many.

Some teens don't know the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy relationship. Do you?

Being able to tell the difference is not easy. And maybe that's because most of us don't talk about it. But it's time to talk. 

Let's start with some of the most common warning signs...

• Checking cell phones, emails or social networks without permission
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Constant belittling or put-downs
• Explosive temper
• Isolation from family and friends
• Making false accusations
• Erratic mood swings
• Physically inflicting pain or hurt in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling someone what to do
• Repeatedly pressuring someone to have sex

It isn't always easy to tell if you/or someone you know is in an abusive relationship. And I know it's hard sometimes to start that conversation. But we need to. 

Dating Abuse doesn't always look like this:

So let's chat.

Best to all,

Becca

If you or someone you know is in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, please get help.

Visit loveisrespect.org for more information

Are You a Careful Kisser? A Celiac Fact of the Day, and a Big Shout Out!

Are you a careful kisser??
(Teens and food allergies/gluten sensitivities: Celiac Awareness Month)

For most people kissing can be a fun and harmless activity, but when you have food allergies, sensitivities, or the such, kissing becomes a very dangerous thing.

Although developing a severe reaction from a kiss is rare and unusual, it is not unheard of. When kissing someone with a food allergy (whether it be a grandparent, parent, sibling, or date) try to avoid eating the food allergen.

Kissing safety for food allergic children and teens:
Before you pucker up:

• Remind your kissing partner about your allergies;
• Suggest your partner avoid eating serious allergens, if possible;
• Ask your partner to minimize allergen exposure, such as by washing hands and face, or brushing teeth thoroughly, before kissing;
• Carry appropriate medication and know how to use an injectable epinephrine kit;
• Wear emergency medical identification (such as a Medic Alert® bracelet). 

Although food sensitivities are different than food allergies, it can be very helpful to follow the same rules above. Cross contamination of gluten, for instance, can happen in a variety of ways including kissing and even trace amounts can make a person with Celiac Disease very sick.

Celiac Fact:

Celiac disease is caused by the consumption of gluten a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It is estimated that 83% of Americans who have celiac disease are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.

A Big Shout Out- Thank You!

During the A to Z Challenge in April I received a blogging award from the wonderful, sweet Mary Hill of Mary-adering Mary is a mother, wife, dreamer, and writer. I met her during the A to Z Challenge and am so grateful.

Thank you, thank you Mary for this wonderful honor. You made my day!

 

 

Here are a few of my favs...daisies, yellow, frozen yogurt, superhero movies, Walking Dead, great music, the river, sitting by the swimming pool on a hot day, dogs, summer, sunshine, and happy people.

I will tweet my nominations as I pass on this great award to other wonderful bloggers! Thank you again Mary!

-Rebecca

W-Wellness and Health and Characters From YA Books

ellness and Health



Staying well and healthy is important for everyone. Some great ways to stay fit and health are to reduce screen time-- get away from that computer-- and increase exercise, watch proportion sizes, eat healthy meals and snacks, and don't skip breakfast.

Here are some characters from YA books that deals with health and wellness...

Jennifer from Sweethearts by Sara Zarr is now in high school and has been transformed. Known as Jenna, she's popular, happy, and dating, everything "Jennifer" couldn't be---but she still can't shake the memory of her long-lost friend.

Nat, Lise, and Sofia  from Leaving Jetty Road by Rebecca Burton are taking control of their lives and their health. But this is the year that will change them all.









Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.

V-Violence (Anti) and Characters From YA Books

iolence (Anti)





It is important to stand up and fight against youth violence. Stop the violence by speaking up, knowing consequences, telling the truth, leading by example, thinking about your future, and thinking before you act.

Here are some characters from YA books who fight against violence...

Katniss from the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is forced to fight in a violent game set up by the capital. Ironically the capital forces it's districts to compete is such a violent game as a punishment for their violence and rebellion against the capital years before. The trilogy is about Katniss' journey to standing up to the violence of the capital.







Don't Forget about the power of three!!!

Head over to Moxie Writers for more on the YA cause/tough issue and organizations that help.

Head over to Susan Oloier's site for a song and lyrics that pertain to today's issue.