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The new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has suicide experts debating the appropriate ways to address suicide in the media. Some are praising the show’s candid look at bullying, sexual assault and suicide, while others say it glorifies troubling issues for a vulnerable population. A show centered around suburban, white teenagers may not resonate with some Native youth. But the series does present an opportunity to revisit the many ways to reach out to Native youth that experience dramatically higher rates of suicide than any other group. We’ll talk with experts and youth about what it takes to save young lives.
Guests:
Teresa Baldwin (Inupiaq) – suicide prevention advocate
Shelby Rowe (Chickasaw Nation) – Youth Suicide Prevention Program Manager for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Angelita Lee (White Mountain Apache) – Research Program Coordinator for the Johns Hopkins University Center for American Indian Health
Break music: Mahk Jchi (song) Ulali (artist) Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women (album)
Great listen today. Thank you to the ladies for sharing your knowledge with us.
One of the biggest reasons I have a problem with 13 Reasons Why is it gives our youth the idea that Hannah had so much control over her peers after she was gone. A false sense of control. Also, Hannah was present throughout the whole series. Through her tapes and the way they scripted the series, it really gives a person the feeling that Hannah isn’t actually gone. Does not portray suicide in reality in many, many ways.
And I agree with Shelby in the sense that it does not provide any helpful solutions. Creates helplessness