Controversy: the Problem with Sensitive Topics

After researching into similar products, I have found that there is a lot of controversy surrounding two products in particular: the Netflix hits 13 Reasons Why and To The Bone.

Both of these products were designed to raise awareness surrounding their specific topics, and were not made with the intention to promote them or trivialise them in anyway. However, some people have taken offence to their content, and believe that they have promoted and encouraged suicide and eating disorders. I have decided to take a look at the controversy surrounding these two products. 

13 Reasons Why

I went onto the Netflix reviews of 13 Reasons Why and came across two very contrasting reviews. 

The first review describes its respect for the show shining the light on the topic of suicide and depression, and prompting the audience to talk about their thoughts and the way in which the show educates the audience on the potential triggers and reasons behind someone taking their own life. The review describes the show as a source of support for those going through depression and the incredible way it may change peoples perspective on life and the way in which they treat others.

The second review, meanwhile, thinks that the show covered these topics in a very bad way; offending some audience members. The review describes the way in which the film promotes that someone may get something good from taking their own life. The viewer says that they would accept something that started a conversation about suicide and suicide prevention, but they feel that this show did not do so effectively, and actually romanticised the topic.

The Guardian has also written a review on 13 Reasons Why and the way in which it 'dramatises' suicide, making it seem desirable to anyone young and facing problems within their life, presenting it as an escape. The key paragraph within this article is:

 'It’s a revenge fantasy, so it portrays suicide as an act that will achieve something. It’s aimed at a young audience, who are particularly susceptible to contagion, and particularly likely to experience suicidal thoughts. It normalises and legitimises the act. It goes into too much and too graphic detail about the suicide itself – which is expressly against Ofcom guidelines because, however horrible it is to watch, this can still be read as a how-to.'

This shows the way in which such sensitive topics can be damaging and misinterpreted, and the negative effect it can have to susceptible viewers - effects that may have fatal consequences.

To The Bone

I also went onto the Netflix reviews of the film To The Bone to see the kind of response that this film got from its viewers.

The first review is very positive, describing the honest way in which the film portrayed the character's struggles with eating disorders, and praising the way in which it presented sufferers experience with eating disorders and their decision to recover. The review also explains the way in which each sufferers experience is different, and therefore some people may not be able to relate to Ellen's experience within the film, despite having the same illness.

The second review focuses on the triggering material within the film, and the way in which it effected them by sending them into a relapse of their illness. They do mention how the film could be insightful for those without the experience of an eating disorder or a mental illness, but advise those suffering not to watch the film.

To The Bone has also received a lot of controversy in the media, as some believe that the film 'glamorises' eating disorders, and may be triggering for those in recovery. The Independent has written an article on the negative effects that the film may have on those vulnerable to the topic and the films misunderstanding of the potential cause behind an eating disorder. The key part of this review is:

'The UK’s national eating disorder charity Beat said in a statement: “We would strongly urge anyone that might be at risk of an eating disorder to think very carefully before watching this fllm.”

There have also been calls to ban the film because of fears the film might incite eating disorders, or make someone’s problem worse.'

From researching into the controversy surrounding both of these media products, I have found that there is probably no way that I can eliminate the possibility of triggering or offending some audience members. I have decided to include a warning within my film to warn the audience of the potentially negative effect or influence it could have within society. My main aim of the film is to raise awareness of mental illness' and eating disorders, and to show people that they do not have to be underweight or ashamed if they are a sufferer of an eating disorder.