Summer Project: proposal

Media text: 
13 Reasons Why (2017)- Netflix Teen Drama

Media issue/debate: 
How teen dramas portray psychological problems. Does the show glorify suicide?

Link to Media key concepts (MIGRAIN) - at least THREE: 
The narrative revolves around a high school girl,  Hannah Baker, commits suicide after a series of demoralizing events. One of her classmates, Clay Jensen receives a series of tapes each explaining how a certain person and/or event, led her to make his horrifying decision. This links to my concept as it explores the way in which different experiences can affect someones emotional/psychological state. 

 The ideology behind the series was to bring about awareness of ''teen suicides'' as they have been a significant issue in the last couple of years. The preferred reading for the show would be to inform students to respect each other and see how discriminating and bullying an individual can lead them being insecure. This therefore links to my concept as it goes against this idea and glorifies suicide. 

 Since the genre of the series is a teen drama, it explores the way in which these psychological problems develop during teenage years and how it can have an effect on the person. The genre usually portrays these issues as ''typical problems'' that follow the theory of equilibrium(Todorov)- the issue is almost always resolved in one way or another. However by showing it through this particular perspective, audience are encouraged to see these issues as a way of seeking attention and in a way ''stepping up'' their complex social life (making it more interesting). Therefore you could argue that the show is glorifying suicide and making appear as if it is a ''hot topic'', that will spark a lot of controversy. 

Wider context - impact of text/topic on society: 
The topic I have chosen is relevant in today's society as tv shows are increasingly becoming more influential on the younger generation, as they revolve around issues such as bullying and discrimination which most teenagers experience during high school. These shows therefore appeal to this demographic as they are a source of entertainment and surveillance, which if interpreted differently may in fact encourage any discrimination/bullying and force certain viewers (who may identify with the victim) to take the same route they did. 

Linked production:
For my linked production I might create a video that explores some of the psychological problems that teenagers face. I also thought it would be interesting to see what it would be like if victims of bullying/discrimination could not do things that harm them- it would explore ways in which they can try to overcome their abuse. 

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