Known as the attempt at silencing those attempting to address controversial topics, censorship typically represents instances of people trying to push their agenda, beliefs, and views on others while silencing any dissenting opinion. Often seen as contradicting the very premise of the freedom of expression principle, censorship, indeed, typically serves to suppress the opposing views. However, in a number of cases, censorship is necessary to safeguard underage people from viewing inappropriate content or participating in activities to which they cannot consent. Though the novel “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher could be seen as inappropriate for young adults, attempting to censor it would mean infringing upon the author’s right to self-expression and the readers’ right to choose the type of information that they wish to consume.
What makes the novel especially controversial is the topic that it tackles quite straightforwardly. Specifically, “13 Reasons Why” addresses the problem of suicide, providing multiple examples of how young people and teenagers choose to end their lives. Focusing primarily on the suicide of Hannah Baker, with Clay Jenson, the protagonist, exploring the circumstances of her untimely death, the novel is truly tragic and frighteningly realistic. Having found out that Hannah ended her life due to constant exposure to humiliation. Clay analyzes the tapes left by Hannah containing details about her life and terrifying death (Asher, 2007). He continues to study the case, discovering other facts about Hannah and suicide, in general, which allows painting a very accurate picture of the turmoil and suffering experienced by suicidal people.
In defense of his book, the author explained that he had made thorough research before beginning to write the novel so that he could capture the experiences of suicidal people as accurately as possible. Therefore, the book should be seen not as a socking attempt at capitalizing on the suffering and deaths of others, but as a tool for understanding the mentality of suicidal people and the place from which they come when deciding that life is not worth living (Chesin et al., 2020). The focus on teenagers and the struggles that they face, particularly, those that eventually lead them to suicide, might seem as controversial at first, yet, on second glance, it becomes incredibly compelling. The lack of dialogue on the subject matter due to the perpetuated stigma associated with suicide, in general, and suicide in teenagers, in particular, has made it nearly impossible to discuss the problem openly. In turn, the author of “13 Reasons Why” brings the issue back into the limelight, allowing the audience to recognize the existence of a problem and, thus, create strategies for tackling it. The book resonates with numerous teenagers on a personal level since a number of teens, myself included, suffer from trauma. Therefore, providing a therapeutic relief, “13 Reasons Why” becomes an opportunity to manage the trauma, which is why the book mu8tst not be banned.
Serving as a cautionary tale for young adults and teaching them important life lessons, “13 Reasons Why” must not be banned despite its risqué content and controversial material. Portraying the exact results of what might happen when one follows others blindly without recognizing the negative impact that people in question may produce, the book is based on a profound message and a well-meaning idea, which is why it must remain available to students. Therefore, banning the book should eb deemed as highly inappropriate and even harmful since the novel in question is unique in its ability to explain the subject manner in such aa raw and uninhibited manner.
References
Asher, J. (2007). 13 reasons why. RazorBill.
Chesin, M., Cascardi, M., Rosselli, M., Tsang, W., & Jeglic, E. L. (2020). Knowledge of suicide risk factors, but not suicide ideation severity, is greater among college students who viewed ‘13 Reasons Why.’ Journal of American College Health, 68(6), 644-649.