13 reasons why & dear Evan Hansen

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 12:34pm

Does anyone else think that all the controversy and backlash over 13 reasons why... could negatively effect DEH? 

[HenryTDobson]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 12:36pm

No.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 12:51pm

What Henry said. 

[thealtoslament]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 12:55pm

DEH and 13RW have premises that could be generously called similar, but they go about them in two different ways.

The suicide kicks off the plot in both of them, but while DEH uses it as a catalyst for an honestly pretty cliche Liar Revealed storyline, 13RW focuses much more on the effects of the suicide itself.

Not to mention how graphic 13RW is, in a way Jay Asher's book isn't. The backlash for that is well-deserved but it's not gonna affect DEH. 

[froote]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 12:59pm

No but if DEH was as mainstream as 13RW then I think there would be a backlash, yes.

[Megsamegatron]

Posted: 4/28/17 at 2:21pm

froote said: "No but if DEH was as mainstream as 13RW then I think there would be a backlash, yes.

 

" Agreed! 

 

[kreichelt]

Posted: 4/29/17 at 8:52am

13 Reasons Why focuses on WHY Hannah committed suicide,  and blames the people in her life for it, while being extremely graphic both in terms of the suicide and the reasons why.  That is why it is facing backlash.

Dear Evan Hansen does neither of these things.  In fact, we never learn why Connor committed and no one is ever blamed for it.  In fact, the only question about the suicide in DEH is how to use it to help others feel less alone and not make that decision.

They really aren't comparable. 

[Daddy Warbucks]

Posted: 4/29/17 at 9:07am

 

*SPOILERS*

My wife and I were just discussing this last night and we do see at least one negative similarity between the two. Both give this suggestion that after suicide the person continues to live on; that suicide is not the end. We continue to see Connor on stage as if he is alive. We think it gives a bit of a negative message to teens as they should understand that when you commit suicide, that is the end. 

I don't think people will view Dear Evan Hansen negatively though because of that. I think what they do is very tasteful and beautiful. I should note that I absolutely love Dear Evan Hansen, and I would love my kids to see it; while I would not want them to watch 13 reasons.