One
of the most binge-worthy shows of the last few summers is Orange is the New Black. It’s a show I’ve grown to enjoy, even
though I’ve had trouble with some of the scenes from the start. If you aren’t
familiar with the show, it’s based is a
women’s medium security prison.
The
show follows the main character, Piper
Chapman, and all the colorful personalities found at Litchfield Correctional
Facility. The story is derived from a
memoir of the same name. It’s a strong
rated R and at times borders on an X rating.
Now
that I’ve watched the whole series several times, I’m not as uncomfortable about
the sexual scenes, but it did take some
getting used to. While the writers of the
show feed into many negative stereotypes of a women’s prison, you’ve got to give
them credit for putting it all out there.
While
watching the newest season, I started realizing
how the show could have a negative impact on some of its viewers in a different
way. There’s no trigger warning at the beginning of each episode, and perhaps
there should be. After watching season 6 once again, I started to compile a
list of ways Orange is the New Black
contributed to stigma.
1)
Graphic
depictions and discussions of self-harm. Three different episodes feature
either talking about how self-harm could be done
or characters shown practicing self-harm
behavior.
2)
Graphic depictions of suicide. Two characters attempt suicide
and one character, after being found dead from a drug overdose, is
made to look as if she died by suicide.
3)
Frequent
use of the word “commit” when referring
to suicide. We in the mental health movement are struggling to get this term
removed from the suicide discussion.
4)
The
use of the expression “suicide is for cowards.”
Unfortunately, there are still people that believe this and will jump on that
bandwagon. As a suicide attempt survivor, I can guarantee making that decision has nothing to do with
being cowardly.
5)
Using
the word “freak” when referring to a transgender character as well as the
frequent and blatant use of the word “retard.”
I am certain that these terms would
bother those standing up for equality.
I
can understand where some may find me too nit picky, and maybe that’s true. But,
when you’ve been through as much as I have, as many other people have, you
start to become more aware of the consequences of your actions.
It’s
true that Orange is the New Black is
a drama based on real experiences, but there were times when I had to pause the
TV, look at my husband, and say, “That just irresponsible!”
Do
writers have a responsibility to the audience? Should they factor in how these
negative stereotypes will impact the viewers? Or is this too much to expect? I
realize that if they had to pick apart everything
that was said for fear of insulting
someone, there wouldn’t be much of a show. At the same time, I feel like some
of us are fighting a war out here, trying to tackle stigma of all kinds. We could use a little help from the people who
can spread the message to the biggest
audience.
