5 Ways Orange is the New Black Contributes to Stigma

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.