Viewers are outraged over a VERY graphic scene in the new season of 13 Reasons Why

Before I get into this, I'll lay out a bit about myself to give you context for this story: I don't have any triggers, even about bad things that've happened to me. I just don't have any. It doesn't make me tough or stronger than anyone else or whatever, it's just the way I'm programmed. Graphic violence doesn't make me flinch, and very little can ruffle my feathers.

On Twitter this morning, I saw a lot of people upset over one scene in the new season of 13 Reasons Why. And I already know the series is a literal shit show for a mosaic of tone-deaf bullshit, but my interest was piqued. Could it really be that bad?

It really is that bad. For the first time in my life I felt truly triggered. I fast-forwarded to the scene right here at my desk, headphones in, and it was a fucking punch to the gut.

The scene is in the final episode of the season, episode 13, and starts around the 33-minute mark. I'll describe it in the barest possible terms, so turn back now if you want (also idk the characters, so sorry):

A gay character is sodomized by a mop handle in a public bathroom after being beaten by a pack of teenage boys. The camera focuses on his anguished screaming, there are homophobic slurs, and it is unmatchably disturbing.

I don't know the point of the scene. I don't know why it was necessarily to watch the graphic, violent scene play out second by second on the victim's bloodied face rather than just alluding to it. I don't know how it serves the plot other than capitalizing on someone else's pain.

What I do know is that I have no plans to watch the second season.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

● Inspired by 13 Reason Why, this teen killed herself the day after filming a prank suicide video for classmates

● These high schoolers are sharing real 13 Reasons Why tapes – listen to them here

● 13 Reasons Why literally doesn't follow ANY suicide prevention guidelines