As a journalist, I know the importance of getting both sides of the story and analyzing the situation before passing judgment. But, for some reason, with all the controversy and petitions, I cannot sit down and watch the new Netflix show Insatiable.
I’ve heard too many warnings from friends, social media, and news outlets about the show. VICE News published a piece on “The Eight Cringiest Moments in ‘Insatiable,’ Netflix’s Most Terrible Show Yet” and it ticks off all the boxes: false sexual assault claims, statutory rape, token one-minute transgender characters, erasing bisexuality, faking physical disabilities, belittling mental illness, glorifying eating disorders, and—la piéce de la résistance—fat-shaming.
It’s not about trigger warnings or being too sensitive—it’s about the effect this type of show can have on its audience. Shows and movies today are shaping a wide range of youth, who are watching, mimicking their themes, and in this case, being told that the only way to feel validated is to be thin.
According to a 2014 study from the Library of Parliament, between 15 to 25 per cent of youth struggle with mental health issues, such as eating disorders, before the age of 19. The study cites the long-term effects of eating disorders, such as heart conditions, kidney failure, and even death.
With issues such as these being prevalent among youth already, the creation of shows containing negative messages surrounding body image does not help.
It’s not that if it’s on TV it must be true—but that if you see and hear the message enough, you might start to believe it.
Insatiable is taking a step back in a time when we are working so hard to encourage young people to speak up about mental illness, sexuality, healthy habits, and self-love.
Toxic messages aren’t as visible today as aisle signs in grocery stores. It’s harder to know what young people are consuming and the messages that they are learning from a show. It’s harder to see what advertisements and short videos youth are viewing online. It’s harder to learn to love yourself when you’re bombarded with messages telling you that you can be better.
Shows like Insatiable that are seen as problematic aren’t a new trend—you can look back and find issues with any show. But, speaking out and having conversations about the effects of bad messaging in shows is valid and important.
While you might not be offended by the show, it’s important to recognize those who may feel the effects.
You can speak out about how you feel without saying a word. While I feel a need to be informed, as a consumer, I’m voting with my dollar and time—I don’t want to give a cent or any attention to shows like Insatiable.
