The Philip DeFranco Show - PDS 4.30 Why People Are Freaking Out About 13 Reasons Why Again, Tana Mongeau, & Venezuela's "Final Phase"

Starting point is 00:00:00 Sup you beautiful bastards, hope you're having a fantastic Tuesday. Welcome back to the Philip DeFranco show and let's just jump into it. And the first thing we're going to talk about today is why Netflix and 13 Reasons Why are back in the news. And a big note before moving forward, we are going to be talking about the topic of suicide. I know some of you appreciate a warning before we jump into those topics, so if you're wanting to avoid that topic, here's the time code to skip to. Now if you're unfamiliar with the show, it's about a teen girl who leaves behind 13 tapes that explain why she chose to end her life. And as you might remember back in 2017, we covered the backlash after the first season premiered and that season included a scene where you had a teenager slitting her wrists in a bathtub. And following this, some felt the way that the show portrayed suicide, it was problematic, that in some ways it glamorized the act, it also didn't discuss many of the underlying factors. We

Starting point is 00:00:40 saw groups warning parents about the show's possible negative impact on young people, this including the National Association of School Psychologists and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. And in response to all of this, Netflix added more content warnings that also directed viewers to support groups. But along with this, some, including Selena Gomez, who is one of the show's producers,

Starting point is 00:00:56 felt that the show was showing what teens are really going through, saying, "'I understood that we were going into something "'that is difficult, but these kids today "'are so exposed to things that I would never even comprehend "'when I was eight. "'I feel like if this is what we are going into something that is difficult. But these kids today are so exposed to things that I would never even comprehend when I was eight. I feel like if this is what we are going to talk about, we might as well do it in a way that's going to be honest, it's going to be real, and it stays true to the book.

Starting point is 00:01:12 But why are we talking about that today that happened back in 2017? Well, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health that was published on Monday, in the month after the show was released, there was a 28.9% increase in the suicide rates among US youths, mostly male, ages 10 to 17.

Starting point is 00:01:26 And ultimately, between April and December of 2017, these increased rates led to 195 more suicides than were expected based on data from previous years. And also of note here is they found no significant trends in suicides for ages 18 to 64. Though, and I really think this is an important note to hit on, it's something that is going to be missed by people just reading headlines

Starting point is 00:01:43 and then spewing that same information. There is an asterisk on this situation because of the study's limitations They could not make a direct causal link which basically means that this study cannot say that 13 reasons Why is definitely the cause of the increased rate in suicide just that the rates did increase in April and the show came out on March 31st But still the researchers did say their findings quote should serve as a reminder to be mindful of the possible unintended impacts of the portrayal of suicide and as a reminder to be mindful "'of the possible unintended impacts "'of the portrayal of suicide,

Starting point is 00:02:06 "'and as a call to the entertainment industry "'and the media to use best practices "'when engaging with this topic.'" And the lead author of the study, Jeff Bridge, a suicide researcher at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, said, "'Youth may be particularly susceptible "'to suicide contagion, which can be fostered

Starting point is 00:02:19 "'by stories that sensationalize "'or promote simplistic explanations "'of suicidal behavior, glorify or romanticize "'the decedent, right, the person who just died, present suicide as a means of accomplishing a goal, or offer potential prescriptions of how to die by suicide. Portrayals of suicide in entertainment media should avoid graphic detail of the suicide, which the series did not, and adhere to best practice guidelines to reduce risk of subsequent suicide. As far as the other side of this, a Netflix spokesperson said that they were still looking into the study and added,

Starting point is 00:02:45 This is a critically important topic and we have worked hard to ensure that we handle this sensitive issue responsibly. And that spokesperson saying that this new study conflicts with research published last week by the University of Pennsylvania, which said that they found that adults aged 18 to 29 who watch the entire first and second season actually reported declines in suicide ideation and self-harm relative to those who didn't watch the show at all. But in addition, the study also found that if someone stops watching before the end of the second season, they exhibited greater suicide risk and less optimism about the future than those

Starting point is 00:03:11 who continue to the end. Though, and this is an important note here, this study did not focus on the same age group and included the second season. And a big thing to note here is this is not just a story that matters as far as the past. The show, of course, had that second season. It has been picked up for a third.

Starting point is 00:03:23 So it's very likely that when that third season premieres, this will pop back up in the news, there will be a debate again. As far as my personal reaction to this, it's kind of two-pronged. One is someone that covers stories that involve self-harm, suicide. It definitely concerns me that I could be doing something better. And even me being of that mindset, that's kind of my own personal evolution because I've definitely been someone in the past that kind of mocked trigger warnings. But I think based off of the conversation that we have had over these years, there are certain topics I greatly sympathize with, that it's allowed me to view life from many different lenses, thanks to you guys. And two, as far as the show itself, I personally enjoyed it, but I do see how it could be troublesome. Without spoiling it for those who have not watched it, there are moments where it does seem to glorify the act

Starting point is 00:04:06 in that it accomplished something. To oversimplify, the teenager set out to accomplish something, the catalyst for everything that would then follow was the suicide. And once again, even just saying this, this is simplistic, talking about the season and all the different angles, that would take an entire video. Yeah, it makes me wonder, how can you do it responsibly?

Starting point is 00:04:23 Like Selena Gomez said, trying to be honest with this. I mean, that scene is horrifying, right? Where is the right line of using this as a conversation starter, but at the same time making sure kids, right, the main focus where we start the story is 10 to 17 year olds, that they're maybe consuming this

Starting point is 00:04:37 in a safe and responsible way. Once again, even saying that, it's something that I probably would not have said five, 10 years ago. I think, one, my viewpoint has changed because I am actually now a father and I'm fucking horrified about how the internet and anything is going to affect my child and so I try and do everything together or just be there and inform.

Starting point is 00:04:54 I try less and less to compare how I would have maybe reacted to something when I was that same age because, A, we're all somewhat different people and, B, I mean, growing up now does seem very, very different. And understand, I'm not saying 13 Reasons Why is the cause of this. I'm simply saying that I understand that there is reason for concern, and I'm very much looking forward to

Starting point is 00:05:14 the more information we can get on this topic. I mean, we've talked about other studies and research in the past, like depression in young people, that is, it is a very scary, spiking topic. With all that said, of course, I pass the question off to you. What are your thoughts regarding all of this? Then in quickie industry news,

Starting point is 00:05:29 there is now another YouTuber getting a TV show. That person is Tana Mongoose. No, that's not it. Tana Mojo Jojo? No, Tana Mojo. That's it, of course, you've seen her on such hits like TanaCon and the Shane Dawson series that made a lot of people forgive her for TanaCon.

Starting point is 00:05:45 But yeah, it appears she is joining the ranks of internet-y, YouTube, Instagram person that gets a TV show. According to her announcement, it is an MTV show. It's called No Filter, Tana Turns 21. It appears to be a reality show. And I would probably take this moment to hate on this Photoshopping aficionado,

Starting point is 00:05:59 but she's so self-aware, it's kind of hard to. Like in her announcement on Instagram, she wrote, "'I've always been talentless, "'but to finally be talentless on an MTV reality show is such an honor for me. Did I mention it's on MTV? I remember watching The Hills as a young girl, wondering how many nose jobs I needed to get there. Turns out, just one! Like, I'm gonna hate myself for it, but I will probably watch that just to see if it's a train wreck. While a majority of my job is obviously very news-heavy, I love trash TV.

Starting point is 00:06:24 It's a guilty pleasure of mine, and I'm one of those idiots who pays for the live cams for Big Brother at times. I'm a big fan of the challenge and this is already embarrassing enough to admit, so that's where I'm gonna end this segment. Yeah, sometimes I need that stupid and or it doesn't matter so that I can recharge for the stuff that does. And then let's talk about easily the most infuriating story today. And that is the story around Shane M. Pesci. He's a former bus driver in Watertown, New York, who pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in February after raping a 14-year-old girl who he met on his bus route. And after pleading guilty, Shane is being sentenced to zero prison time.

Starting point is 00:06:57 Instead, he was ordered to serve 10 years of probation and will be required to register as a level 1 sex offender. He's getting probation for raping a 14 year old girl. As far as the specifics, the 26 year old was arrested back in September of last year and he was charged with second degree rape, first degree unlawfully dealing with a child and endangering the welfare of a child. He reportedly met the 14 year old victim while working as a school bus driver and later assaulted her in his home.

Starting point is 00:07:18 Back in February, the victim's mother told the news that this bus driver had bought her daughter gifts, invited her and other minors to his home where he gave them alcohol. That same month, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of third-degree rape. In addition to those ten years of probation, three orders of protection were also issued against him. He's also no longer allowed to be with anyone under the age of 17, although there were some exceptions approved. And part of the reason for no jail time is his designation as a level one sex offender.

Starting point is 00:07:42 That is specifically given to individuals who are seen as having a low risk of committing the crime a second time. Although of note here, the district attorneys had actually called for a designation of level two sex offender. This would have required his complete address to appear in the online sex offender database, according to the state.

Starting point is 00:07:55 However, Judge James McCluskey said that the level one designation was more appropriate considering that he had no prior arrests and that there was only one victim involved. Which, my response, if I can take a moment to just address Judge James McCluskey very quick, go fuck yourself you fucking idiot. No prior arrests, only one victim. A grown man sexually assaulted a 14 year old girl. This is an individual, a monster in my opinion, who has forever changed this young girl's life.

Starting point is 00:08:20 You have Pichie's attorney trying to spin this as you know like a just punishment saying he'll be a felon for the rest of his life, he's on the sex offender registry for a long time, but he's not in prison. He essentially gets a glorified You better not do it again. Otherwise, ooh, you'll be in big trouble then it's disgusting. It's infuriating It is it is heartbreaking especially when when you hear from the mother of the victim who's talked about her daughter now having to struggle with depression and Anxiety and in my opinion this appears to be a blatant failure of our justice system. There was only one victim. I can't, I can't get, I can't get past that.

Starting point is 00:08:49 But ultimately, that's where I'm gonna end that one before I say something I regret or that gets me in trouble. And of course, I pass the question off to you. What are your thoughts on this? Also, side note to Shane Pesci, I registered a website under your name that takes people right to an article about what you did and the sentencing here.

Starting point is 00:09:05 Have a life. And then let's talk about this still developing situation in Venezuela. We've talked a lot about Venezuela over the last few months and if you've maybe missed our coverage, here's kind of a quick oversimplified TLDR. In January, Venezuela's National Assembly used its constitutional powers to declare opposition leader

Starting point is 00:09:20 Juan Guaido interim president until fair elections could be held. Since then, Guaido has been recognized as the president of Venezuela by more than 50 world leaders. Although some countries still support Nicolas Maduro, this including Russia, Cuba, China, and Iran. And the last time we talked about Venezuela, they were falling even deeper into crisis as the worst blackouts in the country's history made humanitarian issues even worse. We also saw Nicolas Maduro and his allies pulling out all the stops to try and undermine Guaido. We saw things like they banned him from office and stripped him of his parliamentary immunity.

Starting point is 00:09:46 That last point is of course very important because despite all the support for Guaido internationally, internally, Maduro has been able to hold onto power because he has filled government and military leadership with people who back him. And as we've talked about before, many experts believe that in order for Guaido

Starting point is 00:09:59 to successfully take power, he has to have the backing of the military. Which brings us to today because Guaido posted a video on Twitter announcing that he was launching the final phase of his plan to oust Maduro and called for Venezuelans and the military to rise up against the regime. Guaido delivering the message while he was surrounded

Starting point is 00:10:14 by men in military uniforms at an air base in Caracas. And most significantly here, Guaido said that his plan had the support of the military forces saying, quote, "'The National Armed Forces have taken the correct decision "'and they are counting on the support "'of the Venezuelan people.'" Guaido added that soldiers had already taken the correct decision and they are counting on the support of the Venezuelan people. Guaido added that soldiers had already taken to the streets and were protecting the Constitution. Following the video reportedly Guaido and the soldiers there clashed with soldiers who were supporting Maduro who were protesting outside the airbase who threw tear gas

Starting point is 00:10:36 canisters at them. We then saw Guaido taken to the streets in Caracas where he and his military escort were joined by protesters. And as of recording this video these protests are ongoing and so that means that there are still a lot of updates coming in. I really cannot stress enough that this is a developing situation, but it is immensely important that we talk about it. But what we do know right now is that military forces that still support Maduro are violently fighting

Starting point is 00:10:55 with members of the armed forces that now support Guaido and anti-government protesters in Caracas. Guaido's military supporters are repelling members of the military still aligned with Maduro's with gunfire and tear gas. We've seen protesters throwing tear gas canisters and Molotov cocktails. We even saw a video of a National Guard vehicle

Starting point is 00:11:10 driving into a crowd of protesters running over demonstrators, with reports saying some of them were throwing stones and hitting the vehicle with sticks. Meanwhile, it was also reported that tons of Venezuelan military defectors rallied at the Simon Bolivar Bridge on Venezuela's border with Colombia to show their solidarity with Guaido.

Starting point is 00:11:24 And with all of this happening, unsurprisingly, Maduro and his loyalists have condemned these efforts. In defiance, we saw Maduro tweet, Nerves of steel, I have talked with the commanders of all the integral strategic defense regions and the integral defense operations zones of the country, who have shown me their total loyalty to the people, to the Constitution, and to the homeland. I call the maximum popular mobilization to ensure the victory of La Paz overcome. We also saw Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino writing in a tweet,

Starting point is 00:11:49 "'We reject this coup movement "'that aims to fill the country with violence. "'The pseudo-political leaders who have placed themselves "'at the forefront of this subversive movement "'have used troops and police with weapons of war "'on a public road in the city "'to create anxiety and terror.'" We also saw other leaders coming forward

Starting point is 00:12:03 and supporting Maduro, like Bolivian President Evo Morales. He tweeted, We strongly condemn the attempted coup d'etat in Venezuela on the part of the right that is submissive to foreign interests. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticized Venezuela's opposition

Starting point is 00:12:15 in a press release saying that they were attempting to incite conflict. The leader of Spain's caretaker government also came out against the uprising. And we have also now seen Cuba and Turkey condemn Guaido's efforts. But of course, on the other side of this, we've seen a lot of world leaders coming out and supporting Guaido, especially in the United States.

Starting point is 00:12:29 We saw the likes of Vice President Mike Pence tweeting, To Guaido, the National Assembly and all the freedom-loving people of Venezuela who are taking to the streets, we are with you. America will stand with you until freedom and democracy are restored. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying the US government fully supports the Venezuelan people in their quest for freedom and democracy. Democracy cannot be defeated. And recently we saw a president Trump tweet I am monitoring the situation in Venezuela very closely the United States stands with the people of Venezuela and their freedom also as of recording This video like I said This is a developing situation

Starting point is 00:12:55 Guaido has been backed by Brazil Ecuador Peru and Colombia and of course remember more countries are likely to come out and take a stance Which is just massive and right now it seems like this could be a turning point for Venezuela. As we saw some people who oppose Guaido are calling his efforts a military coup, but others, including Bolton, argue that this is not a coup because he is the legitimate interim president. And a coup, while I understand some people use the word

Starting point is 00:13:16 just because it involves the military, I mean the very definition of coup involves a legal seizure. But we're gonna be watching, we're obviously going to be updating the story. And of course, one of the most important parts of this, it's whether or not Guaido will get enough of the military to support him in the National Assembly. And the thing is, the reports on this right now are contradictory. For example, Padrino, right? The Venezuelan defense minister? He tweeted earlier this morning, legitimate authorities. All the military units deployed in the eight integral defense regions report normalcy in their barracks and military bases

Starting point is 00:13:46 under the command of their natural commanders." But Guaido appears to contradict that in a tweet writing, "'At this moment, I am meeting with the main military units of our armed forces, beginning the final phase of Operation Freedom.'" So right now, we're waiting to see what is actually happening and where the chips fall. But with that, that is a story as we know it now.

Starting point is 00:14:02 And of course, I pass the question off to you, what are your thoughts around this? And that's where we're going to end today's show. And of course I pass the question off to you, what are your thoughts around this? And that's where we're going to end today's show. And remember, if you like this video, you wanna support this channel, just hit that like button. Also, if you're new here, you want more, hit that subscribe button.

Starting point is 00:14:13 Those that are maybe not 100% filled in, maybe you missed yesterday's show, you missed this morning's deep dive, you can click or tap right there to watch those. But with that said, of course, as always, my name's Philip DeFranco, you've just been filled in. I love yo faces and I'll see you tomorrow.

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The Philip DeFranco Show - PDS 4.30 Why People Are Freaking Out About 13 Reasons Why Again, Tana Mongeau, & Venezuela's "Final Phase"

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