SMS students and teachers reflect on the content of Euphoria

By Lauren Watson

Art by Emily Smith

“Euphoria” is a show that has brought plenty of controversy about the clothes the characters wear at school, addiction, and toxic relationships. Even the St. Mary’s community has mixed feelings. 

MC Smith (9) said, “ [the controversial aspects of the show] make it more entertaining. [Also,] if the characters weren’t attractive, I probably wouldn’t be as obsessed it as I am”

Throughout the show viewers see the main character, Rue, struggle with addiction and avoid getting clean. As a result, some people believe the show is glorifying addiction.

Clementine Taylor (9) said, “ I feel like [the show is] like, ‘look how trendy this is. I’m addicted to drugs.’”

“With the second season in Rue’s portrayal of addiction, I think it shows a very real problem with addiction,” said Camille Smith (11). 

“The show is being told from the narrative perspective of someone doing drugs. That’s why the show is what it is and focuses on what it does,” said Isabel Cyriac (10)

Additionally, some people worry that the show oversexualizes the young characters since the main characters, juniors in highschool, are often seen having sex. As a result, “Euphoria” has received plenty of backlash. Many adults are concerned about how the show could impact or influence teens by glamorizing dangerous behavior. 

Upper School Spanish teacher Ms. Kerst said, “I think [the show does] it on purpose just because there is so much said about what people wear specifically with women.” 

Mrs. Gainey, Upper School Mind & Body Wellness Teacher & Counseling Asst., believes that the show has an opportunity to have a positive effect but is likely to have an overall negative impact. She says, “the reason my go-to answer is [that the show is negative] is because I don’t think the show takes the time before or after to [educate viewers] … I think that a lot of youth are at vulnerable points in life and it is wild how one scene or one maladaptive coping skill can stick with someone, especially if they are in a vulnerable place.”