Euphoria: D.A.R.E. accuses HBO series of glamorizing drug use, sex, & violence

HBO’s Euphoria may be a critical hit for the cable network and has seen continued viewer growth in season 2 but that doesn’t mean it has been without its controversies. Due to the graphic depictions of drug use, sex, and violence involving teenagers (played by actors in their 20’s, I might add) the show has been the target of organizations that denounce that sort of thing. The latest one on deck is D.A.R.E., the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, and they’re calling the show out for glamorizing drug use, per NBCNews.

In the series, Zendaya plays Rue, a high school student that is struggling with addiction. The show also features a plethora of other characters that are dealing with their fair share of issues and despite being commended in some circles for providing viewers with an unflinching portrayal of SOME teenaged walks of life, D.A.R.E. has come out to blast the show because it, according to them, “chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use addiction…and other destructive behaviors as common in today’s world.” D.A.R.E says it would like to consult with the representatives of the show to present its concerns. Check out more of what they had to stay below!

“Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO’s television drama, ‘Euphoria,’ chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today’s world. It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as ‘groundbreaking,’ rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges.”

To the credit of Zendaya, she has on numerous occasions warned viewers that the show could be triggering and emphasized it’s for mature audiences. In a social media post ahead of the Season 2 premiere, Zendaya said, “I know I’ve said this before, but I do want to reiterate to everyone that Euphoria is for mature audiences. This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch.” The actress also delivered a similar message before the 2019 series premiere. Also, a disclaimer about mental health with a phone number for the National Alliance of Mental Health runs ahead of episodes dealing with mental health issues.

Even with all of that, I have no doubt younger audiences watch the show. It’s intended for mature audiences but let’s not kid ourselves about the majority of people watching. My issue when groups like D.A.R.E come out against shows like Euphoria is that I have a strong feeling they have never really watched them. If D.A.R.E. or any other organizations coming out against the series actually watched, they would see clearly that it shows a very dark side to drug use, violence, and sex and that these characters are in no way glamorized in their depictions dealing with these issues. This is not a happy show. Nothing about what they’re doing looks or feels cool. Sure, some might watch it and take it that way but most people watching are smart enough to see it for what it is and also know fiction versus reality. Beyond all of this, it isn’t the show’s responsibility to babysit the viewers. It’s a show written about a specific subject matter and the creators shouldn’t have to sugarcoat it. That’s just my two cents.

Do YOU think D.A.R.E. should’ve come out against Euphoria?