In a statement, the educational organisation Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) condemned the popular HBO series Euphoria for “misguidedly glorifying and erroneously depicting high-school student drug use.” Zendaya, a Hollywood actress, responded to the criticism of Euphoria’s portrayal of drugs and addiction.
“Our show is in no way a moral narrative to educate people how to live their lives or what they should be doing,” Zendaya told Entertainment Weekly in reaction to the criticism. If anything, the sentiment behind ‘Euphoria,’ or whatever we’ve been trying to do with it, is to make people feel a little less alone in their suffering and misery.
“And maybe feel like they’re not the only one going through or dealing with what they’re dealing with,” Zendaya added. “I’ve had a lot of people reach out and find so many parallels from all ages, all walks of life. So many parallels with Rue and her story and Rue means a lot to them in a way that I can understand, but also maybe in a way that I could never understand, and that means that means the most to all of us.”
The popular drug education program D.A.R.E. in its recent statement to NBC wrote, “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.”
The organization continued, “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.”.
The 25-year-old actress plays in the blockbuster HBO series and also acts as an executive producer. She has said categorically that her programme is intended for “mature audiences,” and she has admitted that the series contains stuff that is tough to watch.
Euphoria is now in its second season on HBO, and it has been renewed for a third season due to increased popularity.
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