This article was about different opinions from older mothers and what they thought when they saw Teenmom. Some mothers thought the show made talking about pregnancy awkward and complicate issues. How is talking about sex/pregnancy awkward to talk about? It happens, I would rather talk to my child for 5-10 minutes about sex than have them talk about it with anyone else.
Some of the mothers thought that the show promoted teenagers to try abortion or adoption if they were challenged with that situation. They thought this because teenagers see how hard it actually is to raise a child at their age, so they would most likely take care of the situation in the only way they knew how, get rid of it.
Alot of the mothers saw the show as depressing. Though it is sad that these teenagers had to grow up so fast and at a young age, I don't see it as depressing because its a beautiful thing, things happen for a reason. I know some of the teenagers chose adoption but they were only doing for their child's future. Though some of the teen mothers are going through rough break ups or life changing situations they still have happy moments in their life. Their child.
There was a comparison in the article between other shows about teen pregnancy: for example "Secret life of American Teenager" and "Glee". Alot of parents said they would much rather have their children watch that instead of Teenmom because they used the subject more "humorously" and Teenmom was more "serious." I thought that was ridiculous because these shows show the same thing that Teenmom shows but the characters aren't actually pregnant.
Overall, teen pregnancy is happening whether these mothers like it or not. There are so many movies and shows on TV that have teen pregnancy in them. What are they going to do, have their child watch Barney. Kids grow up eventually and we need to talk to them about sex and ways to prevent pregnancy.
Kara Ramsey
I agree completely. TV shows like "Secret Life" and "Glee" only glamourize pregnancy more. Teen pregnancy is a real issue. But no one wants to talk about it. Impoverished mothers, of any age, who feel they can't care for their child, often end up leaving them in dumpsters or in a safe house. Teens are rarely ever told about those who don't have the full support of their families.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that adoption is shown on MTV I think is very important, teens don't have to grow up too fast but they've learned consequences of sex. The baby is given a good home and a loving family that may be unable to procreate on their own. I wish there was a lot more adoption stories on MTV's Sixteen and Pregnant.
When I hear parents say they think its awkward to talk to their teens about sex, it makes me sad, especially mothers. It should never be "awkward" to talk to your children about anything, especially when it could help their future. No parent wants their children to fail or have a hard life when they get older. The difference in the shows Secret Life and 16 and pregnant is that 16 and pregnant do know show enough prevention. It does not show parents talking to their teens about sex.Where as these scripted TV shows has at least some scenes where the parents are involved. Not talking to children about sex and the consequences and the risk is stupid in my opinion. Not only should 16 and pregnant show teach teenage girls what it is like to be a teen mom, they should also teach parents. If they spent more camera time on parents and how they talked to their children or wished they would of talked to their children, parents could learn how to talk to their children. We watch these shows and if they spent more time teaching and preventing instead of showing how immature these girls are, it may have a effect on the rest of America
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