Teen pregnancy is a subject easily made into a reality show as it makes viewers feel morally superior—we are made to believe that young mothers are “unstable, weak and selfish” (Friedman) and that these women’s struggles are just the ‘consequences’ of their promiscuous behaviour. Shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom aim to engage an audience by showing them what poor choices (i.e. sexual activity) and the events that follow these choices look like. They also attempt to be an example for young, impressionable viewers, constantly reiterating that teen pregnancy is “100% preventable”. However, the morals behind these TV shows seem to be partisan, intentionally failing to mention every side of the story. The reason that these reality shows are able to thrive is because they agree with the misogynistic moral perspectives held by …show more content…
“Young mothers...have done the unthinkable...engaging in sexual activity” (Friedman). The clear message is that the only way to prevent pregnancy is to stay abstinent. Friedman also points out that while the show heavily discusses the options of parenting or adoption when a teen becomes pregnant, they hardly ever mention the third option: abortion. The idea behind this is that the young women are supposed to suffer the consequences of their sexual activity, either through the public shaming, the hardships of parenting or the grief that comes with giving up your child for adoption. Women who choose abortion get the ‘easy way out’ and do not have to face the consequences of their actions. The young men in the show are not subject to the same criticism that the women are; clearly, it’s a misogyny thing! So how does the show attract so many viewers? The reason is likely because an audience is fascinated by the ‘immorality’ of these young
Reality shows that are based on teen pregnancy like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom sheds light about the troubles on becoming a teen parent, finishing high school and struggling to buy the baby’s need and wants. Lately, these shows are stirring a debate if they are trying to support or avoid teen pregnancy. And this topic is important to the public, because it relates to the young community’s future. Young girls and boys can watch these shows and have different outlooks about having a child. Sometimes, glamorizing teen pregnancy on television might confuse the young community, because they can be fickle at times. They might think it is acceptable to be pregnant so young and others will consider waiting until marriage. Reality shows can either encourage or discourage teen pregnancy based on the individual’s mentality.
Teen pregnancy rates have dropped during the 1990s as a result of the fact that the authorities implemented programs meant to instruct teenagers concerning the risks associated with unprotected sex. The fact that safe sex-related programs have also experienced progress thus means that teen pregnancies should have continued to drop throughout the 2000s. "Controversies are battled out over whether or not television shows such as "16 and Pregnant" or "Teen Mom" are warnings of this phenomenon to others in the same age group, or if the premise of the shows manages to glorify young motherhood instead" (Fenster). The authorities consider that the success experienced by safe-sex programs during the 1990s means that it would be wrong for them to invest more resources in these agendas.
Teenage Pregnancies have become more prevalent in modern times due to the changing attitudes of society. Alcohol, drugs, media exposure, and peer pressure are but a few of the contributing factors that result in teenage pregnancy. Many teens find themselves pregnant due to a lack of knowledge and parental guidance. Programmes like ’16 and Pregnant’ and ‘Teen Mom’ show and may influence the impressionable audience watching these shows that by having experienced numerous sexual partners, you can be accepted amongst friends, be cool, show that you’re an adult and not a child along with many more attributes, therefore showing acceptance and encouraging the youthful viewing
Many believe the children are solely responsible for their carelessness that results in early pregnancy. Looking at this problem more broadly, one can see all of the social changes that influence teen pregnancy. For example, the media promotes sex and relationships. According to the RAND Health researcher, Jeffrey Wasserman, children ages 12-18 who saw the most sex on television were twice as likely to initiate intercourse within the next year as to those who saw the least amount of sex in the media (2017). Many television shows and movies contain sexual scenes, but most of them don’t explain the risks of sexual activity. Moreover, teen pregnancy has become more widely accepted. While many still believe it’s wrong, this problem has become unfortunate but acceptable. With shows like 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, the mass media even rewards these teenages for their early pregnancies. The acceptance of early pregnancy has increased, but people are still embarrassed to talk about sex to children and teenagers. Teen pregnancy can be prevented, and it starts with a change in
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 86 percent of mothers who give birth out-of-wedlock are teenagers. MTV’s show “16 & Pregnant,” which has only been on air since June 2009, is already reflecting the rapid boom in teenage pregnancy across various cities in America. Since the early eighties MTV has been considered somewhat of a cultural phenomenon for American adolescents and its depiction of gender has a strong impact that continues to this day (Holtzman 2000). Created by Morgan J. Freeman (director of teen shows Dawson’s Creek and Laguna Beach), the show “16 & Pregnant” has been said to be guilty of exacerbating, normalizing and even glorifying teen pregnancy. Perhaps, it’s just reflecting a current social dilemma
Adam Lind may lose any rights he has with his daughters, Aubree and Paislee because he brought them around a registered sex offender. The undisputed evidence was shown on this week’s episode of Teen Mom 2, according to Radar Online, April 14, 2016.
Teen pregnancy is a growing epidemic in the United States. Teen girls are becoming pregnant at an alarming rate, with a lot of the pregnancies planned. With television shows broadcasting shows such as “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom”, it is giving teenage girls the idea that it is alright to have premarital sex and become pregnant. It is in a way condoning teen pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy and parenthood are often seen as strictly negative and problematic, with the moral panic surrounding them only growing as media and government play a role in perpetuating these ideas of negativity surrounding them. Though it is a contentious issue, what are often ignored are the underlying causes of the social phenomena that are teenage pregnancy and parenthood. The experiences of poverty and social exclusion by many pregnant teens and teen parents have not been proven to be more severe than what these young people were experiencing before, so it brings into question the validity of the moral panic as well as the aims of programs meant to decrease teen pregnancy and parenthood. Looking at teen pregnancy and parenthood, first
Teen moms regularly glamorize teenage pregnancy than what it really is, in actuality, and not simply truly TV. With the media making famous people out of the high schoolers has made the show harming to the center gathering of people. The shows have impacted American young ladies, spreading the message that it's OK to get pregnant on the grounds that MTV may support it. (One “Teen Mom” star stated in court that she makes $140,000 per season, not including endorsements and appearances). "As the rate of teenage pregnancy rises, it seems to me that the attitude about it is more relaxed and sadly, it is seen as desirable" (Villanueva 2010).
Want a fast pass to instant popularity and a spot on television? All you have to do is get knocked up. Although it may not be the reason for the shows, some like “16 and Pregnant” really just promote teenage pregnancy. They give inaccurate representations of the pregnancy and make pregnancy seem like a glamorized game show people should want to get onto.
At the same time, the show has struck a great amount of attention from young adult women which has led to a huge controversy in the media between parents and educators whether this show is really preventing teen pregnancy. According to many critics, the show glamorizes teen pregnancy. It shows these young women how “cool” having a baby is, and that by having a baby so young, you will gain a lot of attention, love, and possibly fame. Many concerned adults think this show is doing society a disservice by possibly unintentionally encouraging teens to get pregnant for a chance to be on the show.
There is a great debate on whether or not mass media has an influence on teenage pregnancy. A study done by the RAND Corporation shows that teens are twice as likely to have sex or engage in sexual acts if they see similar sexual behavior in the media. Many objects in the media that involve sex target teens. Reality TV shows and teen dramas often portray the "cool kids" as the ones who are having sex (Chandra).Today’s teens are highly influenced by what they see in the media and this can change their behavior and choices. Some will argue that the media doesn’t influence teenagers, but how can we be sure of that? Today, the media portray teen pregnancy in movies, television shows, magazines, music, news reports, and books. The problems
A topic in American society that has proved to be an ongoing, and growing issue is that none other than teen pregnancy. In recent years, teen pregnancy rates have been increasing, which ultimately led to the topics increase of public and media attention. In American society teen pregnancy is often associated with negligence, as well as being irresponsible. In American society sex education for children is underdeveloped and instead society tends to use fear and shame to highlight/combat the dangers of unsafe or underage sex. American society uses fear to instill the idea that if you become pregnant as a teenager you are a burden to society. Along with fear society loves to shame its young women who have unfortunately stumbled upon the
In the early 90’s, studies have shown that teen pregnancies occur on a regularly basis and has been severely increasing (Newsweek: Birth rates in U.S, 1991-96). As a result, this brings out a wrong impression of women to society.
Teen pregnancy is often seen as a mistake, however blaming teen pregnancy on one or two things or person doesn’t resolve the solution. Teen pregnancy is something that affects millions of young teens in the United States. For some , these pregnancies are planned but majority of teen pregnancy is unplanned. Teen pregnancy causes a lot of endless problems in the lives of the teen and the newborn child. According to the article “ Blaming TV for Teen Pregnancy Is A convenient excuse” by Schroeder “We need to spend more time talking with young people, at home, at school, in religious communities - and yes, even in the media - about sex and sexuality in ways that help them understand and believe that they have a choice: the choice to be teens before becoming teen parents.” Neither the media content or country should be blamed for the influence of teen pregnancy.