These two series are hugely popular among not just the younger generation, but I have found that people my parents age also watch these shows. My concerns over this reality series, which depicts young pregnant teenagers and their struggles and triumphs becoming young parents and their lives afterwards, lies not with adults who watch this show (though heaven knows what they think of the world after viewing the antics on national telvision), but with other young teens who think that having sex and becoming pregnant will lead them to reality television fame.
These shows glorify both the negative and positive aspects of becoming a teenage parent. I heard awhile back that the show was created to portray the struggles of being a teen parent. The purpose of 16 and Pregnant was to supposed "prevent" kids from becoming teen parents. But since the show has blown up, the stars have become regular covers on weekly tabloids and news on gossip sites.
Prime example: Teen Mom star Amber Portwood. Her violent antics and short-fused temper have not only garnered attention for the show but have brought attention to her personal life of the show. She has appeared numerous times on gossip blog Perez Hilton, concerning not only her violent ways but her latest outing to a local Walmart with her latest boyfriend. A positive aspect of Amber's popularity is that attention has been brought to her daughter's living situation and authorities have intervened.
But my argument is this: Young teens are watching kids just like themselves achieve some fame and fortune through a tv show about becoming pregnant, which in my opinion doesn't focus on the true struggles of teen parenting. There is no way to prevent young, impressionable minds from watching what is supposed to be pure entertainment, and think that they can achieve success by landing on such a show.
Would you let your children watch 16 and Pregnant or Teen Mom?
I see your points. But, as much as I hate to admit it, I have watched every episode of this show. I think, despite its controversial nature, I would let my children watch this show because it shows them the negative side of becoming pregnant so early. While it does glorify them in a way, the lives of the teens are not perfect, and it shows.
ReplyDeleteI definitely see your argument but I think that Teen Mom is actually the ULTIMATE birth control. The only story that's glorified is maybe Maci's because somehow she has the most easy-going toddler ever and she's adjusted beautifully. Any impressionable teenager watching this show and actually aspiring to be a teen mom probably brings a couple other issues to the television when she sits down to watch the show. As a 21 year old young adult (literally out-growing the opportunity to be called a teen mom) I watch this show and think "I could NEVER be doing that right now."
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I would argue that the only thing about MTV programming glorifying teen pregnancy is the Bristol Palin commercials during each commercial break. Did she film those before dancing with the stars? I guess that's a story for another time .....
:-)