In order to highlight the negative experiences behind teenage pregnancy, MTV released the shows “16 and Pregnant” (2009) and “Teen Mom” (2009), both of which track teenage mothers through their daily struggles. While the impact may have positively affected some girls, others are taking it in a different way.
http://www.popeater.com/2010/12/07/teen-mom-pregnant-auditions/
The Huffington Post article above mentions how being on these shows is a new kind of fame, and that young girls may be getting purposely pregnant in order to audition for these shows. The shows unintentionally glamorize pregnancy in young girls, which is the opposite of its intent. The health and financial struggles are superseded by the constantly desirable aspect of fame.
Because MTV is a very popular station, especially with the teen demographic, the images of teen mothers and pregnancy can become less taboo, and more accepted. Young males and females who watch the show are not learning lessons about contraception and sexual health. Instead, they are getting messages of promiscuity and a lack of care for the necessary precautions, which may influence their sexual lives and lead to more accidental teen pregnancies.
http://www.popeater.com/2010/12/07/teen-mom-pregnant-auditions/
The Huffington Post article above mentions how being on these shows is a new kind of fame, and that young girls may be getting purposely pregnant in order to audition for these shows. The shows unintentionally glamorize pregnancy in young girls, which is the opposite of its intent. The health and financial struggles are superseded by the constantly desirable aspect of fame.
Because MTV is a very popular station, especially with the teen demographic, the images of teen mothers and pregnancy can become less taboo, and more accepted. Young males and females who watch the show are not learning lessons about contraception and sexual health. Instead, they are getting messages of promiscuity and a lack of care for the necessary precautions, which may influence their sexual lives and lead to more accidental teen pregnancies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xma1lvgKwPo
The above youtube clip shows an interview with two strong students who’ve had to put their education by the wayside because of their pregnancies which was broadcast on the show 16 and pregnant. It also reveals that after a year, more than half of teen mothers are not with the father. The interview ends with one of the mothers in tears explaining how she feels like she is on her own, despite how much she loves her daughter, Nova.
The only positive influence that this show could have is that is does show a strong feminine character. Whether or not they chose their situation, they are giving their all to provide for their baby and continue working or getting an education. It can also provide a powerful masculine example, as exemplified in the interview by Joey, who has stuck with the mother and the daughter. This strong and supportive male presence could provide an example for the teenage fathers to stay with the mother as opposed to leaving. Unfortunately, after a year, more than half of teen moms do not live with the father, so fathers like Joey are a rarity.
Hopefully, the impact that this show has on teenage girls is to dissuade them from making decisions that could result in pregnancy, while still providing a strong character to look to if it does happen.
The above youtube clip shows an interview with two strong students who’ve had to put their education by the wayside because of their pregnancies which was broadcast on the show 16 and pregnant. It also reveals that after a year, more than half of teen mothers are not with the father. The interview ends with one of the mothers in tears explaining how she feels like she is on her own, despite how much she loves her daughter, Nova.
The only positive influence that this show could have is that is does show a strong feminine character. Whether or not they chose their situation, they are giving their all to provide for their baby and continue working or getting an education. It can also provide a powerful masculine example, as exemplified in the interview by Joey, who has stuck with the mother and the daughter. This strong and supportive male presence could provide an example for the teenage fathers to stay with the mother as opposed to leaving. Unfortunately, after a year, more than half of teen moms do not live with the father, so fathers like Joey are a rarity.
Hopefully, the impact that this show has on teenage girls is to dissuade them from making decisions that could result in pregnancy, while still providing a strong character to look to if it does happen.
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