There are many ads’ that promote safe sex and prevention of pregnancy. There are numerous ways to access this information not only by television ads’ but also the internet, books, and even in health classes at some high schools. With all these resources available teen pregnancy is still an epidemic among girls in America. An article in the Nevada Sagebrush suggested that t.v shows like “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom” patronize viewers. I however, do not agree with this claim. Yes, I believe these programs should be shown they do not patronize viewers. These programs give young teens a reality check and while promoting safe sex, it also encourages teens to be more cautious with decisions they make.
In the article, “Shows Promoting Teen Pregnancy Patronize Viewers”, the author stands strong by this view. Although the shows “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” main goal is show the effects of teen pregnancy, it in some ways glamorizes it. People are fascinated with the lives of pregnant teens. These programs push off Christian value undertones and do not explore all the decisions and option that come along with being pregnant, more specifically abortion.
There are many young girls in the U.S that become pregnant. The young moms in “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” are followed around in their day to day lives during the pregnancy and after they have given birth. The show does not glamorize the fact the girls are pregnant, but demonstrates all the responsibility the girls gain and the freedom they lose. They are unable to hang out with friends like other teens. Some struggle financially and have to get jobs and some mom’s even drop out of school or struggle staying in school. There have been cases where the child was given up for adoption also. This is a reality check for teens. With me being a teen myself, it is more powerful to see the effects of teen pregnancy, rather than reading about them or hearing cases about them. Being able to see firsthand, young girls around the same age undergoing the same situation and how they are handling it really leaves an impact on audiences.
Since teen pregnancy is common, the shows look into why the girls have become pregnant. The girls on the show openly come out and say it is because they did not use condoms or were not on birth control. Pregnancy is not a concern until it occurs. This scenario is very common. It is not that teens are uneducated about how to protect themselves and prevent pregnancy, but rather that they do not take proper precautions at their own will. These shows make teens more cautious about decisions they make like not using condoms, because they physically see the effects. How hard it is to raise a child without adequate schooling, jobs, or stable relationship. How difficult it is for the parents that place their child up for adoption. This is all visible in the show. The moms have moms have decided to go through with their pregnancies and do what they believe is best for their child.
In conclusion, yes, I think these types of programs should be shown. It allows teens to receive a firsthand look at the difficulties in being a teen parent. While it promotes safe sex, it also encourages teens to be more cautious in their decisions pertaining to it. These families make the decision of going through with the pregnancy and handling them the best way they can. Religion may play a role in their decision, but it is their religious values that over all help their decision. These shows are just like all the ads and books that promote safe sex and prevention of pregnancy, and hopefully through this, young girls will think more about their decisions and utilize the resources given to them.
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