We'll do it all...like glorify teen pregnancies

In today’s day and age, reality TV seems to glorify every type of lifestyle. From crazy housewives to rich kids in Beverly Hills, wild lives seem to be glamorous and thrilling.  

Show such as Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant on MTV highlight the lives of teenage mothers. Although the shows touch on the topic of the struggles of being a teen mom and its consequences, it seems as if the end result of these shows are rewarding. The girls starring on the shows earn millions and are often featured on the covers of magazines which bring them publicity, endorsement deals, and open doors to opportunities in the entertainment business.

Even though the shows do focus on a girl’s hardships of motherhood, being cut off by some of her friends, and the new responsibilities she must face, MTV chooses to direct most of the attention to what will bring in high ratings; a girl fighting with the "dead-beat baby daddy", her going out with her friends, and buying cute clothes for her baby which makes for much better TV.

There is an enormous difference between the repercussions Hester and teenage girls (on TV shows) face for having a child outside of wedlock. While Hester was shamed and isolated by her entire town, the teenage girls are pampered by their friends and teachers and given special attention and care.  

In the past decade, teen pregnancies have been glamorized through pop culture which promotes it by featuring it in TV shows such as “Glee” and “The Secret Life of an American Teenager” and magazine covers discuss how cute a teenage mother looks with a baby on her hip. (In the OK! magazine cover do you notice how the Prince William and Princess Kate are pushed to the side because they aren't "as exciting" as teen moms.) 


Originally, these types of shows were created to discourage teen pregnancies but the vibe it gives off now is completely opposite of its intent.  Some of the girls who appeared on the shows even get pregnant again which completely destroys the purpose. Teenagers seem to believe they too can reach fame and fortune by just getting impregnated. 

Comments

  1. Sarah ClarkSeptember 27, 2014 at 10:05 PM

    I really like how you contrasted a modern issue to an "antique" novel. I do agree that the teenage mother shows are unhealthy for the public. They entice the audience to continue watching by creating nonsense drama, and I believe that people should stop focusing on the indecency of the shows. These shows create too much stress on the mother and bring unwanted negative attention.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ingrid FanSeptember 27, 2014 at 11:57 PM

    It's interesting how you bring an issue from centuries ago and compare it with the same issue that occurs today! It is with shame that I admit that I recognize the names on that magazine.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownSeptember 28, 2014 at 10:44 AM

    I like the way that you incorporated many examples of modern day teenage pregnancies compared to Hester. It is really eye opening to think that someone wants to be a teenage mom for fame and attention. Your blog has really nice visuals!

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownSeptember 28, 2014 at 11:18 AM

    Love how you related something from our time to an ancient novel, shows that the novel still holds some relevance in trying to show the harshness of pregnancy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jenny ShangSeptember 28, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    This is really fascinating! It's sad how society's main interest is in the misery of these teenagers. Also, I just realized: Why are all these shows focusing on the females of the relationship? They should also have shows like Teen Dad or 16 and a Dad or something. The guys also have just an equal in their situation.

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownSeptember 28, 2014 at 9:41 PM

    I love how you incorporated teen pregnancies to Hester's pregnancy. It is interesting how back then, unwed pregnancies are glorified for humiliation, while now in the present, they are glorified for fame.

    ReplyDelete

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