The appeal of reality TV has become more popular in time. More and more reality shows have been created to attract different types of viewers of different interests and ages. One controversial but popular reality TV show is “16 and Pregnant.” This show has attracted fans of all ages and is very popular even though it has only been around for two seasons. The reason that this show is so controversial is because the number of teen pregnancy has increased and many are trying to link that statistic to this show. However it is hard to make that confirmation unless a survey is taken by pregnant teens and is they answer that the show encouraged them to get pregnant. At the same time, the show has also helped teens acknowledge the importance of taking steps to prevent pregnancy.
I personally watch the show and I am a mother of three now, my youngest being only 3 weeks old, so I know that the purpose of the show is to help teens learn the importance of preventing teen pregnancy. The show introduces the audience to young teens that get pregnant at 16 and we get a first hand view of the struggles of being a teen, finishing school, and trying to be mothers. The truth in the show is what makes it interesting because they show true raw emotions and obstacles that these teens go through to survive being a teen mom. This TV show has become so popular from the drama and experiences that the teens go through.
I strongly believe that this show will continue to be viewed by many new fans because of the true life experiences and drama. There is so much shocking, jaw dropping moments in each episode that makes it an irresistible show to watch and follow. Viewers gain a respect for the moms and love for their stories and the babies involved. This show is what encouraged me to do a surrogacy for another couple 2 years ago. I was able to give a couple a baby girl last year and I am very honored to have helped them in their journey to become parents. This show encouraged me to do that because I saw that it was easy for a lot of teens to get pregnant although they are not prepared and there are so many people out there who are prepared and who are not so lucky in naturally becoming pregnant and having a family.
The truth is that many teens have this fairy tale picture in their mind that they will meet their partner at a young age, get married, have babies, and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, sometimes things do not occur in this order or only some of these events happen and it doesn’t seem like the picture they imagined. This show introduces young teens to the harsh truths that things will not always happen in the way that you dreamed. I myself got pregnant with my first daughter very young and I see a lot of myself in these young teens when I had my first daughter. I encourage others to watch and get the correct message that the show is intended to exude.
I watch 16 and pregnant too. I also watch Teen Mom. I think I like Teen Mom better because you get to see more of their lives rather than just one episode but their about teen pregnancy. It is a very very addicting show and you just can't wait to see what happens next in the girls' lives. Although some teens may say that they have gotten pregnant to be on the show, I think that they are the minority and are EXTREMELY naive. Obviously, the point of the show is to prevent teen pregnancy by showing you directly the consequences of having a child in your teens. I can say that although I knew about safe sex and it's importance that seeing the hardships they have to endure definitely has encouraged me to be 100% in charge of my sex life. I think it's amazing that you were a surrogate for a couple. That's beautiful that you would do something like that for others. I agree with you in that it is really sad to see some of the girls expect the world and the happy ending when in reality it never really quite happens that way for any of them. The best choice is obviously to wait until you are ready to be a parent in all aspects of life.
ReplyDeleteI also watch the show “16 and pregnant.” I think that it is a really positive show to watch because it shows the hardships of being a teen mom and it constantly mentions that pregnancy is 100% preventable. I really do not think that young girls want to get pregnant just to get on the show, or because they watched and liked the show. I think that parents of teenage mothers maybe blamed the show for their teenagers getting pregnant, and that is how that rumor started. “16 and pregnant” mentions websites that offer information about safe sex and abstinence.
ReplyDeleteIt is really awesome that the show inspired you to become a surrogate mother. It is really amazing that you were able to give the gift of life to a couple that couldn’t get pregnant. You are very generous and I hope that others are inspired by you and also by “16 and pregnant.”
I really liked your point of view with respect to teen mothers who are exposed to tell their own experiences in that show. I must admit, even though I've seen the show a few times I think that this show influences among young women to consider not only to practice irresponsible sex, but to bring babies into the world being so inexperienced. I saw an episode where a girl gave his son up for adoption the same day she gave birth. She was aware of what was to happen, but I also cry a lot when she suffered to leave her newborn baby. Despite all that, I think that was the biggest decision that might take. This reminds me I knew recently that a niece is pregnant. She just turned seventeen and she did not even have graduated from high school. I have not had the chance to see her because she lives in Peru but what I know is that she is showing her belly the whole world like a feat he did. On the other hand, what you did prove you're a very courageous woman. You gave the opportunity of parenthood to a couple who surely had much love to offer.
ReplyDeleteI think I may have seen this show only once and I don't think I really liked it. I realize that the show has some positive points and motivations behind it, but it upset me a little bit that these pregnant teens not only had to deal with their every day struggles, but then they had to be on camera experiencing it. I mean, I'm sure they enjoyed their time in the spotlight, but if I had a camera on me when I was pregnant, I would have turned into Prego-Zilla. I got pregnant with my first son when I was 17 and a Senior in high school. I was supposed to be the lead in the school play that year and I also had all of these plans for furthering my education. That plan was shot down pretty quickly. My school asked me to leave due to being a private school and my education plans were put on the back-burner. I did graduate high school the same time I was supposed to (just at a different school) and life carried on. It definitely wasn't easy, though. However, if I could go back in time, I wouldn't change it. I am one blessed Mommy.
ReplyDeleteHey great bog I really enjoyed reading it this week.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the show “16 and pregnant” one before and it I did not really think that it was a good show, but I always see commercials for it when I turn on my TV. So, I’m guessing that this show is really popular. It is really annoying see those commercials all the time. I think the purpose of this show is just purely to get rating and make money. I do not believe that they are truly trying to get teens to prevent teen pregnancies. If anything I believe that this show encourages it a lot because there making teens think that they can be on TV if they get pregnant. The only thing that they show on this show is constant conflict between the parents and teen. And people who watch TV love conflict and that is why this show is so popular. I also believe that this show will continue to be successful because of all the fighting and arguing that they do in this show. As long as they keep showing that people will always watch it because everyone like to see other people argue. Again, great job on this blog!
Well, 16 and pregnant. Unfortunately. But it reflects our culture and society’s morals as present. What about Married and Having Babies? No takers on that one? For you to say that each week is filled with drama and jaw dropping moments gives us a clue about how much it is scripted. The truth is that most of life especially with children, school and or work, is not jaw dropping moments. It is an every day consistency that drives most parents away and most couples apart. Unfortunately. The same old same old. The fact that these people are on camera tells me they are doing some acting. Hello. But if the show is educating and discouraging young females from getting pregnant and not supporting abortion I am no hater but for real they need some God education. God is the creator and knows how we need to conduct ourselves and our business on this planet. Matthew West has a fantastic song called “The Motions”. It describes the condition most people either are in or will find them selves in. At least those young mothers didn’t kill their babies. I know that makes God smile that they chose life. As for all the arguing and fighting they do on the show is it really necessary? They need God to help them smile that would be better. But as for the ratings probably not.
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