16 and Pregnant

MTV's "16 and Pregnant" glorifies teen pregnancy, in much of the same way as the movie "Juno" did. It is a bit of a spin off from the movie "Juno." As we are aware, "Juno" was very popular with the younger teenage demographic. So popular that some teens formed a pact where they would get pregnant at a young age. The film was not meant to glorify teen pregnancy, but that is exactly what it did and "16 and Pregnant," in my opinion, is having a similar effect.

"16 and Pregnant" is a documentary series that follows teenage girls as they deal with being pregnant. The show is not totally one sided in the sense that it shows the good and the bad that comes with pregnancy. Some of the young mothers were happy to be bringing a new child in the world while others realized that their life will never be the same.

Teen pregnancy exists and I am completely aware of it. Growing up in the city has put me face to face with the issue that has affected the lives of several people I have known. But having a television show about it on a station that is popular with young adults may be putting the wrong message out there. The little animations that are used throughout the show have a bit of a playful feeling and have a tendency to make the whole show to be light instead of a heavy issue. My younger cousin actually told me that seeing the show made her feel as if having a kid young would be better than having it after obtaining a degree. It made me sad to know that this is probably the same impression she and her fellow classmates may have about the show which is why I feel MTV should maybe reconsider what they put on television.