Airing this summer, the show normalizes teenage pregnancy, following pregnant sixteen year old girls throughout their pregnancies and after they give birth.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓
The first episode, which aired June 11, followed the life of Maci and her baby’s father, Ryan. Maci introduced herself by stating, “I’m a total overachiever. I get good grades, I play softball, and I’m even on the cheerleading squad.” The second episode, which will air June 18, focuses on Farrah, a sixteen-year-old described by MTV as “a popular cheerleader.” The show should have been named “Pretty, Popular and Pregnant.”
Getting pregnant has it perks for Maci. She and Ryan moved in together. Maci described how, “My high school friends still live at home with their parents so they think it’s really cool I have my own place,” Maci said. She also related how Ryan “even put a ring on my finger.”
To MTV’s credit, it didn’t turn the camera away when things became less “cool” and the couple struggled after Bentley was born. At one point Ryan even stated, “If we didn’t have a kid we wouldn’t be together.” That statement must be magic to the ears of some teenage girls, who believe pregnancy is a way to cement the affections of their boyfriends.
Maci and Ryan considered splitting up, but were still together at the end of the episode, with Maci speculating about a beach wedding the following summer.
In a 2004 survey, the Parents Television Council reported that MTV is the most watched program for those between the ages of 12 through 19. Studies showed watching MTV created a more liberal attitude toward pre martial sex. Teenagers who watch MTV receive messages about sex that are likely to sway their own behavior. So the network is guilty of originally helping to foster the situation and now for exacerbating it by normalizing and even glorifying teen pregnancy.
Of course, it is no secret that MTV has a history of airing controversial material: “Tila Tequila” is a reality dating show for a bisexual; “Real World” “The Hills” and “True Life” all have questionable content.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
'created a more liberal attitude toward pre martial sex'
June 15, 2009 - 14:06 ET by JDWHow will socialized health care affect it?
JDW
DAILY WAVE
When people fear their government there is tyranny.
When government fears the people there is liberty.
And to think
June 15, 2009 - 14:13 ET by mizflame98Palin's daughter is looked upon by the MSM as a tramp, an idiot, a laughingstock, etc. because she is a teen mother. Go figure.
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds”
Samuel Adams
mizflame.... You beat me
June 15, 2009 - 14:20 ET by bigtimermizflame....
You beat me to it...that's the first thing that came to my mind too.
...dontcha just love the msm and their double-standards when it fits their agenda.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Holding my breath
June 15, 2009 - 14:23 ET by mizflame98I'm waiting for someone to come out and complain about Mtv being attention whores and exploiting this pregnant teen for their own benifit.
....crickets chirping....
“It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds”
Samuel Adams
Would you be satisfied if
June 15, 2009 - 15:43 ET by Another Dead KennedyWould you be satisfied if someone just came out and complained about (I know, so cliched) the mere lack of music on MTV?
'Palin's daughter is looked upon by the MSM'
June 15, 2009 - 14:25 ET by JDWAnd Dave?
JDW
DAILY WAVE
When people fear their government there is tyranny.
When government fears the people there is liberty.
Palin's daughter is looked
June 15, 2009 - 14:30 ET by motherbeltPalin's daughter is looked upon by the MSM as a tramp, an idiot, a laughingstock, etc. because she is a teen mother.
Well that's because Bristol Palin's family believes in abstinence. So that makes Bristol not someone who made a mistake, but an even bigger sin.....a hypocrite!! MTV programming doesen't even pretend to be interested in abstinence. So that's OK.
The liberal standard: if you have no ideals, you can't be a hypocrite by not living up to them.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
This brings up an
June 15, 2009 - 20:29 ET by gmaniac1This brings up an interesting discussion. Bristol Palin obviously made a mistake and is not given a second chance like the liberals want everyone to have in the name of compassion. When someone gets HIV/AIDS through drug use or unprotected sex we are supposed to be compassionate because of their bad behavior. When someone has an drug or alcohol problem we are supposed to be compassionate because of their bad behavior. When someone intentionally murders their children because they are too stressed or because of financial problems we are supposed to be compassionate because of their bad behavior. Hmmm, no defense for the looney left and sometimes they use drug addicts, people afflicted with STDs, and even criminals are public service spokespeople but why not someone like Bristol Palin? Because she made a mistake and now preaches abstinence? As Rush would say the dirty little secret is that Bristol Palin is the left's public service target to promote their insane agenda.
When the people fear the government it's called tyranny, when the government fears the people it's called liberty!
Gird your loins for "When
June 15, 2009 - 14:47 ET by SickofLibsGird your loins for "When Trolls Attack, Part VII."
Guest Host?
June 15, 2009 - 19:36 ET by addeigloriamMaybe they should sign up Letterman as a guest host...
Clarify that David
June 15, 2009 - 23:15 ET by 24enakClarify that David Letterman, are you saying that the fourteen year old is a mother. Bristol who you, and David Letterman was obviously refferring too is a laughingstock, because she supports abstinence teaching in school when that obviously didn't work for her, and many others.
One has to wonder if Mace,
June 15, 2009 - 14:25 ET by motherbeltOne has to wonder if Maci, the overachiever, will still be playing softball and cheerleading next year. Will her own mother step in so that she can do those things and go to prom, etc., or will she be made to live with the consequences of her decision to get pregnant?
If it were my daughter, I would be telling her: Sorry, honey, your high school social life doesn't exist any more; you're a parent now.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
And the 'fathers' (guys
June 15, 2009 - 14:26 ET by RR GOPAnd the 'fathers' (guys with shaved heads, at least one of the following: tattoo, earring, body piercing) are nowhere to be found once that little + shows up after her urine hits the stick...it's like, like...MAGIC!
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Media Wants Destruction of the Family
June 15, 2009 - 14:29 ET by deerjerkydaveKinda reminds of Ann Coulter's last book which took on unwed mothers. The media was agast at her claim that broken families cause much of society's problems.
Right...even though she
June 15, 2009 - 14:34 ET by motherbeltRight...even though she laid out proof that unwed motherhood was the single biggest factor in poverty, crime, and imprisonment, they said she was just a bigot.
And they will drag out ONE girl who managed to finish college and get a good job with a baby (and a self-sacrificing grandmother) to prove her wrong.
I didn't think it was physically possible, but this both sucks and blows. -Bart Simpson
Put the bums to work,
June 15, 2009 - 14:43 ET by CrashGet rid of welfare handouts and a strong work ethic will follow out of the need to survive, regardless of the age of the mother.
I'm trying to remember her
June 15, 2009 - 14:45 ET by balboaI'm trying to remember her exact quote, but if I remember correctly, it seemed to place all the blame at the mothers' feet?
Make Sure Your Quote Has Context
June 15, 2009 - 16:52 ET by deerjerkydaveHere is a great video I remember seeing which sums this up. Coulter points out that the liberal media worship broken and untraditional families. Lauer claims the media defend traditional families, and then two moments later attacks Coulter for blaming society's problems on broken families.
http://hotair.com/archives/2009/01/07/video-the-coulter-lauer-fight-this-morning/
more like the Mothers legs
June 15, 2009 - 21:59 ET by MightyMouthmore like the Mothers legs (or what's between).
Abstinence does work, but let's not teach that, better to enable wrong behavior with a "safety net". You libs have the best intentions but lack the common sense to get anything done.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Dear Earth Czar,
June 15, 2009 - 14:31 ET by CrashI realize that cultures and values change as time marches on, but, give me a break. I'm fed up with arbitrary ages dictated over free people for activities based on what is or is not accepted as the social norm, set primarily by self-righteous prigs (left & right). Had my mother not been "knocked up" at sixteen I wouldn't be alive today. I like to think that I turned out rather well ... especially considering that I retired at the ripe age of 36.
Other MTV reality shows
June 15, 2009 - 15:35 ET by IckOther MTV reality show ideas:
16 and on drugs: You pay for my future! - Prison, living on the street, turning to prostitution, living with parents off and on through age 50!
16 and sucking the MTV nipple - Follows mindless lemmings through a life of MTV.
16 and looking for justification: The MTV household - Making life decisions based on MTV values is phun, phat, and 1337! LOL 111110010001001101010!
16 and raised by MTV: you thought Kate +8 is bad? - Parents that KNOWINGLY plug their kids into MTV instead of parenting!
MTV=Mindless Television
June 15, 2009 - 15:49 ET by CrashRemember ... Obama is the first Sesame Street prez.
As I wrote earlier, "Get rid of welfare handouts and a strong work ethic will follow out of the need to survive, regardless of the age of the mother."
When I saw how hard my mother worked to raise us (3) I wanted to do all I could to help, I even took a job as a paperboy and did yardwork, not to mention my household chores.
Liberal Solutions are the Cause NOT the Cure
June 15, 2009 - 15:44 ET by Retired GeekLiberal solution:
=================
1) Pay poor women to help them overcome poverty, in accordance with the number of children they are raising.
2) Remove the father from the home because its not "fair" to the women who do not have fathers at home.
3) Create affordable housing for them by concentrating as many as possible together in Government subsidized 'Crime Centers'.
4) Overcome the discipline problem of the youth by sending them out in the middle of the night to play basketball.
5) When the youth resort to crime or drugs and end up in jail, blame the police for profiling and jailing the poor.
6) If statistcally more poor children are in jail, then blame the judicial system as racist.
7) Citizens who become concerned over the crime and pregnacies - charge them with not being compassionate enough to give more money to the system.
Liberal solutions caused black children to be raised without a Father, in a virtual Crime Center - Liberal solutions caused black children to be raised in schools without discipline and God.
The problems SHOULD NOT be placed on the shoulders of women - the resultant problems should be squarely placed on the Liberals in America.
Some of these are
June 15, 2009 - 15:57 ET by balboaSome of these are ridiculous. Liberals don't want to remove the father from the home. The fathers do that all on their own as often as mothers leaving the fathers.
And no one was "sending (youth) out in the middle of the night to play basketball." Those youths were already out, and that was an effort to keep them from getting involved in shady elements.
Read the Rest of my posts
June 15, 2009 - 16:03 ET by Retired GeekRead the Rest of my posts and then we can debate.
Debating with Liberals is usually quite difficult, because one must first educate them about the topic before a debate can begin.
Oh cripes...nevermind. I
June 15, 2009 - 16:10 ET by balboaOh cripes...nevermind. I don't need to be condescended to by you, Yoda.
Balboa give us your Wisdom and Knowledge
June 15, 2009 - 16:26 ET by Retired GeekWhat good has resulted from the 'War on Poverty'?
How has the $40 trillion spent so far, bettered society?\
I think the same can be said
June 15, 2009 - 16:35 ET by Another Dead KennedyI think the same can be said about the war on drugs. Sometimes we just need to spend, okay? It doesn't matter that nothing has been accomplished in the end.
balboa: It may be a bit
June 15, 2009 - 16:16 ET by QueenMumbalboa: It may be a bit esoteric, but here's my take on your comment. The fathers leave their baby-mamas in order to avoid having to contend with the whole mess of raising a family. And the baby-mamas routinely comply by not filing for child support. That way, the tax payer gets to foot the bill for everyone and no one has to work.
Additionally, because abortion is legal and readily available and the libs have convinced people that the fate of the babe in the womb is up to the mother, why should the biological father of the child be concerned?
One would have to conclude that liberals are a.) supporting such policies on purpose or b.) are just plain too stupid and immature to understand cause and effect. Which is it, balboa?
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
QM, I need to argue with
June 15, 2009 - 16:25 ET by Another Dead KennedyQM, I need to argue with something here:
"...because abortion is legal and readily available and the libs have convinced people that the fate of the babe in the womb is up to the mother..."
Obviously liberals support abortion much more openly than conservatives do, but of the 2 women I am friends with who have had abortions, both are conservative republicans who argue conservative values to no end. I'll let you argue that liberals fight for that right, but women of all parties and values are terminating their pregnancies.
With all due respect KDW,
June 15, 2009 - 16:37 ET by QueenMumWith all due respect KDW, unless your friends had sound medical reasons for aborting, I cannot consider them conservatives or supportive of conservative values. A conservative believes in the Constitution as it was written and intended. To a conservative, the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade was a mistake.
As you say, abortion is a liberal concept. And it's not a matter of "more openly" supporting. If someone claims to be a conservative and at the same time silently supports abortion, why the silence?
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
There are degrees of
June 15, 2009 - 16:40 ET by balboaThere are degrees of conservatism, aren't there? If not, there are many conservatives that probably need to be booted out of the party for having abortions, or supporting gay marriage, or enjoying MTV, or listening to rap, or...
balboa: Forgive me if this
June 15, 2009 - 17:04 ET by QueenMumbalboa: Forgive me if this has already been pointed out, but "conservative" is not a political party. And conservatism as a political concept is not the same as conservatism as a social concept. Further, you are correct in that there are "degrees" of conservatism.
And let's not be ridiculous. Despite what liberals often charge, conservatism is not a religion and there is no provision for booting people out. There's nothing wrong with challenging someone who says they represent conservative thought and yet support something as basically counter to conservative political thought as abortion or gay marriage. As far as your examples including MTV and rap? It's not as simple. Some of the fare in these genres is clearly corrosive to a civil culture. But it's up to the general public to decide whether they want to buy what's being sold. JMO
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
"conservative" is not a
June 15, 2009 - 17:14 ET by Another Dead Kennedy"conservative" is not a political party
Is liberalism? I think it's pretty fair to say that most, if not all of the conservative members of this site consider liberals and democrats to be one and the same, therefore deducing that liberalism is in fact a political party. While you won't see "conservative" on your next election ballot, it's pretty safe to say conservative and republican can be used interchangeably.
Who are you kidding? The
June 16, 2009 - 01:23 ET by MrSnugglesWho are you kidding? The Republican party has not been conservative in quite some time.
Well, perhaps "boot out" is
June 15, 2009 - 18:18 ET by balboaWell, perhaps "boot out" is strong, but you said that you couldn't consider someone who had an abortion to be a conservative. So...
If someone holds liberal
June 16, 2009 - 01:25 ET by MrSnugglesIf someone holds liberal views, then they are not conservative. Why is that so hard to understand?
Or is this more about how one "feels"? If you "feel" like a conservative, does that make you one?
Ie. the "pregnant man" feels like a man, therefore she is a man despite the fact that she has a vagina, ovaries, and a uterus.
PETA Fish Fry
June 16, 2009 - 11:52 ET by OuttaMyWaycase in point, i doubt the organizer of a PETA Fish Fry would be kicked out faster then they can say "Meat tastes good!"
Because no one wants to be
June 15, 2009 - 16:43 ET by Another Dead KennedyBecause no one wants to be called a hypocrite. But I find it hard to believe that anyone can believe in ALL conservative principles or ALL liberal principles. Everyone wavers on at least one or 2 issues.
Yeah, sorry QM, but that's
June 15, 2009 - 18:15 ET by JasonCYeah, sorry QM, but that's a bit narrow. I mean, the big conservative ethos is self-control and discipline (which I, a liberal, am also big on in my own life), but plenty of conservatives I know are really into the whole get wasted on cheap beer, breaking things, starting fights, etc, scene. Interestingly, they're also adamantly against gay marriage, love their conceal 'n carry licensed guns (which doesn't bode well once they start in on the J.B., and think Obama is just a commie doofus.
I know anecdotal evidence generally doesn't hold water, but my point is that, indeed, very few people who identify as fully left or right really meet all the culturally-prescribed requirements. Not even ideology is one-size-fits-all. And besides, a whole lot of people who oppose abortion on principle don't know the first thing about the constitutionality behind it.
Or the mother doesn't bother
June 15, 2009 - 16:35 ET by balboaOr the mother doesn't bother filing for child support because she knows the dad will never do it. Or the dad disappears altogether and no one knows where he is.
In both of the above scenarios, if the mother decides to have an abortion, why would she contact the father? He's already shown he doesn't care one way or the other about the child.
Your cause and effect are way too narrow.
balboa: I'll try to
June 15, 2009 - 16:42 ET by QueenMumbalboa: I'll try to clarify. I'm talking about the general societal acceptance of abortion as a means to end a pregnancy. This acceptance is based on the idea that the fetus is not a human being, but merely an inconvenient sort of bodily malformation. If the life of the babe in the womb has no more value than a piece of s**t, of what value is the baby after it's born?
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
I think people are accepting
June 15, 2009 - 16:46 ET by balboaI think people are accepting of the concept of abortion, but it's a much different story when faced with the actual situation themselves. These decisions to abort don't seem to be taken as lightly as you're saying, by anyone involved.
This acceptance is based on
June 15, 2009 - 16:48 ET by Another Dead KennedyThis acceptance is based on the idea that the fetus is not a human being, but merely an inconvenient sort of bodily malformation.
I don't think that's a fair statement to make. You act as if the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a simple one, that's it's a basic yes or no answer. As a man, I don't know what goes through a woman's mind when she considers or even follows through with an abortion. And while I am pro-choice, I have never once thought of the baby in the womb to have no more value than a piece of s**t.
So, How Much Value
June 15, 2009 - 17:34 ET by kilrod["And while I am pro-choice, I have never once thought of the baby in the womb to have no more value than a piece of s**t."]
So, how much value does a baby in the womb have??
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Once again, I apologize for
June 15, 2009 - 18:39 ET by Another Dead KennedyOnce again, I apologize for wording it this way. Please read my comments below to bigtimer for clarification.
KDW: Forgive me if my
June 15, 2009 - 17:35 ET by QueenMumKDW: Forgive me if my statements appeared to be too general. My
comments referred mainly to those who fall into the category of going
through life with no sense of responsibility. However, except in the case of a true medical problem, it is a basic yes or
no.
At this point in time, the pro-choice argument is that the developing fetus is not a human being and that a woman has the right to do with her body what she chooses. If then one is pro-choice, how does the decision to abort become a difficult one?
I still contend - and there is agreement regarding this contention among those who are experts in the field of human behavior - that the devaluing of the babe in the womb by the very creature that nature has established as its primary nurturer, devalues the mother and women in general as well.
(Since I sense that this is leading the topic off track, I welcome any further response from others, but rest my case.)
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
I concede. There isn't
June 15, 2009 - 17:53 ET by Another Dead KennedyI concede. There isn't anything I can say here that hasn't been argued before, and since this fight can get ugly, I have neither the time nor the interest in pissing anyone off right now. I'm not a woman, so I can't tell you the feeling one has when deciding to terminate a pregnancy. And since I've never been in the position to have to make a decision about terminating a pregnancy, I'm happy to walk away from this one.
...And while I am
June 15, 2009 - 18:03 ET by bigtimer...And while I am pro-choice I have never once thought of the baby in the womb to have no more value than a peice of sh**t.
How low and horrendous can you go KDW.
Despicable.
To think you had a mother who may or may not have loved you, let alone gave you life.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Perhaps you'd like to
June 15, 2009 - 18:38 ET by Another Dead KennedyPerhaps you'd like to re-read my post. I am not saying that I consider the baby in the womb to have no more value than a piece of s**t, but that though I am pro-life, I'm not one of those who does consider a baby in the womb to be just that.
Then again, I can see how I possibly composed that sentence poorly. So allow me to clarify: I hold the baby in the womb in a much higher regard than just a piece of s**t. In other words, I do see the fetus as a human, or a developing human at that, and most definitely NOT a piece of s**t. Sorry for the confusion.
Now, as you were trying to attack me for my misstatement, I would now request you take back what you said about my mother.
You worded it how you
June 15, 2009 - 18:45 ET by bigtimerYou worded it how you worded it, it was impossible for me to take it any other way, nevertheless if that is how you really feel, good.
As to your mother, what should I take back?
Dkos is calling.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Isn't that what the whole
June 15, 2009 - 18:59 ET by Another Dead KennedyIsn't that what the whole Letterman thing is about? Leave the family out of it? If you insist on me being the evil liberal because you refused to read the entire thread, fine. You wanna comment on my mother's feelings about me? You're no better than Letterman.
Pro Life/Pro Death
June 15, 2009 - 23:10 ET by kilrod[" I am not saying that I consider the baby in the womb to have no more value than a piece of s**t, but that though I am pro-life, I'm not one of those who does consider a baby in the womb to be just that."]
["And while I am pro-choice, I have never once thought of the baby in the womb to have no more value than a piece of s**t."]
KDW, your original statement you say you are pro-choice, in your explanation you say pro-life. Which is it?? And you have'nt answered the question; How much value does a baby have in the womb??
There is no such thing as pro-choice, if you are against abortion, you are for the life of the unborn/pro-life. If you are for abortion, you are for the death of the unborn/pro-death. The choice has already been made.!!
kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Oh relax. Apparently I did
June 16, 2009 - 11:23 ET by Another Dead KennedyOh relax. Apparently I did not proofread my post. I'm pro-choice, not pro-life. Sorry for the confusion. How much value does that baby have to me? I'll have to answer that at a later time once I have a baby on the way (and that's never gonna happen). Until then I can't have an honest response. I know you really want to get into a big abortion debate, but that's not what this thread is about.
KDW
June 16, 2009 - 13:53 ET by kilrodI already knew what your response would be, but Thanks for responding. I have no interest in a debate, i just wanted to say what i said, for the record.
(GRINS) kilrod
Remember, only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American Soldier
Yeah, I deserved that one.
June 16, 2009 - 14:15 ET by Another Dead KennedyYeah, I deserved that one. My response above was rather retarded. Normally I do a much better job proof-reading. Thanks for being easy on me. ; )
If the baby in the womb is a
June 16, 2009 - 01:32 ET by MrSnugglesIf the baby in the womb is a human, is killing it not murder?
Apparently not under US law.
June 16, 2009 - 11:27 ET by Another Dead KennedyApparently not under US law.
bt: Happens to the best of us and the rest of us
June 15, 2009 - 18:55 ET by QueenMumTo be fair bt, perhaps you missed one of my comments in which I was the first to use the term "piece of s**t. KDW was simply replying to what I had to say. It was part of a response to balboa.With all due respect, I think an apology is in order.
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
THANK YOU, QM!!! Seriously,
June 15, 2009 - 18:56 ET by Another Dead KennedyTHANK YOU, QM!!!
Seriously, some people just have to think the worst of others, especially when a liberal is spotted here. Thanks for backing me up here.
KDW... I didn't see that
June 15, 2009 - 19:03 ET by bigtimerKDW...
I didn't see that and I do apologize.
I meant that.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
Thanks. Truce?
June 15, 2009 - 19:07 ET by Another Dead KennedyThanks.
Truce?
Now lets don't go that
June 15, 2009 - 19:14 ET by bigtimerNow lets don't go that far.
In this situation of course...so far. ;-)
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
No, just a truce for
June 15, 2009 - 19:17 ET by Another Dead KennedyNo, just a truce for now.
You can hold off inviting me to join your buddy list until a later time. ;-)
Try the 12th of Never.
June 15, 2009 - 21:33 ET by bigtimerTry the 12th of Never. ;-)
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
balboa
June 15, 2009 - 17:22 ET by well99As far as the father not supporting the child.We agree on that.They can track him down useing SN and take part of his wages.Over the decades I have heard guys whine about paying child support.It got old.My reply was if you help bring this child in the world you support it.Always ticked me off that some dudes are to chicken s$$$ to take care of their own kids.
Liberal Solutions Always Worse than the Problem
June 15, 2009 - 15:50 ET by Retired GeekRaw data that is NOT examined correctly can be very mis-leading - the old adage that 'Figures fool and Fools Figure', comes to mind.
When Liberals started the 'War on Poverty' about forty years ago, one of the tenents of that 'Disastrous Policy' was to breakup the family.
Women with children, were supported by the Government - AS LONG AS NO FATHER WAS IN THE HOME.
Further, their support increased if they bore more children. Even 'Bill Clinton' saw a problem with this 'Formula for Destruction' of the family.
Girls and women soon learned that getting a 'Job', if they became pregnant and were NOT married, resulted in a significant reduction in income. They also learned that marriage resulted in a significant reduction in income and benefits.
The 'Collateral Damage' of this Liberal solution, resulted in the breakup of Families and caused generations to be trapped in an endless cycle of dependence on the Government.
Liberal Solutions are 'ALWAYS WORSE' than the problem!
Is it a mere coincidence
June 16, 2009 - 01:35 ET by MrSnugglesIs it a mere coincidence that the people hardest hit by this are black people?
Has anyone actually watched
June 15, 2009 - 15:59 ET by Another Dead KennedyHas anyone actually watched this show yet, or are we just bashing on a show we only think we know about? I'm not defending MTV by any means, but I think if we want to make informed, educated comments on this program, it should actually be viewed first.
Also:
In a 2004 survey, the Parents Television Council reported that MTV is the most watched program for those between the ages of 12 through 19.
Which program? Or did the PTC mean MTV is the most watched station?
I happened to watch it...
June 15, 2009 - 21:45 ET by Jen7It showed me, though I'm not an irrational teenager, that being pregnant at 16 isn't a sweet life. Marci was doing all the work around the house and with the baby and Ryan was sitting on his butt playing with his friends. They made it sound like they had a great relationship, but then showed that they didn't. So, in some instances, it made it seem great, but for the most part it was just a hot mess.
As you may presently yourself be fully made aware of, my grammar sucks.
Family Guy
Liberals Always Target the Weak and the Poor
June 15, 2009 - 15:59 ET by Retired GeekLiberals wanted to start a 'Cultural War' against the Individual, but they needed an 'Enemy' for their 'Culture War'.
The poor of course were targeted, for the Liberal 'War on Poverty' and the primary focus of the war were black Americans.
Prior to the 'War on Poverty', black families were very strong and depended on each other to survive in a world that was tilted against them.
Since the 'War on Poverty', poor black Americans learned that 'Families' became a detriment to 'Drawing Benefits'.
The 'Collateral Damage' caused by this Liberal war, was a complete disaster with more damage than anything I have seen in my lifetime. Illegitimate children sky rocketed to 70% and crime followed suit.
These poor women and children were herded into Public Housing, which soon became 'Government Subsidized Crime Centers' that even the Police in some areas were afraid to enter.
All children want to be like other children. Poor children had to shoulder the stigma of not having a father but were also living in these 'Horrific Crime Centers' built and subsidized by the Government.
These Liberal 'Crime Centers' produce illegal drug distributors, killers, prostitutes, child abusers, hundreds of thousands babies killed through abortions and tens of thousands of rapes.
The Liberal funded 'War on Poverty' has succeeded in increasing poverty, crime, drug addicts, 70% illegitimacy rates and the highest prison population in the world.
Please, you graduate <i>from</i> high school
June 15, 2009 - 16:05 ET by dubuquemanunless high school is graduated by you
I watched this show....
June 15, 2009 - 16:21 ET by true_texan....and it is definitely something I want my teenage daughters to watch!! Although we believe in and expect our girls to abstain from sex, this program shows the results of saying "yes" instead of no, and that result is being pregnant as a teenager and all that comes with it. While the friends are all getting ready for prom, dates, graduation, and college, these teen mothers are finding that being pregnant is not all it's cracked up to be, especially when the teen father turns out to be totally uninterested in participating or accepting responsibility. I pointed out to my girls that the young mother was going to school, taking care of her baby, doing the grocery shopping, trying to do homework/study, and working part-time while the irresponsible fiance wanted only to go out with his friends and party.
I think it's a real eye-opener for them to see what really goes with being pregnant and then being a mother at such a young age. Plus, "as a weird kind of bonus", the show is about teen mothers, not teens who got pregnant and had an abortion. As long as MTV does not use this to glamourize teen pregnancy (which the first episode did not) I will continue to allow my girls to watch this show.
So as someone who actually
June 15, 2009 - 16:39 ET by Another Dead KennedySo as someone who actually viewed the episode, are you saying that the show does not in fact glorify teen pregnancy? I haven't seen the show myself, so I don't have an opinion yet.
Well whaddya know...
June 15, 2009 - 16:42 ET by balboaWell whaddya know...
true: I applaud you for
June 15, 2009 - 16:46 ET by QueenMumtrue: I applaud you for taking the time to watch this show with your daughters. You make some good points. I guess one has to wonder what those young ladies who are not dialoguing with a parent about the show get from it.
"All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats." - Groucho Marx
Creeping Apathy
June 15, 2009 - 16:53 ET by AtTheWaterCoolerI know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But
you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and
naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become
rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful
nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here
I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens
the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To
him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne,
just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
I have linked to your post with a quotation from Jeremiah Films Creeping Apathy
Be Devoid of Morals and Values
June 15, 2009 - 16:48 ET by BondPlainBondFrom the show's webpage:
Forced? These girls are FORCED? C'mon. The anger-riddled copy is just too much to believe.
Were these sixteen-year-olds FORCED into pregnancy, too? I'm thinking not. They were simply living the way liberals choose to live - devoid of morals and values. Or self-esteem.
As Contessa Brewer said earlier today, toss those morals and values out the window because they get in the way of people's daily lives.
Because these sixteen-year-olds live their lives choosing to be devoid of morals and values, don't their resulting pregnancies get in the way of their daily lives? Maybe just a little bit?
Have you thought that
June 15, 2009 - 17:05 ET by Another Dead KennedyHave you thought that possibly MTV is using the word "forced" as in, "Once the girls decided to have unprotected sex, and then decided to keep the baby, they were forced by their own decisions to sacrifice their teenage years?"
"... forced by their own
June 15, 2009 - 18:26 ET by stratmanAre you saying people who make their own decisions are forced to go against their wills by the act of making their own decisions?
Unless there is a new definition of "forced", what you are referring to are consequences of self-determined decisions which have nothing to do with be "forced."
Without getting into a long conversation about free will and morality, something I'm sure KCMulville is better equipped to broach than I, I read or heard nothing in this article and video about the teen being forced by outside entities to have/keep her baby. Certainly you are not suggesting her infant child forces her to do anything either.
I believe he means that when
June 15, 2009 - 18:35 ET by balboaI believe he means that when these teens make a decision to have sex, they are then forced into certain situations by the unintended consequences of that decision.
Perspective
June 15, 2009 - 18:57 ET by stratmanThe decision to have the child and the consequences of that decision are forced?
No. It was a freely made decision to have and keep the child. Obligation and duty to the child is not "forced", even when that means something is given up in exchange. She is free, for instance, to give up the child to adoption.
Feeling that way, and being reinforced by shows like MTV or our President "punish them with a baby" Obama do not mean there is coercion or force, unless you mean societal ethics and religious morals learned by the teenager internally guide her conscious thoughts and decision making processes.
We need KCMulville to chime in on free will and morality about now.
The decision I'm referring
June 15, 2009 - 19:00 ET by balboaThe decision I'm referring to is the one to have sex, not the decision to have and keep the child.
Unless these teenagers were
June 15, 2009 - 19:33 ET by stratmanUnless these teenagers were raped, their decision about having sex was at worst influenced by intimidation such as peer pressure or a persistent, pressuring boyfriend. I did not read or hear that from the article and video.
The MTV quote by BondPlainBond clearly is concerned with what happened after sex. Same with KDW.
While sex is what triggered all the events thereafter, at every point along the way, remedies were available by law if the teenager chose to decide differently, including today.
Maybe I didn't have enough coffee today, but, your last post is incongruent to what has been stated grammatically by everyone else in this mini thread.
I thought...
June 16, 2009 - 08:07 ET by dmntd1I thought the whole liberal mantra regarding abortion was to keep these kids from being forced into being parents. You know, they shouldn't be punished with a baby!
WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare,
I believe Obama would call
June 16, 2009 - 01:38 ET by MrSnugglesI believe Obama would call it a "punishment".
Barack Obama and His Basic Belief System
June 15, 2009 - 17:09 ET by Retired Geek1) Barack Obama wants to accommodate the Citizens who refuse to provide for themselves, by stealing from those Citizens who do provide for themselves and 'Spread the Wealth'.
2) Barack Obama wants to redefine 'Perverted Behavior' as good, so that those bound by perversion can have 'Self Esteem'.
3) Barack Obama wants to declare that 'Good is Evil' and that 'Evil is Good', in order to destroy any moral codes, values and the idea of right and wrong.
4) Barack Obama wants to perpetuate Racism and Bigotry as necessary to achieve 'Equality' and therefore bring about 'Social Justice'.
5) Barack Obama is against 'Equal Rights' and 'Protections', provided by the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights for every Citizen in America, because he 'Feels' that certain races, genders and sexual preferences should have 'Special Rights and Protections' other citizens should not have.
6) Barack Obama believes that a 'Certain Class of Citizens' (babies), should have no 'Rights or Protections' in order that another 'Class of Citizens' can kill them.
7) Barack Obama has great 'Empathy' for criminals, rapists, murderers but NO 'Sympathy' for the victims of those criminals.
8) Barack Obama 'Feels' that America's enemies, who have 'Sworn' to kill and destroy all of America's Citizens should be treated with 'Honor and Respect', even if that means the 'Destruction of America'.
9) Barack Obama wants to view America's veterans as potential terrorist who must be constantly monitored. At no time does Barack Obama treat Veterans with 'Honor and Respect' except to pay lip service during a photo op. (thanks Russ)
10) Barack Obama is 'Ashamed' of America, because its Citizens have created the most powerful and free Country in the history of mankind.
11) Barack Obama believes that 'Socialism', which has caused over 100,000,000 deaths by murder and starvation, is the 'Best Approach' for 'Change' in America.
I think you need to change
June 15, 2009 - 17:15 ET by Another Dead KennedyI think you need to change your screen name to "Grumpy Old Man."
That is your Rebuttal, attack the messenger?
June 15, 2009 - 17:26 ET by Retired GeekIn an Adult human society, one expects a logical discussion based on facts and reason.
Many News Busters posters exhibit these traits, while peppered among these adults are 'Perpetual Children, those who have the body and intellect of an adult, but the emotions of a child.
These 'Perpetual Children' react to a column or adult posters, with remarks like a child would.
The core of their childish reactive responses are "I don't want to hear that because it doesn't conform to my view".
They either use personal attacks on the author of the column, or personal attacks toward any commenter that has made a pertinent comment.
This 'Attack the Messenger' approach, is not only childish but delusional.
Instead of the 'Attack the Messenger' approach, why not refute the information?
These 'Perpetual Children' do not use facts, logic and reason, but rather the petulance of a child, coupled with the narcissism of a child and a mixture of intuition, emotion and 'Verbal Foot Stomping'.
And then there are the
June 15, 2009 - 18:00 ET by Another Dead KennedyAnd then there are the know-it-alls, those who consider the only truths in this world to be the ones in their own mind.
Fact and opinion merge into one.
They author bloated responses to any topic, and speak from mountain tops.
These individuals aren't here to debate, but to state their beliefs as truths, almost as if Jesus himself whispered to the person in his or her sleep.
I get it. Do you?
Who am I to disagree with your assessment of yourself?
June 15, 2009 - 18:25 ET by Retired GeekKDW wrote: "...And then there are the know-it-alls, those who consider the only truths in this world to be the ones in their own mind..."
Who am I to disagree with your assessment of yourself?
Sneaky
June 15, 2009 - 19:19 ET by Another Dead KennedySneaky
KDW refute these points one at a time
June 15, 2009 - 18:27 ET by Retired Geek1) Barack Obama wants to accommodate the Citizens who refuse to provide
for themselves, by stealing from those Citizens who do provide for
themselves and 'Spread the Wealth'.
Please post your refutation?
A bigger picture
June 15, 2009 - 18:28 ET by vaboxrboyAs an educator who grew up watching MTV I can say that it's pretty disgusting these days. No music, all trashy shows. That being said, this series along with True Life take a realistic look at teen life. I taught pregnant teens and the kids would throw baby showers for the mothers to be. That didn't come from MTV, that's just where we are as a culture. This first episdode is just this this couple's story. If they follow the pattern they have in the past, future episodes will balance out.
True Life has done an excellent job of shedding light on issues such as gay teens, teens who choose not to have sex, religious teens and even teens who have to support their families. No commentary, just the kids sharing their stories.
Watch the shows and then make a judgement and don't just have a knee jerk reaction. MTV does tons of things wrong, but I think that realy live teenagers can watch this and see that getting pregnant isn't a game and maybe have second thoughts.
Now if they can just get rid of those awful dating shows and put the music back on we might have a second great MTV generation.
Cheers,
chuck
not as bad
June 15, 2009 - 19:02 ET by pittraisedI'm 19, so hey, watch mtv sometimes, and I watch the first show. Even though pregnancy is being almost glorified now, I don't think this show did that.
The author forgot to mention how Ryan went out a lot and left Maci to take care of the baby and how he avoided feeding and changing the baby's diaper so she had to do it while trying to study for school. She didn't mention the part where Maci quits dance team or when she goes to her colleges daycare to see how much it costs and it costs a lot of money.
I think shows like this are
June 15, 2009 - 19:05 ET by balboaI think shows like this are often mischaracterized on this site.