Teen and Pregnant- an Epidemic?

 So let's talk once again about everyone's favorite subject.....No, not Twilight....everyone's OTHER favorite subject: SEX! More specifically, what happens when birth control goes wrong?! That goes to say, birth control IS being used...right? Because if it isn't, read on! 

   

     

I've been watching MTV, in the middle of homework breaks (you know how that goes!), and have been very intrigued with the shows like "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom." These shows, if you haven't been keeping up to date with what MTV deems as "cool" to put shows on the air, follow the lives of girls who are teen moms or are about to become moms. 

The shows cover how the girls deal with the news, their personal lives, education, family, friends, and the stresses of having to deal with the consequences of their actions. 

I was thinking to myself while watching:

• What do people think of these shows? 
• Are they advocating safe sex? Or perhaps glamorizing young pregnancy? 

A psychologist, Dr. Drew, appears on these shows to counsel these girls and at the same time promote safe sex. 

• Do you think the message is getting the point across by showing real life examples of the consequences of not using any form or birth control? 
• Do you think by putting so much emphasis on the lives of these girls that it really deters people from making bad choices?  

Sarah Palin's daugher was a prime example of teen pregnancy and now she is in the media promoting abstinence. She was interviewed (Watch it Here) and spoke about how she wants other to learn from her mistakes. The article says, "Palin Promoting Abstinence in New Campaign, 'Regardless of What I Did Personally.'"

My question for all these girls sharing the stories of their lives is do you think it will be really heard? People are saying how can someone like Bristol Palin who is a teen mom really promote abstinence when she, herself, did not follow her own advice? What do you all think? 

Since she has experienced the consequences do you think it now makes her a good role model and a warning all at the same time? 

I hope either the shows, or role models will have an effect on the teen pregnancy rates because they have gone up in both of the last two years. 

I guess TV is actually reflecting real lives for once, for the worse maybe? or for a chance to learn? You decide...

Teen Link

Finals Study Break

You've been staring at flashcards for hours, your desk is littered with empty redbull cans and every time you hear the word "precalc" you twitch. It's time to take a break.

Courtesy of TeenLink, here is your weekly dose of anything but school:

Eminem stormed off stage after Sacha Baron Cohen (Borat) plumetted down onto him, landing with his pretty much naked backside in Eminem's face. What do you think: Was it coincidence that the camera's were perfectly positioned to capture the moment, or was it staged?

Plus, the LA Times reports the stunt only brings attention back to old rumors of Eminem being homophobic. What do you think? Was Eminem just not thinking when he agreed to do the stunt at the awards, or is he really disgusted by Borat-butt? For more info check out this article:

http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/06/eminems-walkout-at-mtv-movie-awards-staged.html

GM just filed for bankruptcy. Consumers have been saying GM's cars just aren't that great compared to Japanese ones like Toyota and Honda. Could greedy executives be to blame too? Do you think luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade just can't keep up with the Prius and Accord?

If you want details, take a look at what the Seattle Times has to say:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009284661_gm01.html?syndication=rss

And some random entertainment:

Need more brain candy?

http://www.tmz.com/

http://www.cracked.com/

Or, you can just move your cursor over the background of http://www.866teenlink.org/ for a while :)

Love,

Teen Link