Most of us have at least heard of shows like Teen Mom,
depicting the ‘realities’ that young moms face as they raise their new babies
and try to succeed in life. Regardless of their factuality on all aspects of
teen motherhood, one thing that resonates with young mothers away from the
camera is the idea of being ashamed.
While in many cases getting pregnant before graduating high
school isn't ideal, I absolutely do not think that those who find themselves in
the situation should be shamed by anyone. A new campaign launched by the Human
Resources Administration of New York City does not seem to agree.
The administration under Mayor Michael Bloomberg has
recently launched a poster campaign to “send a strong message that teen
pregnancy has consequences – and those consequences are extremely negative,
life-altering and most often disproportionately borne by young women.”
The posters are very blatantly shaming young moms and I
think it’s uncalled for, as does the NYC Planned Parenthood. The organization
has voiced its opinion and stated that not only do the messages promote shame they
also “ignored the racial, economic and social factors that contribute to
teenage pregnancy…”
As the daughter of a teen mom I understand the importance of
support and sensitivity when handling the situation. If a woman will be
following through with a pregnancy (whether by choice or lack of choice) I
think that instead of being told that her child will inevitably fail to thrive
in life, she should be supported; if not by her own family than at the very
least the community in which she lives.
These messages have a further reach than the women who have
teen births. They are being seen by peers, family, and other community members.
By promoting the shaming of these young women they are subsequently saying that
it’s okay for everyone to do the same or worse.
Making it through high school can be challenging enough.
When faced with this situation one does not need any additional pressure or
stress. Words are powerful and I think that public institutions should be using
them more wisely.
To read the article published by the New York Times you can
find its here.
I defiantly agree with you on the fact that shaming teen mothers is the wrong approach to teaching teens about sex and being prepared. I think this is an example of not having the right voices on these committees and how it really harms women and in this case teen mothers. It would be interesting to find out if any of the members making these decisions had the perspective about being a teen mother. The idea that there is no voice or perspective from teen moms on the board is the same idea that in media most members on boards in major media outlets are men, which creates media from men’s perspective encouraging the androcentric society we live in. Shaming the teen mothers that and the life they live is another way that society puts the blame on women just like how society blames the women for having to go through sexual harassment and assault. The problem with the shaming campaign of teen mothers is a great example of how the voices of women or the oppressed are not accurately being represented.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is wrong to basically 'blame' young mothers for getting pregnant and wanting to keep the children. But the thing is, these young soon-to-be-mothers need to see that getting pregnant at a young age does have its consequences. For me, I do not want to get pregnant and start having children until I have a steady job and a big enough apartment for my growing family.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I thought its really silly for television to have shows like Teen Mom or 16 and Pregnant. But now that I think about it, it does open the eyes of young teenagers to what happens if they do become pregnant. Girls do need to see that pregnancy does have its consequences. Besides listening to their parents, they need to see that it's not the greatest idea to do while still in high school.
I agree what McKenzie said about "the problem with shaming campaign of teen mothers is a great example of how the voices of women or the oppressed are not accurately being represented." It is wrong to shame girls. There needs to be another way to get the word out, besides the whole shaming game.
This is so true. The struggle of teen mothers are more then the reality TV shows and the fame they receive. It is the general public of shame. The outlook of teen motherhood is seen as irresponsible and reckless. When in the end they are the ones who will raise a life, which is the greatest struggle of it all. Instead, I applaud them. Most of my female classmates from middle school are either currently pregnant or playing with their growing little ones. Year after year I find my friends with a family of their own. But also year after year I hear awful remarks that are made about them. Honestly If I was in their position I would have never got where they are today as strong mothers. Many of my friends have balanced their lives as a mother, student, and provider where I am just a student providing myself. You are right their lives are already hard enough, why make it more difficult?
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