why does TV try to glamorize teen pregnancy?! (Rant warning)

[Kimiw]

Hi ladies,

Sorry this is going to be a rant thread! I was watching 16 and pregnant (I couldn't help it, I feel better making fun of stupid people when I am in one of my moods). I just cannot believe these young girls! I cannot help but get so angry because all I can think is, why does it seem like all the women and young teens out there who don't want a baby are the ones that have them at the drop of a hat? These girls don't know anything and here they are getting ready to bring a baby into the world. I am not saying that all teen mothers are dumb, I just don't understand why TV is puting them on the air for all the other teens to see. That sends the wrong message in my opinion! Why don't they have a show about the women who have spent years trying to get pregnant? These are the women who should be in the spot light because after all the years of trying, don't they deserve to be noticed for once?!

sorry, I had a moment lol. Does anybody else feel this way ever?

 

[xlouloux]

I always avoid these types of shows, I started ttc when I was 19 and thought I would be a teen mom, 2 and a half years later I just feel so bitter about it. I have only seen a few tv shows about infertility and have endlessly had to educate myself about it. It isn't fair that these shows are played back to back all day sometimes, what on earth are young girls gaining from that crap?! Most of them make it seem as though they are bringing toy dolls into this world!

I have nothing against teen pregnancy, I have stalked a few threads in the teen pregnancy section and everyone there seems really nice and well educated!

I've never had the desire to be on tv, but if someone asked me to discuss infertility on a show then I would do it without a doubt!

 

[Kimiw]

I just hate seing the girls bring home their babies and their mothers are the ones taking care of them because they want to be teenagers and go hang out with their friends. They (and not all of them) treat motherhood like an inconvienence. I would talk about infertility, especially because I think more people need to be aware of it because I think it would make more people realize how common it is.

 

[Armywife84]

The message is supposed to be watch these girls with their troubles, learn from their mistakes. However what teens are assessing is have sex at a young age, get pregnant, and get paid a large sum by MTV.

No one but us would watch a show about infertiles. The only drama we have is BFNs, avoiding pregnant women, seeing BFP announcements on FB, lots of crying, and drinking after a failed cycle.

 

[tamithomas]

Thing is.. 16 and pregnant is not a show to glamorize teen pregnancy, that's where everyone is making the big mistake. It was made to show the hardship of teen pregnancy and to encourage teens to not get pregnant and stay in school. The only reason people think it glamorizes teen pregnancy is the fact that they are on tv and the parents of the teens watching these shows need to educate their kids as well. The message of that show is clear, it's the people watching it that are not reading the right message being sent. But I do understand though I get pissed off royall with these teen moms being 150% fertile while us who want to expect have to jumpt through hoops of fire.

 

[xlouloux]

TTC is a hell of a lot more drama than just getting BFNs etc etc, it can destroy relationships, as does pregnancy and raising a child. People watch shows like teen mom and shit to see relationships going down the pan, so why wouldn't they watch the same thing happen to some of us ladies?

I get the idea of these shows, and get that they are supposed to teach young girls a lesson, but they don't.

When I was 19 I wanted to be a teen mom and didn't watch any of that rubbish, I sat and watched the very few out there about infertility thinking god I hope that isn't going to be me, it's awful. Well it is me, and I'm glad I watched those shows when I did.

 

[rdy4number2]

TTC is a hell of a lot more drama than just getting BFNs etc etc, it can destroy relationships, as does pregnancy and raising a child. People watch shows like teen mom and shit to see relationships going down the pan, so why wouldn't they watch the same thing happen to some of us ladies?

I get the idea of these shows, and get that they are supposed to teach young girls a lesson, but they don't.

When I was 19 I wanted to be a teen mom and didn't watch any of that rubbish, I sat and watched the very few out there about infertility thinking god I hope that isn't going to be me, it's awful. Well it is me, and I'm glad I watched those shows when I did.

I would definitely watch a show about infertility. It would make me feel less alone, but the more I talk to people the more I realize other girls have struggled too. Yes, there are girls who get pregnant extremely easy, but I have realized there are others like me who have not. I have been at both ends of the spectrum I conceived my beautiful daughter when I was 18. Now, I'm 28 and can't have a child to save my life. So, go figure lol.

 

[Armywife84]

We don't have the "father of the baby" drama, or worrying about another woman trying to impose in our child's life. They have so much new, and immature drama happening that ours isn't comparable. A reality show about IF would be quite depressing.

 

[xlouloux]

We don't have the "father of the baby" drama, or worrying about another woman trying to impose in our child's life. They have so much new, and immature drama happening that ours isn't comparable. A reality show about IF would be quite depressing.

I agree, it would probably be depressing so maybe a whole tv show wouldn't be the way to go about it. Soaps however are really depressing, so I reckon an IF story line would fit nicely.

 

[Armywife84]

We don't have the "father of the baby" drama, or worrying about another woman trying to impose in our child's life. They have so much new, and immature drama happening that ours isn't comparable. A reality show about IF would be quite depressing.

I agree, it would probably be depressing so maybe a whole tv show wouldn't be the way to go about it. Soaps however are really depressing, so I reckon an IF story line would fit nicely.

Indeed! They need to change it up from the usual murder, pregnancy, and infidelity. Add some infertility and raw emotion to the mix!

 

[Kimiw]

yeah, I was kind of in a bad mood the other day, that is why I was ranting. I know that 16 and pregnant is to teach teens not to get pregnant, I just can't help but to get so jealous over women who are so damn fertile. I was hving one of those days where I was feeling like shit. I am sorry if I offended anybody, I just needed to rant. I guess since this was my first cycle of Clomid after trying for 6 years I felt very confident and was starting to realize that cycle could very well end up the same way. I am 10 dpo and still getting negative tests so I am starting to feel like I was right, and this cycle may very well turn out to be a bust. None of us like to see a BFN, and I was prepared, i think I just put too much faith in Clomid. I know it is not over yet, but I am soooo used to seing BFN's that I am not going to hold my breath.

Thank you ladies for replying and putting your input. I know maybe a show about infertilty would be depressing, but I think there needs to be more awareness. Maybe not a reality show but a special on tlc or something lol IDK.

 

[aly0890]

Hey hun, I'm only 18 myself but we have been TTC for 2 years now!
I also get annoyed at 16 and pregnant and teen mom because its just not fair!
We have steady incomes, our own place and savings for our baby but its just not happening!
I really hope you get your BFP soon! Sending mountains of baby dust to you hun!