MTV's Teen Moms Are Still Babies
BY t. tara turk
I absolutely love most reality shows and the ones I tend to gravitate towards are ones that deal with actual real life circumstances mixed with a little fantasy like "Top Chef", "Hoarders", "Real Housewives of Atlanta/Orange County/New York" (you could not pay me to watch Jersey, Beverly Hills or DC as I think that's where the trains jumped the track into Crazy Town). But originally I started out watching "Real World" (the FIRST one) and most of MTV's other documentaries. While some were trying to capitalize on crazy, MTV seemed like they actually started out trying to tell stories and promote a type of documentary television that would educate us, especially the "MTV True Life" series where they'd follow teens dealing with weight issues, addictions, serious relationship troubles, physical and mental obstacles or even crazy parental conditions.
Its "Teen Mom" series though is an all-together different series. Out of their "16 and Pregnant" series, they selected a few teens who's situations required further development. There's Farrah whose boyfriend died before she had their baby and whose mom was arrested for attacking her. There's Amber who has some serious rage issues with her off and on fiancé (so serious that she recently had her daughter taken from her by Child Protective Services and placed with the child's father). There's Maci who is striving to finish college and maintain a civil relationship with her ex (or they may be back on as the supermarket tabloids keep confusing me). And there's Catelynn who, along with her boyfriend, gave their baby up for adoption (for the sake of the child - what a thought) and are working on trying to grow up themselves.
This show has propelled these girls into a troubling spotlight. While critics raved that the show showed a realistic journey towards early pregnancy, the Moms themselves are now doing red carpets (pictured rt: Bristol Palin (Center), Maci Bookout (L) and (R) Farrah Abraham), giving tabloids interviews and still trying maintain (or pretend) a sense of normalcy. In essence, they've followed the footsteps of Kate Gosselin and become 'Professional Baby Mamas'. No education required for that. Just a hustler streak to get your money.
No good can come of this new trade. All current 'Professional Baby Mamas' are not doing so well - Jon and Kate are fighting and divorcing in front of their brood of eight. Brian Mashce from "Raising Sextuplets" was arrested and tasered for an argument with his wife. Nadya Suleman, better known as Octomom, is about to lose her house, which will make her lose her kids if she's not careful.
Is there a time when we look at the influx of these shows and ask what the point is? Are we ever going to be able to identify the moment where the show's goal remains to be about healing and getting better rather than putting the problem in the spotlight and watching it dance for a long time?
T. Tara Turk's fiction has appeared in African Voices, Exit the Apple and the international anthology X24. Her plays have appeared at New Federal Theater, Ensemble Studio Theater and the Actor’s Studio. Her screenplays have been featured in such festivals as Reel Sisters, BHERC and on BETJ. Contact her at scruffdiva[at]gmail.com.
Its "Teen Mom" series though is an all-together different series. Out of their "16 and Pregnant" series, they selected a few teens who's situations required further development. There's Farrah whose boyfriend died before she had their baby and whose mom was arrested for attacking her. There's Amber who has some serious rage issues with her off and on fiancé (so serious that she recently had her daughter taken from her by Child Protective Services and placed with the child's father). There's Maci who is striving to finish college and maintain a civil relationship with her ex (or they may be back on as the supermarket tabloids keep confusing me). And there's Catelynn who, along with her boyfriend, gave their baby up for adoption (for the sake of the child - what a thought) and are working on trying to grow up themselves.
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| Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images North America |
No good can come of this new trade. All current 'Professional Baby Mamas' are not doing so well - Jon and Kate are fighting and divorcing in front of their brood of eight. Brian Mashce from "Raising Sextuplets" was arrested and tasered for an argument with his wife. Nadya Suleman, better known as Octomom, is about to lose her house, which will make her lose her kids if she's not careful.
Is there a time when we look at the influx of these shows and ask what the point is? Are we ever going to be able to identify the moment where the show's goal remains to be about healing and getting better rather than putting the problem in the spotlight and watching it dance for a long time?
T. Tara Turk's fiction has appeared in African Voices, Exit the Apple and the international anthology X24. Her plays have appeared at New Federal Theater, Ensemble Studio Theater and the Actor’s Studio. Her screenplays have been featured in such festivals as Reel Sisters, BHERC and on BETJ. Contact her at scruffdiva[at]gmail.com.
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