“Teen Mom” is the best reality show on television. I’ve only recently become a fan of this MTV reality series, but better late than never.

Although, I’m not sure the four young women who were originally characters on MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” would necessarily agree with that notion.

Aside from reruns and episodes on Netflix, viewers will say a final goodbye to the moms when the farewell special airs Tuesday at 10 p.m., but not all viewers see the reality series unanimously as rainbows and butterflies.

A June 2009 article in Newsbusters claimed that MTV is “guilty of originally helping to foster the situation and now for exacerbating it by normalizing and even glorifying teen pregnancy.”

In the season-three finale special, teen mom Amber Portwood addresses this misinformed opinion when she says, “If you’re watching my story and you think that’s glamorous, I don’t know what is wrong with you.”

She couldn’t be more right. The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy states that 82 percent of teenagers credit “16 and Pregnant” in helping them understand the challenges of unexpected parenthood at such a young age.

This conclusion was made after a government study revealed U.S. teen birthrates dramatically decreased in 2009 after a 5-percent increase from 2005 to 2007.

In addition to the “Teen Mom” series and its predecessor, “16 and Pregnant,” MTV aired a groundbreaking interview special called “No Easy Decision” that featured three young women who decided to have abortions after falling victim to teen pregnancy.

Instead of instigating drama between cast members and baby daddies, MTV has Dr. Drew — a practicing physician, certified addiction specialist and relationship expert —host each “Teen Mom” reunion special.

Drew may appear on other reality shows and forms of media, but he helps debrief each season in a healthy way and makes the moms and viewers look at tough situations in a productive light. He challenges the teen moms, dads and parents on the show to acknowledge their faults and try to do better. There’s no sugarcoating involved.

Don’t get me wrong; reality TV isn’t necessarily the best thing since sliced bread. “Teen Mom” fails to include a wide range of race, sexuality and class when it comes to the teens represented on the show.

Generally, it’s a cast of young women who identify as heterosexual, middle-class and white. There aren’t any narratives driven by women of color, which is highly problematic considering young people of color in the U.S. are disproportionately affected by teen pregnancy.

With all that said, the simple fact is people watch the show anyway — they tune in and bear witness to these “realities” — and we should trust viewers to critically consume media and not just watch television like a bunch of robots.

If we’re going to be subjected to this kind of pop culture, it’s important to recognize the more beneficial components to otherwise under-par television. “Teen Mom” may not be completely perfect, but it reaches viewers.

The cast members are relatable sources for teens who are sitting on their couches at home, watching their peers go through the trials and tribulations that come with practicing unsafe sex.

“Teen Mom” is the best reality show on television because it can — and does — play a role in opening up important dialogues about sex education. That’s something worth watching.

Krystie Yandoli is a senior women and gender studies and English and textual studies major. She can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter at @KrystieLYandoli.

 

Published on October 1, 2012 at 2:59 am