16 And Pregnant | Analysis

16 And Pregnant | Analysis Imagine youre a parent of a 16 year old daughter and one day she comes to you and tells you she is pregnant. How would you react? How would you handle this situation? If you were able to go back in time before this all happened, how would you try to prevent it? Would you ever consider making your daughter watch the hit show on MTV called 16 and Pregnant? Now what if you are the teen who is pregnant, or you are the one responsible for getting your girlfriend pregnant? How do you tell your parents and family? If you were exposed to the reality of having a baby would you have maybe rethought your actions? New research shows that the hit TV show 16 and Pregnant just might be the key to aiding in the prevention teen pregnancy. MTV is known as an entertaining TV station and its shows have been entertaining viewers since 1981. MTVs hit show, 16 and Pregnant first aired in June of 2009 as a new twist to entertainment television. Geared towards teens, the shows popularity caused MTV to release a spin-off called Teen Mom. Teen Mom showcases four teen mothers, off of 16 and Pregnant, who continue their lives with the challenges of being teenage mother. 16 and Pregnant was an instant hit with teen viewers and has been a popular show since it aired last year. It is because of the label entertainers that MTVs new hit TV show 16 and Pregnant has come under public scrutiny. Critics and parents feel that 16 and Pregnant is glamorizing teen pregnancy This show should be defended against public scrutiny because it is proven to help influence teenagers in a positive way. 16 and Pregnant not only shows the hardships of teen pregnancy but also challenges teens to think about the risks of engaging in sexual activities. Hopefully, in the long run the number of teen and unplanned pregnancies will decrease as a result from of teen pregnancy related shows. The show became popular because it was directed to teens from teens.(need to clarify) Mike Rosst, a journalist for The National Campaign, states that the show shares the personal stories of teenage girls who are dealing with pregnancy and parents (Real Life Lessonsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦).   MTVs 16 and Pregnant is the first show of its kind on television. It hasnt been any longer than in the past five years that teen pregnancy hasà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..not true been exposed as acceptable on TV. Not only has teen and unplanned pregnancy become more acceptable in society, it is now a pop-culture staple. Cathy Gulli proves this point by saying movies like Knocked Up and Waitress, and celebrity moms like Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba, are part of a trend thats sweeping teen cultureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (Suddenly Teenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Womens Studies Professor at York University, Andrea OReilly, also agrees saying that as an idea, teen pregnancy is more socially accepted (Suddenly Teenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Gulli writes that even Greys Anatomy had a teen pregnancy storyline last year, and just last week so did Gossip Girl (Suddenly Teenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). For once a show is putting into perspective what being a teen mom is like by showing them [viewers] the true goings on of raising a child th rough the first few months, it also helps bring to light the unpleasant parts of pregnancy and childbirth ( Maji 16 and Pregnant). Since this show is about teens and trying to help its viewers, who are mostly teens, teens are able to relate. Ambriel Maji feels that the show portrayed the teen girls in many different lights (16 and Pregnant). Its because the show portrays girls from different parts of the country, different family settingsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦some supportive and some not so much, and different beliefs which every teen can find something to connect with develop ideas further!!! Parents and other critics of the show have come to blame 16 and Pregnant for glamorizing teen pregnancy. They feel that it is wrong that these young teen mothers have become popular for being pregnant. Jo Piazza, writer of I Took a Nap and the Teen Moms Became Celebrities? wonders how she missed out on the moment that teenage moms turned into famous people (16 and Pregnant Sobering for Many Teens). If it werent for 16 and Pregnant these girls would just be ordinary teenage mothers. However, because of the show they are now in the lime light of pop culture. Since the teen mothers have become stars, critics feel that MTV is telling teenagers get pregnant and you too could have your own TV show (The Controversy). It is because of these factors that MTV is seen as glamorizing teen pregnancy. Since the producers of the show cram the stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and the first few months of parenting into one hour, how can the show, 16 and Pregnant, even be beneficial? 16 and Pregnant starts out with the soon-to-be teen mothers nearly ready to deliver the show, then displays twenty-some hours of labor in a few seconds of pencil animation (Lowry). The teen mother never talks about whether or not she considered abortion or how her parents reacted when they found out, the show just goes straight to the action (Lowry). How can teen viewers get the full idea of being a parent when MTV doesnt show the whole truth? Lastly, MTV is criticized for creating an acceptance of teen pregnancy. By creating a show about pregnant teens, the shows creators may be sending the message to teens that it isnt a big deal if they become pregnant. It is proven that teens are often influenced by TV. Actually, according to a study conducted by The National Campaign most teens (79% of girls and 67% of boys) say that when a TV show or character they like deals with teen pregnancy, it makes them think more about their own risk of getting pregnant or causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it (Teen Pregnancy). Parents feel that the popularity of 16 and Pregnant will allow teens to think that teen pregnancy is acceptable. The National Campaign states that research has found that the sexual content in media can influence teens attitudes about sex and contraception and may also influence their sexual behavior (The National Campaign). It is because of this statistic that MTV is teaming up with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy to create viewing guides on 16 and Pregnant. The 16 and Pregnant viewing guides will hopefully allow parents and educators to start discussions with teens encouraging them to make the right decisions when dealing with their sexual health. These criticisms are all reasonable and valid to some extent. I do believe that the teen mothers on 16 and Pregnant are becoming famous due to their controversial pregnancies. If it werent for the show they would just be a group of 16-year-old girls who got pregnant. Along with becoming famous over being pregnant, 16 and Pregnant does not display to viewers everything that goes on when being pregnant. MTV crams the pregnancy, delivery, and aftermath all into an hour. How can a teen get the real idea when so much is left out? However, the majority of research done on this show proves that despite these criticisms, MTVs 16 and Pregnant is beneficial to its teenage audienceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.interpret the quotes First of all each episode takes an intimate look inside the challenges of being a pregnant teenager. Each episode starts out with a new teen mother starting from the second trimester and follows through the first few months of the babys life. Mike Rosst, writer for Pregnancy Pause, says that the show shares the personal stories of teenage girls who are dealing with pregnancy and parents (Real Life Lessons). Its because of how personal and intimate 16 and Pregnant is that MTV press writer Melissa Barreto, states in her article with statistics showing that three in ten girls in the U.S. will get pregnant before the age of 20, each episode will take and intimate look inside the challenges of being a pregnant teenager(MTV Press release). With statistics showing that 16 and Pregnant is beneficial to its teen viewers, the show could possibly be used as a new way of sex education. Barreto states that 79% of females and 67% of males, report that shows dealing with teen pregnancy make them think about their own risks of getting pregnant or causing pregnancy (MTV Press Release). With that high of a percentage of teenagers being influenced by the show why not try to use it as a way to influence teens to make the right decisions about sex? Barreto also says that in partnership with MTV, The National Campaign will continue to create viewing guides for each episode so educators, key organizations and individuals can use discussion around sexual health and pregnancy with teens(MTV Press Release). Cherly Wetzstein, writer for The Washington Times states that these stories are so heart-rending that one could make the argument that these are the best teen-pregnancy prevention public service announcements ever made' (qtd. Bill Albe rt) 16 and Pregnant can be used to decrease risky sexual behavior and promote healthier decisions among teens. Bill Albert, who is the chief program officer for The National Campaign, states in his article that 16 and Pregnant makes them [teens] think more about their own risk of getting pregnant or causing a pregnancy and how to avoid it (Is Media Glamorizingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). The National Campaign director of research, Katherine Suellentrop, writes in her article that research has found that sexual content in media can influence teens attitudes about sex and contraception and may also influence their sexual behavior which leads to her point that media might also have positive effects by, for example decreasing risky sexual behavior and promoting healthier decisions among teens (Evaluating the Impactà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). The major issue with this show is that it is criticized for glamorizing teen pregnancy but, Wetzstien states that 16 and Pregnant is gritty, not glamorous; sobering, not salacious (MTVs 16 and Pregnantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦). Rosst agrees with this statement by saying in his article that the show [16 and Pregnant] shows the hardships these girls go through every day and every step of the way through their entire pregnancy (Pregnancy Pause). Sonja Sharp, journalist for the MotherJones site, states that 16 and Pregnant shows the true cost of teen pregnancy, the aftermath in an up close and personal way (16 and Pregnantà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦)

My Theory of Human Nature Essay

It is human nature to treat other people, animals, and yourself in different ways depending on how you feel, experiences you have had, and your upbringing in life. From the way that people act you can group people into different categories. These categories are based off people’s culture, economic situation, and values and faith. Throughout my life and especially this semester of college I have witnessed people treat other people, animals, and themselves considerately, inconsiderately, fair, unfair mean, kind, destructive, and prudent. I am not sure what made these people treat these things in that way, but each person has their own reason on why they did it. In this essay I am going to talk about examples of how people treated animals, people, and themselves in different ways, different ways you can group people, and if people are born the way they are, or molded into the person they are through their upbringing. A very common thing in today’s society is inconsiderate people and a more rare thing are people that are considerate. It used to be common manners to do simple things that made you be considerate, but as time has passed many people have become more inconsiderate. During this semester I have witnessed many people act inconsiderately and considerately towards others and themselves. I see examples of inconsiderate people and considerate people everyday, whether I am walking to class, trying to sleep, or just sitting in my room. On example of this is the most common and easiest way to be inconsiderate. I see this when I am walking to class and someone goes into a door ahead of me and they do not hold the door open for me and instead just let it slam in my face. Another example is when I was in Chicago my friend Josh Rainer was sitting in a seat on the train and an elderly lady got on the bus and instead of asking her if she wanted his seat he stayed seated and the elderly lady had to stand up. Along with the inconsiderate people in society there are considerate people. Simple tasks like my friend introducing their friends to me is an example of a considerate thing that I have witnessed this semester. Finally this week Dr. Monaco asked my class is we would rather have a take home final or an in class final. A little considerate task like this changed the whole week for many of us students and took stress off of us. So even if you are having a bad day going out of your way to do something considerate for someone else could change your day and that person’s day for the best. Unfair people and fair people have been around forever and always will be. People are unfair for many different reason, whether it is because they feel like they need to have an advantage, or they dislike the person they are being unfair to, or many other reasons, but we see these types of people in our everyday lives. Along with this people are fair because they feel like it is the right thing to do, they like the person, or for other reasons, but we also see these people in our everyday lives. During this year of football I saw coached treat players unfair everyday. Eddie Pope is a player on my football team and just because he was out of shape the coached would not let me participate in team sessions. He was only allowed to participate in individual sessions because they did not want him taking up time. Another example of people being unfair is seen in the work place. At my moms work my mom, Debbie Graves, and one of her co-workers, David Brookfield, have the exact same job and credentials, but he gets paid more than she does and more opportunities than she does. This is seen all the time in the work place whether is because of sex or race. While we see many unfair things everyday we also see things that are fair. Everyday in my dorm room I witness people being fair. I see it when people take turns playing the Xbox and sharing food and drinks with each other. Finally many people believe that life is not fair and they are always getting cheated, when in reality life is fair it is all about the effort you put into it. People know that they should be kind and that being mean can hurt people, but they still decide to act that way. In our lives we have been mean and kind and have also witnessed other people being mean and kind. During this semester this has been the easiest thing to notice. In the locker room during football I witnessed people being mean to each other everyday. Whether it was name-calling, fighting, or just taking things from each other. An example of this is Quentin taking different freshmen’s game pants until he finds the pair that he thinks fits the best. Many players on the teams call my roommate, Dominic, names about because he is over weight. People do kind things everyday whether they want to make somebody’s day better or are just kind person. My parents send me cards in the mail for no reason, but to tell me they love me and hope I am having a good semester. Kate complements different people everyday just to put a smile on their face and make their day better. Finally these are examples of people that I have witnessed being kind and mean throughout the semester. When people are self-destructive and prudent they usually harm themselves and can sometimes harm others. These are things that I have not witnessed as much as the others things that I have talked about. My roommate Zach is self-destructive by his money spending habits and studying habits. He is self-destructive in these ways because in the long run these will hurt him because he will become poor and could fail classes if he does not change them. Examples of people being prudent that I have witnessed is my roommate Scott. He plans ahead and when shopping looks for discounts to save money. These things are acts of being prudent because he is looking out for the well being of him and these things will help him out in the long run. Finally people think that being self-destructive and prudent have to be things that will hurt you right then and there, but really they are things down the road that will help or hurt you. Philosophers question is every human is alike or not. I believe that every human is not alike, but quite different. Humans act in different ways because of things that they have experienced, the way that they were brought up, how they feel, what they know, and may other reasons. Not all humans have experienced the same thing, were brought up the same way, feel the same way about things, have the same knowledge, or are the same in other ways. How can humans be all be alike of this is the case? Finally humans may have the same features or look the same, but their nature is not all alike. Human nature is different from person to person, but it is similar enough between certain people that you are able to group humans in to different groups by how they act. I came up with three different groups that I can group people into. These groups are by culture, economic status, and values and faith. I chose these groups because these groups are distinct things that make their human nature different. I chose culture because where you grow up and how you grow up shape you into what you will be and how you will act. People that all grew up under the same culture will have similar human characteristics in nature. Economic situation is the same way. People that grew up in a wealthy family are going to act the same and have the same tendencies, while people that grew up poor are going to have different tendencies because of how they grew up. An example of this is that wealthy people will take more things for granted and be more inconsiderate about what they get, while poor people are going to be more considerate about what they get. I also picked values and faith as groups for humans because when you grow up your parents teach you their values and faith. If a kid grows up learning about God and learns to always be kind, fair considerate, and prudent they are going to act differently than someone that grew up in a family that did not teach about God and taught their kid that it did not matter if you were inconsiderate or considerate, unfair or fair, mean or kind, and self-destructive or prudent. Some people believe that humans act the way they do because of their upbringing while other believe that humans act the way they do because of genetics, but I believe that humans act the way they do because of only their upbringing. Every human is born with different traits from their parents, but these traits are not what will make them who they are when they are adults. The things that their parents teach them, where they grow up, and how they grow up is going to be the final molding process for how they will act when they are adults. The environment that they grow up in, the things that they experience when they are growing up, and the values that they learn are what is going to make them act the way they will when they are adults. Finally even though they are born with traits of their parents these traits are not what will make them act in different ways. The way they will act is learnt through their lives. Finally as the semester passed and I learnt more about ethics and philosophy I decided that Aristotle came closest to the truth as I saw it. He agrees that humans are born with traits, but these traits are not what make us who we are as adults. â€Å"Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtues in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time)†(Denise Nicholas Sheldon 28). This supports how we are born with some traits, but these traits are not we act how we do. It is the experience and time that make us the way we are. Aristotle also agrees how nature is what molds us into who we are as adults. â€Å"Neither by nature, then, nor contrary to nature do the virtues arise in us; rather we are adapted by nature to receive them, and are made perfect by habit† (Denise Nicholas Sheldon 28). This also supports how nature is not what makes us who we are. It is the morals our family teaches us and nature is only what molds those teachings. Finally traits like intelligence is not what makes a human act the way he does when he grows up, but it is the things he learns that does. â€Å"For in speaking about a man’s character we do not say that he is wise or has understanding but that he is good tempered or temperate† (Denise Nicholas Sheldon 28). In conclusion I believe that humans do not act the way they do because they are born with these traits, but they are molded from different experiences in their lives, the environment they grew up in, and the family values they are taught. Humans are not all alike, but they can be grouped together into three different categories, culture, economic situation, and values and religion. Work Cited Denise, Theodore Cullom, Nicholas P. White, and Sheldon Paul Peterfreund. Great Traditions in Ethics. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2008. Print.

Bacchae by Euripides

The first lines of the selected passage translates as that of a chorus, meaning that the passage is intended for a more elegant effect as that of a regular speech delivery. The language of the line is highly descriptive, as it connotes elegance and respect: â€Å"Fair-maidened River Dirke, queen of waters, daughter of Achelous, you who bathed the infant child of god- when Zeus the father pulled him, from undying fire, into his thigh, did you not hear the cry of Zeus? † (Woodruff, 520).The metaphorical and personification use of language is exemplified in the association of the River Dirke personified as a female figure that possess an ability to turn mortals into Gods. Greek mythology naturally perpetuates an understanding of the different relationships between the Gods and man. The next lines reveal a commanding tone toward the subject, as it directs the character Dithryrambus: â€Å"Go, twice-born Dithyrambus, into my male womb. I now reveal you, with your Bacchic name, to Thebes† (Woodruff, 520).The description of the character is twice-born in the context of the story where the God Dionysus is born from the relationship between Zeus the thunder-god and Semele. Zeus, being an all-powerful God, cannot take any mortal form and thus appeared as a lightning bolt which killed Semele but Zeus managed to rescue his unborn son by stitching the baby into his thigh. The next line continues: â€Å"But now, blessed Dirke, you cast me out when I bring wreaths and feasting to your shore. Why do you reject me? Why do you run from me?A time will come-I swear by all the joy that you may squeeze from Dionysus grapes-a time when you will pay attention to the Thunderer (Woodruff, 535). The speaker addresses the river Dirke, as that of a personified woman with tones of confusion and spite, mixed with anger. The speaker is inquiring to the nature of his rejection even though his place is highly regarded in the context of his father. The next passage further utilize s a highly-descriptive tone not only to present a sense of imagery but also to imply to the reader the emotive impact of the characters: â€Å"Do you see this, son of Zeus, Dionysus?Those who speak for you are bound by force. Come down from Olympus waving your gold faced wand and put down the insults of this deadly man. † (Woodruff, 564). The character implies a urging tone toward the God, to punish those who refuse to honor his name. The last lines imply a tone of praise and revernce, as the descriptive mood from the prior passages is further repeated. Also the continuity of the use of metaphorical words is prevalent in the passage as it attempts to describe Dionysius characteristic in all of its majesty. â€Å"You are the blessed place, Pieria.You are honored by the god of joyful cries. He comes to set you dancing in his worship. He will cross swift flowing rivers with his Maenads whirling in their dance-the River Axion and Lydias, father of waters, who gives happiness and wealth to men from the most beautiful flow of water† (Woodruff, 575). This line provides an introductory theme toward the succession of the plot, which Dionysius attempts to regain his name. The passage implies an indirect build-up of tension for the remainder of the story that acts as a leeway in building up revenge.Dionysius, filled with anger and spite toward the people who had refused to honor him, prepares himself for revenge. The passage presents a reaffirmation toward the preceding actions and the identification of the glorious stature of Dionysius as a son of Zeus. Arising from prior events wherein the God did not achieve much reverence, the passages now imply his all-encompassing glory, both his good-natured side (provision of happiness and ecstacsy) and his negative characteristics (Bacchic frenzy). Work Cited Euripedes. The Bacchae. (trans. ) Paul Woodruff. Indianapolis, Ind. Hackett Pub. Co. 1998

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