(30 Dec. 2008, The Guardian) This image depicts Sarah Palin and her son in addition to Bristol Palin and Bristol's boyfriend. The photo was taken during the past presidential campaign soon after the news that Bristol had given birth was leaked to the media. Yikes!
Isn't it fascinating how wrapped up Americans and the world became in the story of Bristol's relationship and pregnancy? Seeing this photo, I can't help but speculate how the commotion caused by Bristol's pregnancy may or may not have influenced the outcome of the 2008 campaign race. In addition to reiterating the expectations that society holds of individuals of certain age groups, particularly teenagers, I believe this image represents the judgmental, discriminatory views that certain age groups often have. I, for one, don't like being placed in a box simply because of my age. Who does?
Posts
I agree that society tends to hold rather unrealistic expectations of teenagers. In today's world, teenage sex has become very much of an accepted reality, for better or worse. Society promotes the use of contraceptives to prevent teenage pregnancy, which is deeply frowned upon, but the reality is that no form of contraception is one hundred percent effective. Therefore, teenage pregnancy should be just as societally accepted as teenage sex. To be clear, i am not saying that I am in any way a proponent of teen pregnancy, or teenage sex for that matter. However, I think the story of Bristol Palin illustrates how judgmental our society truly is. Whether or not her pregnancy affected the outcome of the election is hard to tell, but there is no doubt that her pregnancy did cause quite a big stir. In my opinion, the hypocrisy of society in how they judge age groups, especially teenagers, is a large problem in the United States.
ReplyDeleteDuring the election, I found it really interesting how much media attention Sarah Palin's daughter and boyfriend received. Additionally, Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy at the age of 16 was resulted in a media blitz. I think our society is too quick to deem pregnant teens irresponsible and unprepared for what lies ahead of them. However, I know several parents who had children as teenagers and went on to have successful marriages and lives. Instead of selling out on the shock value of teen pregnancies, I think we should use them as an opportunity to educate teenagers about the responsibilities of family as well as safe sex.
ReplyDelete