When I came home tonight Stef was on the couch. The lights were low. The TV was on. She looked a little better, but I know she’ll be flu’ish for a while.
The show on the TV was compelling–MTV’s “16 and Pregnant.” The concept has trainwreck written all over it, yet this is probably the best advertisement possible against getting pregnant while you’re still a kid yourself.
Tonight’s show features Leah and her boyfriend Corey, high school students from West Virginia. Every part of their young lives has been turned upside down after the birth of their twins. Beyond that none of the usual high school conflicts, like an ex-boyfriend still in Leah’s life, have disappeared.
Most reality shows are anything but. This show is raw and gritty. It’s full of emotion and lots of sadness. Actually it’s overloaded with sadness and people living their lives on the edge of tragedy.
“16 and Pregnant” is on MTV, a channel I usually associate with promoting society’s shortcomings. On the other hand this show is a long form public service announcement–albeit a very sad one.
“16 and Pregnant” should be required viewing for those who are 16 and dating.