The other night I was watching The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which is a TV series on abc family about a young girl, Amy, who became pregnant at band camp. The show is all about Amy's life: her friends, family, boyfriend, school, rivals, and the father of her son. The show is typically known for having some pretty bad acting (which it kind of does) but I still find it an interesting show to watch and talk about with others (it gives a lot of girls something to talk about together---a 'shared experience'). The show gives us a glimpse into the world of a teenage mom without anyone actually having to experience it.
In the beginning of the series, Aimee becomes pregnant, which is sort of a given no-no (sex before marriage). But the show goes on to portray a lot of adultery and lust between not only the teenagers but their parents as well. The young are willing to lie to their parents and everyone seems to be willing to cheat on their 'loved' ones just to 'have a little fun.' On the show, everyone seems to be living in the moment without thinking about the consequences of their actions.
As often seems to be the case in the empire, their imaginations are shaped by what others are doing. Everyone else is fooling around and having sex/cheating on other people, so it must be ok, right? Not so much, but I still know a lot of people who believe in that philosophy in real life too.
In regards to the kingdom, I think this show gives us a few interesting ideas. First, I think the show gives us something to talk about in regards to the reality of teen pregnancy. Amy doesn't suffer very many teen mom hardships in the show, they do a good job of 'romanticizing' the whole idea for the most part. I think it's important to keep the realities in mind while watching the show and to talk about them with others. Also, I think the show can give us a new idea on how to approach issues related to sex and pregnancy. I'm not saying sex before marriage is right, but wouldn't the kingdom want us to embrace our children (in the future), like Amy's parents did, even if they did become pregnant? Also, shouldn't we embrace those who we know that are unexpectedly pregnant, instead of shunning them, as we often do?
This show, in many ways can be rather unrealistic. At my high school atleast, many girls who become pregnant either quit school or transfer to our alternative school and I don't think I've ever seen a pregnant high school girl who stayed in school treated so well by other students. But maybe that should be how we treat those whom we know... I mean, forgiveness and caring for the outcasts is what Jesus is all about right? What do you think?
Honest question, what would you do if you or your girlfriend became unexpectedly pregnant or one day a child of yours became pregnant? In light of the kingdom, how would you handle the situation?
Sounds like an interesting show ... and maybe the bad acting keeps people watching!
ReplyDeleteYou write, "everyone seems to be living in the moment without thinking about the consequences of their actions." From your description, the show seems to have a mixed record on this. On the one hand, the entire premise is based on the consequence of a specific action (a child born after having had sex). This seemingly simple portrayal is often ignored in television and film. On the other hand, sex in media is often portrayed in the way you describe the other relationships happening throughout the show--with little or no consequence for infidelity and promiscuity. So, what is the show trying to say with the stories it's telling? Interesting ...
Your questions about how we approach our relationships to unmarried pregnant women are great. A lot of the Christian community's responses are wrapped up in our overwrought preoccupation with sexual sin.