My Soap Box

  So, one of the "hot topics" in the news today is the sudden sky roket in teenage pregnancy.  There is one report of a high school in Memphis where 90 girls there are pregnant.  That's 20 percent of the schools female population.  I watched a young mother from this school being interviewed for the Today Show.  16-year-old Tarika Sutton is new mother and isn't surprised my the high percentage rate at the high school she attends.  As she holds her precious new born she states to the camera "It ain't nothing new.  Some girls do it cause they think it cute.  And some do it on accident".  On a quick side note:  Tarika, please stop skipping english class honey.

  Here's my big problem, other than the obvious.  Why isn't it just the girls fault or problem?!  Sure, later in the Today Show when Meredith Vieira interviewed both a psychiatrist and a psycologist and it was mentioned that both male and female parties need to be educated on sex and prevention of pregnancy.  It was also mentioned that many of the young lady's feel pressure from the young men (I use the terms lady and men losely).  However, lets go back to what Tarika said.  It's in her opinion that girls either do it on purpose or it's an accident.  WHAT, "Girls do it"!  Yeah, like she did it all by herself! 

  The Today Shows interview is just one of many that I have heard in the last week.  And it each one seems to start off with the same tone:  "Why are so many of these girls getting pregnant?"   It's not just girls getting pregnant!!!  The question should be:  "What the hell is wrong with these teenagers?!"  I mean, boys and girls.  I mean, where are the fathers in these interviews?  Why aren't they being called out and questioned on air?  I just feel that once the males are mentioned it's a total afterthought.  "Oh by the way, the boys are also responsible and both sexes are in need of some serious sex ed".

  I don't know why this particular topic hits a nerve with me so badly.  It's all I can think about in the past few days.  The entire issue bothers me, not just what I have written about.  I'm by no means naive to think that we could possibly educated, scare, or threaten these kids or the generations to come, enough to prevent early pregnancy all together.  Face it, people have sex.  Even the preachers daughter and/or son get caught with their pants down before they should.  But for heaven sake, what the crap?!   It's not just the schools responsibly either.  Why are there so many irresponsible or gullible parents out there.  I'm also not trying to pass judgement.  I too could find myself an early grandmother one day.  But it won't be for lack of trying to educate and instill in my children values and morals.  We all have our own ways of raising our children and we all have our own beliefs.  I personally, am a christian and my husband and I are raising our children in church and practicing the teachings of God from the bible as best as we can.  And like I said before, that doesn't mean I think all kids raised in that enviroment are invincible to making less than smart decsions.  This isn't about stereotyping.  I just can't seem to wrap my head around the fact that even if a child wasn't raised in this way or a similar manor, that the loved ones of the kids wouldn't find this to be an alarming topic none the less.  It's terribly alarming that so many teenagers are sexualy involved.  I know we can't just put locks on all their groins until their wedding day.  But really?! That many parents aren't involved enough with their kids lives or they simply don't care or worst yet, they encourage the behavoir for various reasons?  I'm shocked, appallled, and in my heart of hearts, I hurt for all involved.

  It's not just about getting pregnant, or even acquiring an STD.  It's about dealing with issues too young.  Both boys and girls losing their innocence and dealing with the emotions of being sexually involved with someone.  Yes, I realize that it tends to be more emotional for girls rather than boys but, no one can convince me that it doesn't effect that young man somewhere, deep inside each and every time. 

  Back to my main point.  I wish someone out there would have enough responsibly to interview both the teenage female and male whom are BOTH responsible for getting themselves pregnant.  And I don't mean the MTV's series (although, I admit it's my guilty pleasure).  Although I'm on the fence on whether or not shows like "16 and Pregnant" and "Teen Mom" glamorize the issue, I will agree that it is not an adequate story telling both sides.  Case and point "Teen Mom".  Haven't seen the trailer for "Teen Daddy" lately, or how about "Teenage Parents"?

  I think that's all I have for now.  I at least feel better.  I have no desire in any ruffling the panties of anyone or striking up a heated debate.  I sincerely hope that I have not offended anyone or come of judgemental in any way.  But I am curious to hear what you think.