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I know it’s a little dated, but I think it’s definitely work examining. I heard it came out earlier this month, sponsored by the Candies Foundation, but because it was Bristol Palin and I wasn’t really all that interested in hearing what she had to say because of that fact, I kind of avoided it.
Well, I caved earlier today and finally viewed it and have to say … I was kind of impressed. I never had anything personal against Bristol Palin, other than the whole I’m-gonna-promote-abstinence-even-though-I-don’t-buy-it thing, but this PSA was actually, well … pretty real. Watch it and tell me how it made you feel — put your feelings aside for the young Palin and try your best to forget her past remarks regarding sex and sex education. Just watch it and feel it out. Then, after it has you feeling kind of taken aback or comforted, pretend you’re Bristol’s child fifteen years from now. How would you feel then?
And naturally, your thoughts?
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It seems to me that sending out a message that being a teen parent sucks (but hardly mentioning birth control- there’s one sentence about using a condom on their site) will encourage abortions more than abstinence or safe sex…
Honestly, her message is tainted. I am unequivocally firm in my belief that teenagers should receive a comprehensive sex education. She believes in the opposite, and she is a prime example of why shame-based abstinence only education fails our young women; obviously some teenagers will have sex anyways, so it is paramount that we give them the tools to protect themselves and understand their bodies.
How do you know her opinion on sex education?
Here: http://voices.kansascity.com/node/3746
And here: http://rockrichard.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/sarah-palin-abstinence-only-ed-works-daughter-bristol-begs-to-differ/
Annnnd here: http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/05/bristol-advocate-abstinence/
All I found in your links was that she thinks abstinence is best but unrealistic. She never voiced her opinion on sex ed.
We don’t know her opinion, perhaps, but we do know what she has been promoting for others.
Ok, well my comment with links is STILL awaiting moderation, but we do know her opinion. It’s pretty wishy-washy because of her mother’s influence.
Alright, how’s this for you then?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_people_bristol_palin
“Bristol Palin, 19, is listed on the speaking group’s website as available for conferences, fundraisers, special events and holidays, as well as women’s, youth, abstinence and “pro-life” programs.”
I completely agree. I remember my mom’s boyfriend when I was younger refused to put his daughter on birth control. She had 3 abortions by 21. He would say “I don’t want her having sex at all”. Um, well obviously she is and is going to continue to do so.
Then on “Teen Mom”, one of the girls put her birth control in the fridge and her dad found it. He was mad that she was taking it because he didn’t want her having sex. This makes no sense to me! She already got pregnant so wouldn’t you want her on birth control?
You can get bc without permission, and why the hell wouldn’t the 21 year old at least wear a condom!
Yeah I thought the same thing, about the birth control, looking back on it.
I liked it,and I’m glad she did something positive with her situation. And her ex-baby daddy is a dumb ass.
That’s true. At least she’s putting some kind of message out there.
I actually liked it. I think a lot of times certain type of naive girls start thinking that babies are all fun and snuggles and sprinkles instead of sleeplessness, postpartum depression and explosive diarrhea. Someone needs to say that it’s not going to be a joy ride.
*types.
Politics aside, I think it’s better to tell teens to stop and think than to tell them nothing at all. Much preferred, in fact, to giving them a show on a hit network *coughMTVcough* which normalizes and diminishes the everyday realities of being a teen mother (or a parent in general).
Comprehensive sexual education is without a doubt the ideal, but truthfully the onus should not be on the school systems alone. A lot of parents pass the buck to avoid those awkward and uncomfortable moments.
Have you actually watched the show?
It shows the reality of teen pregnancy. Being a teenager myself, it scares the shit out of me. I defiantly have a totally different perspective on it now.
Agree. Teen Mom isn’t just a fake Mtv show like The Hills or Jersey Shore, it actually shows how hard it is to be a teen mom and everything they’re going through. After watching the show I’m more than sure that there’s no way in hell I’m getting pregnant until I’m ready. There are so many options these days….
[...] Did You Catch Bristol Palin’s PSA? – Zelda Lily [...]
The kid, well, she says that she had a good support so it is not saying “I regret I have my baby”, it says “things are not pretty if you do not have a lot of support and money”, so I don’t think the child will feel bad. I hope he won’t, anyway.
As for the ad, it is definitely a good idea, but what it is preaching isn’t realistic – most teenagers are going to have sex. If instead of saying “pause before you play” it said “put it on before you play”, the message would be more effective. Once you are in the sack with the lad you are not going to stop, unless you are Quinn Fabray.
Oh wait.
Haha!
I think even if you believe that birth control is the most important factor in teenage sex, that it is still valuable to encourage teenagers to pause and think about their actions, and the consequences that can follow. It applies for a host of reasons, including not only teenage pregnancy, but the transmission of diseases, emotional well being, and mental preparedness.
I’m not suggesting that abstinence is the answer (well, actually, it might be , but it’s certainly not a realistic expectation), but I’m always a fan of encouraging people to contemplate their actions beforehand. And this ad, although specifically addressing teenage pregnancy, does that.
Well said, Wicked.
Wow, I agree with you! Finally!!! ;)
We don’t really disagree all that often, do we?
Or maybe you just don’t always voice as much….haha.
Abstinence is still best. I think it’s great to teach about options to make sex less problematic, but I think it’s important to *additionally* remind them that the only 100% safe option is to not have sex. Stands whether we’re talking STDs or pregnancy.
Be aware that the smartest thing you can do is think about whether the risk is worth it to you. Then, if you’re going to go ahead, take precautions.
Not all kids are going to go ahead regardless. I knew people in high school who were interested in sex, but made the decision to put it off because they knew they weren’t yet prepared to deal with the potential consequences.
Keep both messages there to reach people at whatever level possible.
I think it’s all about education. My mother has always been pretty honest with me, she has explained everything, from periods, to boyfriends and sex. She doesn’t believe in waiting until you’re married, but she always tells me that when I’m completely ready and mature enough to do it, she’ll be the first one to get me birth control. I’m 17 and still don’t feel ready, but at least I know what I want, I know the options I have, and I’m convinced that the education I got from my mom is what makes me think this way. Is most parents were like mine, I think they wouldn’t be so many pregnant teens.
If* Sorry.
My parents are the same way, although neither of my parents explained a whole lot. They never got weird about my birth control or the fact that I have sex (although I’m 20, I would hope they wouldn’t be weird about it) because they don’t want to be grandparents and aren’t going to force some personal morality onto their adult child.
My mom even got me birth control before I was having sex (at the time I needed it for my psycho period) but made it obvious that there was nothing wrong with safe sex.
The message I got from my parents was ‘Sex is awesome, do it with someone you love and use protection.’
I don’t understand why this is so continually problematic when birth control is readily available.
These ads annoy me.
First times are such a big deal in America…! I got it over and done with and that was it.
Your right,last times really should be more of a concern!
[...] of being sexually active needs to be implemented, like, yesterday. Maybe then, these women will not be in Bristol Palin’s shoes be in the position of having to make a life-altering decision in their [...]
[...] of being sexually active needs to be implemented, like, yesterday. Maybe then, these women will not be in Bristol Palin’s shoes be in the position of having to make a life-altering decision in their [...]