Before talking about their opinions regarding this issue, it is important to discuss why it is being discussed in the first place. The reality TV show, “Teen Moms,” has become a cultural phenomenon. It is the second most popular show on MTV, according to the Today show. It is because of its popularity that these issues need to be discussed.

There is much controversy surrounding the show. Many feel that it is sending the wrong message by glamorizing teen pregnancy. These teen moms have become celebrities. They have gone as far as appearing on magazine covers.

Despite this, the psychotherapist interviewed feels that the show is educational and realistic. She feels the popularity of the show is because people want to see the harsh realities of what it’s like to be a teen mother. She also feels that teen mothers have been marginalized in the past, and this show gives teen moms an identity. It puts a face to this problem that has been going on for years. As well as showing the struggles in relationships, it also shows the harsh truth that these girls can no longer grow up as girls, they are now women and have to deal with the realities of such.

The freelance entertainment journalist and pop-culture expert agree with many of the opinions made by the psychotherapist. Her main concern is what will happen after the show is over. Will these girls continue to make bad choices to stay in the celebrity spotlight? She states, unfortunately, due to reality TV people crave what she terms,” train wreck television.” Both women do agree that when the show is watched, it should be watched with parental guidance so that any questions that the viewers may have can be discussed during and after the show.

After watching the clip from the “Today” show regarding teen pregnancy, I have to admit I’m not sure where I stand on the issue. I do not agree with teen pregnancy, but I am not naïve and understand that this can happen unintentionally. My primary concern is, due to the popularity of this show and others like it will teen girls intentionally become pregnant just to become a celebrity. They are creating an innocent life that has no voice or choice in the matter. That is why it so concerns me. What do you think?

© EthLeen

The post Do Culture Television Shows Glamourize Teen Pregnancy? appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.

Majority of rapes remain unreported

If these statistics are shocking, take a moment to reflect and realize that most cases of sexual violence against women go unreported. The Medical Research Council in South Africa estimates that out of 25 cases of rape only one is reported. According to Rape Crisis, a Cape Town website dedicated to breaking the silence in the fight against rape, fear of reprisals, fear of stigma from society after exposure, and protection of family unity and loyalty, are some of the reasons that precipitate a culture of silence by victims of rape.

What about culture?

One of the underlying reasons for the proliferation of rape incidences in the country is culture. Culture in this case is two-pronged. The first understanding of culture is the traditional way of life as passed down from generation to generation. The second approach to culture is what has come to be regarded as a culture of violence in South Africa.

Negative Traditions

South African cultures and its smaller subs-sets represented by various tribes, is predominantly patriarchal. Young men, especially during and after initiation are socialized to hold women in low regard. To initiates, a woman is a weak sexual object that must subject itself to male dominance. Rape is, therefore, a weapon and a form of expression of male machismo.

Culture of violence

The apartheid, pre-independence era may have come to an end in South Africa but there are reverberations of the concomitant of that time. People have become used to violence as a way of life. History has taught the common man that nothing comes without violence. Moreover, since men were at the forefront of the fight against apartheid, those who stood back were labeled women, essentially weaklings. This combination has spawned a culture of rape, one that society almost does not frown upon.

Caught in a trap

South African women are living though precarious times. They live in a country that prides itself of diversity and tolerance, but where women and girls live in fear of sexual violence.

© EthLeen

The post The Role of Culture in the Prevalence of Rape in South Africa appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.