You hear what they say about our "generation" on almost a daily basis. These days you hear so many different stereotypes it's almost ridiculous. We've been called drug users, pushers, high school drop - outs, and sometimes even lazy or uncaring people all with a shake of a disappointing head. Just slap a label on us, and you're done. While it's arguable that a small amount of teens can fit under this category, what about teens who work hard everyday and help out their families and friends? And more importantly, is the media influencing people's opinions on teenagers today?  

   One of the most arguable controversies today is teen pregnancy. With movies such as "Juno" and the newest hit ABC Family show "The Secret Life Of An American Teenager," it's entertainment like this that has people talking. You have some people who argue that this show is glamorizing teen pregnancy and making it look "cool." In "The Secret Life Of An American Teenager," the main character, Amy Jurgens, is encouraged by another character on the show to stay in school and not hide away from the kids who go to school. He goes on to say that she should not be embarrassed just because she is pregnant. Now, if you were to be channel surfing and come across this scene in the show, I could understand how you would think the show is supporting teen pregnancy. While I don't want to offend teenage mothers out there, it's pretty obvious to say that no girl wants to be a mother at such a young age.The way this character says she should not be embarrassed almost makes it sound as if she should be proud she is pregnant. 

   But on the other hand, you have people who have the opposite view in this show and find it to be more informational than glamorous. It shows how life can be for a pregnant girl in the way Amy has rumors following her everywhere in school - who's baby is it, what will she decide to do with the baby, will she drop - out of school? It shows that pregnant teens will have real questions and issues to deal with that they shouldn't be worrying about in the first place. It also shows how Amy is encouraged by her friends and parents to own up to her own mistakes and go to school. She can't hide the mistake she made, so everyone wants her to see that she needs to accept that she is pregnant and move on by going to school and acting like an otherwise normal teenager. At the end of every show, there is also information on teen pregnancy given by the actress who plays Amy, and even a web site you can visit if you have questions.

   I personally believe that the show is out there to inform and show teens how to handle teenage pregnancy. To anyone out there who thinks our generation is "going down the tube," they should know that it's not everyone who is doing what is considered "bad things." Even if you're not the one who is pregnant, maybe you know someone who is going through this. Teenage pregnancy is not something that can just be ignored anymore, it's real and it's happening everyday. Sure it's tragic when it happens, but for those girls it happens to, they need to know how to properly handle the situation, and how to get through it.