By Liz Panneton
Today we are bombarded by media on a constant basis, whether we know it or not. Cell phones, blackberries, television, radio, billboards, magazines you name it. It’s there, and along with all of these images, are ideas of the ideal, what we are supposed to gravitate toward in order to feel acceptance or confidence in ourselves. Our popular culture ideal is to have women be 5’10” to fit into a size 2, or less, pair of jeans, to have perfect round breasts in order to define what is considered desirable and feminine. However, this is becoming a problem that is being ingrained in young children and teenagers that is leading to more permanent damage. One website (www.nationaleatingdisorders.org) is organized to teach people about the effects of media on image says that, “A study of 4,294 network television commercials revealed that 1 out of every 3.8 commercials send some sort of “attractiveness message,” telling viewers what is or is not attractive (as cited in Myers et al., 1992). These researchers estimate that the average adolescent sees over 5,260 “attractiveness messages” per year.”
Issues of being thin and the definition of what is healthy is different for females than it is for males, but men face issues and pressures too they just face it differently. I recently administered a questionnaire with students here at Keene State to see how they view themselves. They were a variety of ages, majors, and class standing however the results were interesting. When men were asked personal questions about their bodies they strayed away to list anything specific and said they wished they were more muscular. Even though they are not striving to fit into a size 0 pair of jean (they didn’t know what that even meant) but they are expected to look like specific stars that have chiseled abs like Matthew McConaughey or they wouldn’t feel desirable. When asking girls what they thought of their bodies they said they wanted flat stomachs, desired to be 125lbs and would or have altered their bodies to fit the mold. One person who answered was a young man who was going through with surgery to alter their sex and found it to be a flaw. But by what standard? If something does not follow the instruction manual of the 1950’s conservative model then it is seen as being defunct and wrong. When asked to choose between two relatively famous women, Eva Longoria or Queen Latifah, who were more attractive girls chose Queen Latifah. The men however did not necessarily know those names and kind of recognized the faces but the majority chose Eva based almost a first impression glance. Another interesting result was when the students were asked how many calories were supposed to be a healthy daily amount for females were specific in numbers and one said no more than 1500 calories a day; whereas men either didn’t know what a calorie was or said, “like 2500-4000.” But even with the answers that they would never change themselves in order to fit in, there are many who do. While walking around on campus you can’t count how many people own Uggs, a Northface jacket, and leggings or wearing full sweats all the time, it’s hard to believe that people choose those things because they genuinely like to wear those items without influence.
On the national eating disorders website the facts are too real. In a 2003 review of the literature, Hoek and van Hoeken found:
• 40% of newly identified cases of anorexia are in girls 15-19 years old.
• Significant increase in incidence of anorexia from 1935 to 1989 especially among young women 15-24.
• A rise in incidence of anorexia in young women 15-19 in each decade since 1930.
• The incidence of bulimia in 10-39 year old women TRIPLED between 1988 and 1993.
• Only one-third of people with anorexia in the community receive mental health care.
• Only 6% of people with bulimia receive mental health care.
• The majority of people with severe eating disorders do not receive adequate care.
www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
It’s hard to think that we as a culture could ever truly change our system into thinking that being thin doesn’t necessarily constitute healthy and being obese may not be only about food but genetics and physical diseases. Either way it’s all about how you see yourself. When I asked several of my male friends who think people like Kate Hudson are attractive in a sense that it’s never going to happen, love women that are curvaceous, that don’t have rock hard stomachs and are happy with themselves. When the girls were asked which they preferred they thought muscles were attractive but not an expectation to have a successful and healthy relationship. Love yourself for who you are whether that is an artist, obsession with Shakespeare, the challenge of a good game, or playing the Wii, take those qualities from the inside and run with it, life will be much more rewarding. “Most of the shadows in this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
mwalsh @ April 28, 2008
What's Different Now Comments (1)
Family Changes
By Kathleen Barnard
Families have changed since the generation of the nuclear family. The idea of the traditional four and a half member family, which included a father, mother, son, daughter, and dog is slowly dwindling away. Some reasons for the huge change are new stages of life and responses to medicine, technology, and nutrition. Since all of these have come around people are living much longer. People are also making more money, and since you have the extra money to spend on medicine and other essentials, they give you the chance to expand your survival. One example of this would be pre-mature babies. We have so much technology to ensure their survival, even when infants’ lungs have not fully developed to breathe on their own. Years ago if a pre-mature birth occurred, the baby almost had a lower chance of survival and was almost guaranteed to die. Another example if the new stages in life would be that as the mortality rate goes down, the divorce rate goes up. The reason being is now you have a longer life so you spending more time with your spouse. Now your more likely to have problems because you marriage length increases.
Surprisingly to some, now we have stronger ties with our children. Sociologists have observed that middle class adults look at children differently now than in previous generations. We have different expectations of them. We try to let them enjoy childhood and experience adolescence to the fullest — shielded from the burdens of the adult world. Another stage that is more recent is we are almost all expected to become grandparents. You’re older, you live longer. Who’s going to take care of you? Most likely your kids or maybe even your grandchildren will bear the responsibility. People are also ill prepared for death now — it doesn’t happen as often (unexpectedly) due to longer life expectancy. All the new medicine is making death not such a harsh reality.
One of the main and most interesting new stages of life is how we look at children. Years ago, as soon as children were old enough they were put to work. There was unfair widespread child labor in the United States. Children were sometimes born to help work and keep businesses going. Well, times have changed we look at childhood as special now. We think of children as innocent and we should shield them from adulthood. Most middle class children are now carefree and have no responsibility aside from school and enrichment activities. Their ambition is to have fun and enjoy leisure time like play games and go on vacation. As a child you should have the least amount of responsibility, our culture seems to imply.
Adolescence is also a fairly new concept,. It’s a time where you experience puberty, education, and you may even rebel. You start to create your own opinion. Young Adulthood is a new idea as well. It’s considered to be a transition period, you may go to college and be on your own, but you still have no real responsibility. Then you reach adulthood and have real responsibilities like a job and a family. Now that we are living longer, men have a mid life crisis, which is a new phase as well. Men may buy a nice new sports car to make them feel young. Women may have plastic surgery. Lastly, we also look at our elderly differently. Our society overlooks the elderly and many think of them as a financial burden. Even the media portrays them negatively. I think these things needs to change. The elderly should be appreciated and they should share their wisdom with our youth.
All these new ideas have changed the idea of the family. All of these concepts re-assure how our society works. New stages of life are developing, so people form a family differently.
mwalsh @ April 15, 2008
Main Street
By Kristen Duquette
These pictures represent some of the different eating establishments in Keene. Just on Main Street alone there are at least five “ethnic” restaurants. The variety and exposure to different cultures helps our Keene community become more diverse in not only what we do but what we eat. Choices in restaurants allow people to make up their own mind about what they eat. The question is, who are the people that eat at these different restaurants? Just because people are given the option, do people step out of their comfort zone when it comes to food, or do they play it safe with something they have had before? These are questions you may want to ask yourself the next time you go out to eat.
Behind the Art
By Stephanie Denefrio
I have seen people discuss the symbolic meaning of the tattoos, brands, piercing, and scarifications they have chosen. I also have heard of a tattoo artist discussing the difference between casual and “collector” customers, and know of the artist’s description of the kinds of tattoos he or she regards as unethical. Many people might wonder the reason for this type of body art; they might even be prejudiced towards it. What I wanted to uncover was the reason behind the piercing and tattoos, to look beyond the ink or hole in this person’s body and find a story. These are the stories I have discovered…
“In high school I had a project in my art class that required me to make a creative symbol out of my initials. I created a star standing for ECT, I loved this project so much that it made me want to go into graphic design. I got it tattooed on me to remind me everyday why I’m in college, to share my creativity and art with the world.” ~Elyse Thornton
“It’s the combination of what you have that makes you different: a nose ring, lip ring, and orbital’s. I love getting new holes! Every new piercing has a reason and story behind it.”~ Lauren Parece
I got my lip ring at the beginning of sophomore year to welcome in the new school year and to make a statement for myself, plus I always wanted one. There are some piercing’s I get that have light stories like that when I go to Mom’s on a whim, but some are more deep and personal to me. My industrial was to represent a new chapter in my life after I was cut from the Keene softball team, I would no longer be a softball player, but I have this bar to remember where I began my new life. My two cartilage rings are from my trip to Florida with the softball team for my first spring break at college freshman year. Piercing’s are fun and a great way to remember times and phases in your life. ~Lauren Parece
“There are two things I love most in the world the Red Sox and music.” ~Jackie Byrnes
“I’m Irish, if you couldn’t tell by my name; I wanted something permanent to remind me of my heritage.”~ Chris Kiley
“ At first this was a wheel chair, I got it because It was a dare, they didn’t think I would actually get it, but I changed it to a star, because everyone has dreams and wants adventure.” ~Karissa Mahoney
Study Trip in Vietnam
By Jillian Egan
Vietnam
Stages of Life
By Heather McDougall
As early as infancy gender specific items are established and are distinctly different from one another. Gender specific items differ in color and purpose. Submissive stuffed animals such as bunnies or teddy bears would be given to girls and masculine animals such as lions would be given to boys. If attending a baby and the sex of the child to be was known you would get a gender appropriate object. If one was having a boy, you would not purchase pink clothing and doll for these items are not associated with little boys. Items that are associated with boys are items are usually blue, green, or red. Stuffed animals that connect with this gender tend to be those which are dominant and strong. An example of this would be a stuffed animal lion. For little girls items that are usually pink or purple are popular with that specific gender. An example of an appropriate stuffed animal for a girl would be a more submissive object such as a doll or bunny.
Stages of Life
During childhood these gender specific items carry over. The colors are usually still the same and activities that children participate in are gender appropriate as well. During this stage of life children tend to mimic what their elders are doing who are the same gender. Boys will usually participate in activities that are more mechanical and hands on. They may participate in sports or play with cars or trains. For girls it is quite the opposite. They tend to be involved in more gender specific role that our society associates with women. Young girls may play dress up or house. These activities prepare them for future gender roles in which they will be categorized in.
Adolescence is a relatively new stage that was established in our society which revolves mainly around the changing individual. This particular group is going through the most changes both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though the majority of their time will be spent in an educational facility, their focus will be on themselves and their friends. Throughout this stage of life, both males and females are trying to fit in at school and/or in society. Adolescent girls are very aware of their personal appearance. They have to have the right cloths, hair, make up, and friends. The media as well as their peers tell them what they should ware and what activities they should participate in. For many adolescent girls it is important to stay in the social loop whether it is their friends, family or the outside world. The internet and cell phones are their items of choice. Adolescent boys on the other hand may not necessarily care about the same items that are important to girls. They are more into getting down and dirty on the football field than hearing the latest school gossip. Many adolescent boys are involved with some sort of activity because being active is important to them. Out on the field or in the weight room it its all about who can hit the hardest or squat the most weight; this is how they try to prove their masculinity. It is always competition of who can be the fastest, strongest, smelliest, and the most hairy… its all about who can be the manliest.
Adulthood is the stage of life which is linked to the most responsibilities. During this stage, children leave their parents and begin their own families. While their parents may continue to be a large part of their life they are now the leaders of their own family; with worries such are money, communities, careers, and schools.
Old age is the latter stage of life. At this point it is most likely that all of their children have moved out and started families of their own. People in this stage are either in retirement or close to retirement focusing their energies on hobbies they did not have time for earlier in their lives. This could include spending time with their grandchildren knitting, fishing, traveling, and general relaxation.
mwalsh @ April 15, 2008
By Michael Morales
Sociology gives people the opportunity to view the world from many different perspectives. It decreases any ethnocentric views one may have and expands cultural and intellectual horizons. I believe that there is no better way to experience sociological study than to actually go out in the world and experience first hand encounters so that one may draw certain sociological questions or conclusions to further examine.
The United States and the United Kingdom share many similar cultural characteristics yet hold striking differences at the same time. Politically they are two monumental allies that influence the world precisely. Any sociology student should consider it a fascinating opportunity to measure any similarities or contrasts by having the opportunity to travel to England.
I have been presented with the opportunity to travel to Middlesex University and I plan to take two classes that may help my program of study. The first class is called Exploring London. This class is based on hands on research out in the city of London. It not only has sociological value by being exposed to English society, but it also serves many historical values. How else can one learn about American society without learning where it all began?
The second class I am interested in taking while at Middlesex University is called Mapping Spatial Data with GIS. This class could be considered to fall under the Sociological or Geographical realm. It could be considered Geographical because it is the study of place and location. Coincidingly, however, it could be considered Sociological because it also studies people within the place. This would be a great class to take because it allows the opportunity to have hands on experience and use advanced technology and resources efficiently.
I also believe that studying abroad would set the stones for a possible future career in law enforcement. Since I can remember, I have always been fascinated with law and policy enforcement and how people from different cultures or backgrounds respond to those enforcements. There is no doubt that the United States suffers from one of the largest violence rates in the world. I would hope to one day compare and contrast different societies and how those different social interactions deal with law enforcement.
When I first visited London in 2003, I noticed that the metropolitan police do not carry guns while on patrol. This is something that is strikingly alien to that of American culture. Why is that police officers in London feel more comfortable not carrying guns while on patrol and American police consider it an outrage?
I have been to several European cities including Paris, Rome, Florence, and Athens. Out of all the cities and past experiences I have had in Europe, London is a city I feel well connected to. Some people may say it is because there is no language barrier when traveling from the United States and United Kingdom, I disagree. I speak fluent Spanish and feel very comfortable tapping in to the similar language of Italian. While in Italy I could clearly navigate my way with little hesitation. To me the United Kingdom holds a fascinating history. Its days of expansionism stretched the empire to every corner of the Earth while spreading its culture and political ideals. It is a prime example of a benevolent country that has witnessed everything. Unlike other fallen empires in the past, the UK has been able to adapt to the changing world throughout its history.
I fundamentally believe there is something dangerously wrong with American society today. With one of the most important political elections oh the century occurring soon in the United States, I presume that there will be a shift in American politics. The question is how will American respond to it? It is my hope that while in the UK I can gain a better understanding for English culture and how they interact within their own society. I believe that from my research Middlesex University can offer me a tremendous educational experience I can take with me in the future.
mwalsh @ April 15, 2008
By Natale DiBitetto
You’re at home flipping through channels as a political map comes on the screen. It’s just a matter of time before the Presidential election is over. You hear the newscaster talking about each candidate’s future plans. You look at the bottom of the screen as the number of electoral votes each politician is receiving from the states. You sit back wishing you knew what was happening. You don’t understand what each side stands for because it’s discussed in detail. Before you can understand the details, you need to know the basics. However, there’s more to it than that. Maybe you don’t understand how voting works, either. You think to yourself, what are electoral votes? I thought that citizens cast their ballots and whoever received the most votes won that state. That’s not necessarily the case and not knowing what’s happening around you makes for a frustrating election.
The issue of unfamiliarity of politics is a problem that faces many people, especially teens, today. When teens turn 18, they’re allowed to vote so long they register. However, many people don’t vote, regardless if they’re registered, because they don’t know what they’re voting for. There is the question of whether they’re Democrat, Republican or neither and they don’t know how to tell. While tuning into a news station or radio may talk about politics, the parties and who is winning each state, you may not be able to understand unless you are already politically informed.
Democrats, also known as liberals or even socialists, are the left-wing party. People of this party are more open to change and believe the government should be controlling many aspects of your life (i.e. healthcare). They are more open to changing laws such as a gay marriage law, which has become a huge issue among the country as a whole.
Republicans, also known as conservatives or constitutionalists, are the right-wing party. In general, they believe in more moral and traditional values rather than change. They don’t believe the government should be controlling your life. Republicans tend to have a stronger religious background. The separation of church and state has always been a liberal/conservative battle. Conservatives would rather bring Christian morals into government decisions whereas Democrats prefer that separation. A controversial example of this would be abortion. For the most part, Conservatives are pro-life whereas Democrats are pro-choice.
The two parties share very different opinions on penalties against people who commit crimes. Democrats tend to lean towards prosecution whereas Republican’s lean towards execution, depending on the crime committed. For example, most Democrats would rather see Scott Peterson who murdered his pregnant wife in December 2002, be jailed for life where all his rights would be taken away and he would suffer in a cell until he died. Many Republican’s lean toward Peterson be murdered because they believe he deserves to have the same thing happen to him as he did to his wife and unborn child.
On the subject of taxes, Democrats believe that they should be used towards everyone, whereas Republican’s believe they earn their money and they should get to do what they want with it. Democrats believe taxes should be taken out of the wealthier class where Republican’s tend to disagree.
To sum up the difference, Republican’s believe in small government and individual freedom and responsibility. Democrat’s believe in government programming at the expense of personal freedom and responsibility.
Voting may be a confusing concept for people who are just learning politics. Instead of the population winning a state over, the electoral votes decide who it goes to. The number of electoral votes is different in each state, according to how many number of Senate and congressional seats there are in the house. So in other words, in New Hampshire there two Senators and two house members which gives New Hampshire four electoral votes. The number of seats each house has is determined to how many people live in the state, thus leading back to population. If the population is tied, no candidate receives the electoral votes and it goes to the House of Representatives. Each person in the House votes and the candidate that receives the majority vote wins that state.
The best way to learn about politics is from people around you. Your parents, peers and teachers may have a greater knowledge of politics. Sometimes it’s hard to get both sides of the story if most of the people you talk to favor one side. Going online and listening to both radio and television talk shows is another way to learn the Republican opinion vs. the Democratic opinion. Once you learn the basics you can start to understand the specifics of politics.
mwalsh @ April 14, 2008
By Stephanie Denefrio
I have seen people discuss the symbolic meaning of the tattoos, brands, piercing, and scarifications they have chosen. I also have heard of a tattoo artist discussing the difference between casual and “collector” customers, and know of the artist’s description of the kinds of tattoos he or she regards as unethical. Many people might wonder the reason for this type of body art; they might even be prejudiced towards it. What I wanted to uncover was the reason behind the piercing and tattoos, to look beyond the ink or hole in this person’s body and find a story. These are the stories I have discovered…
“In high school I had a project in my art class that required me to make a creative symbol out of my initials. I created a star standing for ECT, I loved this project so much that it made me want to go into graphic design. I got it tattooed on me to remind me everyday why I’m in college, to share my creativity and art with the world.” ~Elyse Thornton
“It’s the combination of what you have that makes you different: a nose ring, lip ring, and orbital’s. I love getting new holes! Every new piercing has a reason and story behind it.”~ Lauren Parece
I got my lip ring at the beginning of sophomore year to welcome in the new school year and to make a statement for myself, plus I always wanted one. There are some piercing’s I get that have light stories like that when I go to Mom’s on a whim, but some are more deep and personal to me. My industrial was to represent a new chapter in my life after I was cut from the Keene softball team, I would no longer be a softball player, but I have this bar to remember where I began my new life. My two cartilage rings are from my trip to Florida with the softball team for my first spring break at college freshman year. Piercing’s are fun and a great way to remember times and phases in your life. ~Lauren Parece
“There are two things I love most in the world the Red Sox and music.” ~Jackie Byrnes
“I’m Irish, if you couldn’t tell by my name; I wanted something permanent to remind me of my heritage.”~ Chris Kiley
“ At first this was a wheel chair, I got it because It was a dare, they didn’t think I would actually get it, but I changed it to a star, because everyone has dreams and wants adventure.” ~Karissa Mahoney
mwalsh @ April 14, 2008
By Heather McDougall
As early as infancy gender specific items are established and are distinctly different from one another. Gender specific items differ in color and purpose. Submissive stuffed animals such as bunnies or teddy bears would be given to girls and masculine animals such as lions would be given to boys. If attending a baby and the sex of the child to be was known you would get a gender appropriate object. If one was having a boy, you would not purchase pink clothing and doll for these items are not associated with little boys. Items that are associated with boys are items are usually blue, green, or red. Stuffed animals that connect with this gender tend to be those which are dominant and strong. An example of this would be a stuffed animal lion. For little girls items that are usually pink or purple are popular with that specific gender. An example of an appropriate stuffed animal for a girl would be a more submissive object such as a doll or bunny.
Stages of Life
During childhood these gender specific items carry over. The colors are usually still the same and activities that children participate in are gender appropriate as well. During this stage of life children tend to mimic what their elders are doing who are the same gender. Boys will usually participate in activities that are more mechanical and hands on. They may participate in sports or play with cars or trains. For girls it is quite the opposite. They tend to be involved in more gender specific role that our society associates with women. Young girls may play dress up or house. These activities prepare them for future gender roles in which they will be categorized in.
Adolescence is a relatively new stage that was established in our society which revolves mainly around the changing individual. This particular group is going through the most changes both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Though the majority of their time will be spent in an educational facility, their focus will be on themselves and their friends. Throughout this stage of life, both males and females are trying to fit in at school and/or in society. Adolescent girls are very aware of their personal appearance. They have to have the right cloths, hair, make up, and friends. The media as well as their peers tell them what they should ware and what activities they should participate in. For many adolescent girls it is important to stay in the social loop whether it is their friends, family or the outside world. The internet and cell phones are their items of choice. Adolescent boys on the other hand may not necessarily care about the same items that are important to girls. They are more into getting down and dirty on the football field than hearing the latest school gossip. Many adolescent boys are involved with some sort of activity because being active is important to them. Out on the field or in the weight room it its all about who can hit the hardest or squat the most weight; this is how they try to prove their masculinity. It is always competition of who can be the fastest, strongest, smelliest, and the most hairy… its all about who can be the manliest.
Adulthood is the stage of life which is linked to the most responsibilities. During this stage, children leave their parents and begin their own families. While their parents may continue to be a large part of their life they are now the leaders of their own family; with worries such are money, communities, careers, and schools.
Old age is the latter stage of life. At this point it is most likely that all of their children have moved out and started families of their own. People in this stage are either in retirement or close to retirement focusing their energies on hobbies they did not have time for earlier in their lives. This could include spending time with their grandchildren knitting, fishing, traveling, and general relaxation.
mwalsh @ April 14, 2008
This site was created to share ideas sparked in a Keene State College course. Our goal is to express what students are interested in right now and what we are learning in the sociology proseminar. While reading and discussing Contexts, a publication from the American Sociologicial Association, we were invited to produce and publish our own peer-reviewed journal.
mwalsh @ April 10, 2008
Juno
By Maria Corey
The movie Juno was released in the winter of 2007 and was immediately a blockbuster hit. It was nominated for three academy awards and won best screenplay. There are other movies that involve pregnancy but nothing like this movie. Juno demonstrates the ups and downs of being a teenager and being pregnant by showing how hard it can be to give up something that you grew to love.
Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is a 16 year old girl who is best friends with Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Juno and Bleeker were in a band together and have the same struggles with school and family just like any other teenager, except Juno ended up getting pregnant. Juno was going to get an abortion but decided against it. Instead Juno finds a couple, Vanessa and Mark Loring (Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman) who have been looking to adopt a child for a while. What Juno didn’t know when she agreed to give them her baby, was that their marriage was falling apart and split up around the time that Juno was about to have her child. Juno did not know if she wanted to give her child to just one parent, but she did not have many options. Juno decided to still give her baby to Vanessa who was ready to have a child with or without a husband.
Being a teenager is tough enough without being pregnant. There are hormones raging and emotions aroused, everything is all over the place. Being in high school there are many stressors like passing a course, getting along with your peers, and possibly finding someone you love. All of these things happened to Juno because she was just an ordinary girl going through the stressors of high school. Having the added stressor of being pregnant was the only difference to Juno’s life at that moment. Juno did not react to her pregnancy like other teenagers have. Other pregnant teenagers may have dropped out of school or just let their grades slip which is something that should not happen because that is what all teenagers have to base their future career on.
Teenage pregnancy is becoming more and more common today and this movie shows how some teenagers don’t think their actions all the way through. Some teenagers think they are responsible enough to have a child but they just don’t realize how much trouble it can be. Juno was a smart child who knew she wasn’t ready to have a child and gave it to someone who was ready and wanted a child. Some teenagers don’t realize how much responsibility it is and how everything changes for them. High school dropout rates increase, poverty increases, all the problems that go along with being a single mom happens when you have a child when you are too young or not ready. Nothing like this happened for Juno but it is social problems like those that happens everyday to many teenagers in America.
Juno did everything that any teenager would normally do; the only difference was that she was pregnant. When she went to school, she acted like it was any other day. It was everyone else in the school that were more shocked by Juno being pregnant than Juno was. In high school everyone talks and everyone knows everyone’s business but Juno acted like it didn’t bother her. She had other things on her mind like trying to control her feelings for Bleeker and keeping up in school. Being a pregnant teenager should not be a normal thing but it is occurring more often nowadays, which is not necessarily good thing. Teenagers are not responsible enough to take care of a child. Teenage pregnancy can be changed by teaching about the consequences of young parenthood and letting them know it is a serious matter and should be thought about seriously before making a decision.
mwalsh @ April 10, 2008