16 & Pregnanthas been a cultural phenomenon sincethe reality seriesdebuted on MTV in 2009.
But where did this concept come from?
Certainly, being a young mother wasn’t a foreign idea.
Image via MTV
It was something that had plagued minds as something “bad.”
Only the series was smart to drop “sweet” since its depiction was anything but.
There wasCarol, Jackie, Debbie, Renee, andDenise.
Image via Youtube
“Im so sick of him thinkin that hes entitled to everything.”
Even Kellerman, in her narration, provides certain statements that still resonate today.
Others provide a shock.
‘Sweet 16 and Pregnant’ Is Different Yet Similar
The film does provide a range of experiences.
And the cameras capture some of these difficult moments.
It suffers through its own controversies about whether the purpose of the film is meant to inform or scare.
As one mother parrots her boyfriend’s words, “It’s like a baby having a baby.”
Through today’s lens, it would be to earn those viral views and clickbait articles.
“Many have criticized the seriesfor its inaccuracies about its representation of teenage mothers.
Whatever the reason the MTV series was pitched, the clear similarities between the 1981 documentary should be acknowledged.
16 & Pregnantis available to stream on Paramount+.
