Are the girls from “Teen Mom” celebrities?

This entry is reposted from Tara’s blog, The Young Mommy Life.

I gave my two cents about MTV’s “16 & Pregnant” back in April, but I haven’t written about Teen Mom in a while. But now it seems unavoidable, because everytime I go to the grocery store I see this:

And this:

And this:

All I want to know is: When did these moms become celebrities? I mean, on a basic level, I get it. They are celebrities in the same way that Snooki is a celebrity and the same way that NeNe is a celebrity. If you star in a reality show in 2010 (on MTV no less) you can’t very well expect public interest in your life to stop once the cameras stop rolling. (Ask Kate Gosselin.)

But where is this interest coming from? Are viewers genuinely interested in these moms as people? Are they interested (like I am) in accurate depictions about the realities of teenage motherhood?

Or, I fear, are they just interested in what they assume will be a slow, entertaining train wreck? Does the show just reinforce all the stereotypes people have about teen (young) moms? Let’s run down the list:

• Of the four moms featured on Teen Mom, only one couple is still together and they are the couple that gave their daughter up for adoption.
• Of the three remaining moms, they are either in combative relationships (Maci and Amber) or the dad is deceased (Farrah).
• None of the moms have a solid financial situation and their educational pursuits are always seemingly in flux.

All in all, the situation ain’t too rosy for the kids involved. There are always fights, things are constantly changing which means no stability for the babies, and the support systems are non-existent. Oh my.

So is this show supposed to be entertaining or educational? I feel like MTV pushes it for its entertainment value but is it really entertaining? Or is it simply real life?

Those arguments the moms have with their child’s father? I’ve said those exact words. The loneliness you feel when you’re an 18-year-old with the responsibilities of someone twice your age? I’ve been there.

I don’t object to the show being on the air but I do question the message it sends, whether intentional or not. Putting them on the cover of the tabloids, making them quasi-celebrities, giving people even more access to their lives? Having their business – see the “I’m broke!” cover above – broadcast to millions upon millions? Is this wise? Will they regret their involvement as the spotlight burns brighter and the kids get older? Or will they begin to crave the recognition?

It frustrates me that I don’t have an answer to these questions. I want to see these girls do well, live happy lives and provide the best opportunities for their kids? Is a reality show necessary for that? I don’t know.