Bristol Palin: Don't Get Pregnant Unless You're Privileged Like Me

by Roxann MtJoy · 2010-04-08 08:00:00 UTC
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Bristol Palin, teen mom daughter of former Alaska Governor and current FOX News contributor Sarah Palin, recently filmed a PSA on behalf of the conservative Candie's Foundation. In the ad, which will run in May as part of National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month, Bristol warns not against the hardships facing all teenage mothers, just the ones that aren't rich and famous like her.

Appearing next to her son Tripp, Bristol asks viewers, "What if I didn't come from a famous family? What if I didn't have all their support? What if I didn't have all these opportunities? Believe me, it wouldn't be pretty." Subtext: But since I am famous and privileged, it is pretty darn pretty. Got that, kids? Non-rich, non-famous teens should abstain from sex because the consequences wouldn't look nearly as good on them as they do their wealthier counterparts.

Just so we're clear, I have no problem warning teenagers about the very real consequences of having sex, especially unprotected sex. But that message goes for all teens, not just Average Joes and Janes. While having money certainly can help pay for the financial burden associated with teen pregnancy, it doesn't do a thing to cover the emotional and psychological costs. To suggest that there are a different set of standards for the privileged is classist and wrong.

Roxann MtJoy is a freelance writer who previously worked as a case manager at a domestic violence shelter. She is currently attending graduate school for theater in Mount Vernon, N.Y.
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