Jamie Lynn Spears... Get Out Of Here... No Way!
Jamie Lynn Spears, the 16-year-old sister of Britney, is pregnant.
I will gladly admit that, until this week, I knew nothing of this person. You see, I have never opted for cable or satellite television. I do not think I am a prude- I go to movies quite a bit. Last night, to continue our annual and strange Christmas evening tradition, my son and I went to see a movie. Alien Vs Predator Requiem. And if I want to write about something truly hideous, I could move past Jamie’s mom Lynne and share opinions about this very bad film. And, perhaps with another post I will.
I forego cable television so that, hopefully, I can limit the exposure of self and family to those like Lynne, Jamie, and Britney. Now, thanks to the CNN website, I know that Jamie is a cute little girl, unfortunately cursed to be the daughter of a media slut and sister to the real-life equivalent, and that she has a hit show on Nickelodeon. I know that particular channel. Whenever staying at a motel, I like to watch Twilight Zone reruns. And I understand that her impregnator is a 19-year-old. Hmmm… seems there are laws against that sort of thing.
Surely for most semi-normal parents, the pregnancy of a teenage daughter would be a great challenge. For me it was shattering, for a while. At least, one would not want the child interviewed in depth about the subject in entertainment magazines and television shows. A 16-year-old has just so much coping skill and probably very little wisdom to pass along. But, Lynne thinks differently. And I can see the future. Perhaps a reality show about teen pregnancy, along the lines of The Osborn’s (another cable delicacy I’ve never personally tasted) or The Hogan’s (I do like the Hulkster, and actually one time viewed an episode on the internet). Of course, it would star mommy dearest. There will be a new line of designer clothing for pregnant teenagers, including Lynne & Jamie’s Lingerie. And, mom’s book about parenting, currently on hiatus, will be published with an added chapter entitled Kevin Federline: He & Jamie Will Make A Good Pair. Yeck.
Here’s the quote of the year, from CNN Showbiz Tonight, concerning Jamie’s well-publicized pregnancy: “The world will never be the same.”
And, as you allow that ridiculous statement to soak into your television-saturated mind, I invite you to join across America (or, at least with the other 9 readers of this blog) with a little exercise. You do remember exercise? Reach behind the TV to rip the cable from the wall. If you have Satellite TV, take a pair of pliers from the new tool kit you received for Christmas, and spend some quality time with your child/grandchild/neighbor ’s kid in disassembly of the dish. Go to the store- Walmart if you must- and purchase a set of rabbit ears. They still sell them. Connect it to your television set. If you live anywhere remotely near a metro area, you will still be able to access about a dozen channels. You will get the major networks, and PBS. You will be able to spend more time with the family, and perhaps even do some exercise. And with time and counseling and prayer, perhaps you will forget all about the Spears family. That would be a good thing.
12.26.07 (10:37 am) [
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posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (8:03 am)
I like cable...well, I have a dish. Amongst the two hundred odd channels, there's usually SOMETHING on I can allow myself to watch if I'm so inclined, but it's true, I'd guess (Am I being fair here? Yes.) ninety percent of what's on when flipping through the channels either couldn't hold my attention for more than five seconds, or is something I'd not want to see in the first place. I do enjoy the food channel for the most part, and some of the home improvement stuff, but I mean really, how many times do you need to see how to tile a bathroom, or to install a wall switch to "get it?"
I didn't know Hulk Hogan even had a show.
Now my life is complete.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (8:14 am)
Reply to: surrogate
Anything involving The Hulkster is a good thing. Except steroids.
We have lived just fine without cable television. Of course, we were quite late in the game with cell phones. I think I was the last guy to have a beeper. And, we used dial-up internet until a few years ago. Also, I do like my leisure suits.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (9:02 am)
ahhh. Well, I do have the dish. And use it. The kids TV have just about everything blocked, but Nick is one they watch. I did have to talk to them. Thank you very much Jamie Lyn for taking away something precious from my children, innocence. But, that is the world we live in now.
And I? I would be LOST without my Nat Geo. LOL
posted by:
scubadiva (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (10:14 am)
Amusing side notes to this:
The mother of Brit & Jamie Lynn, aka Lynne Spears, has a 'parenting book' that was set to be released this spring, but it's not shelved indefinitely.
This stellar mom also pimped out her daughter for the initial cover story $$ and has signed another agreement for photo spreads when the kid is born for another million.
I hope that Nickeloden drops the show. Doesn't need to glorify her situation and make it seem cool. You would think considering the train wreck her sister's life is, that the younger one would learn from her mistakes. But a mother that lets a 15 year old (at the time) travel and cohabitate with her several years older bf is wrong wrong wrong.
The offspring of all these "Spears" kids will need serious therapy throughout their lives.
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (10:22 am)
I too hope Nick cancels her show. I don't think that teen pregnancy is yet a topic that just needs to be 'glossed over'--but who knows what the powers that be will decide to do? I think I might, just might, be able to save one little shred of respect for Lynn Spears if she'd force (and yes she can force her) Jamie Lynn to come home, help her through the pregnancy and try her very best to be a stable role model for the new Mother and child--but as the Pastor has already pointed out, Mrs. Spears seems to be even more concerned for her own 'celebrity' status.
Really just so, so sad a situation.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (12:45 pm)
Didn't the Hogans split up shortly after their show? Ditto for the Simpsons. It's not natural to have the intrusion of cameras into our daily lives.
posted by:
yellowsubmarine (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (12:51 pm)
i dont like to sound like i'm judging or anything but there's something really wrong with that family if the 16 year old daughter is pregnant, the eldest daughter seems incredibly lost and the mother is a media slut as you put it.
its so sad
i'm 21 this year and i'd be terrified if i were pregnant at her age and have to face the media like her.
posted by:
yellowsubmarine (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (12:52 pm)
i'm watching AVP2 tomorrow night and i'm not too sure about watching it now :P
posted by:
preceptlady (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (1:07 pm)
I don't watch TV either. People in my office are constantly amazed when I tell them I don't watch TV. You should see the shock on their faces. Kinda like a deer in headlights. There is enough bad news on the internet. Who needs to hear it on TV?
As for Brit and her little sister.....why do we have to keep hearing about their lives? If someone in our families were to become pregnant at age 16, would anyone care? Why can't they keep their personal life personal?
There is an old saying...........if you lay down with dogs...you get up with flees.
posted by:
preceptlady (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (1:07 pm)
Oh.....one more thing....ADORABLE grand daughter PD. Simply adorable.! :)
posted by:
inkspector (
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post date:
12.26.07 (1:11 pm)
Jaimie started out on Nick's All That, a teen variety show. She was cute and entertaining.
Then came her new show Zoey 101. She plays Zoey and it is all about her and her friends, and her younger brother and social dilemmas at a posh boarding school with ocean side views. The boarding school is unrealistically portrayed.
There are very few adults on the show who provide good sense and guidance to the children.
I thought that she had a nice little career going for her and did not expect to hear this sad news.
However, you do have to look at the social arena (including her area where she grew up) and is that the norm for that area? If so, she is just as normal as the other girls in town who are in the same situation.
The money they make certainly cannot buy happiness or a good life. "Life is what you make it so let's make it right" sings another teen idol Hannah Montana (Miley Cyrus) who I think is a better role model since family, religion, and morals are the core of her upbringing.
posted by:
inkspector (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (4:55 pm)
I was just reading a few stories about this.
1. Dr. Phil says that the Mom is a good Mom.
2. The Mom signed off on exclusive stories so that they had media control over what was being said, so, straight from the horses mouth, so to say.
3. Some people in their hometown are rallying to support them.
posted by:
emerging (
reply)
post date:
12.26.07 (6:54 pm)
Having been a "teen" mom (pregnant at 19), I can say my life was difficult. I felt the shame of being pregnant without a husband and all of the turmoil that ensued. All I can say is that it's difficult at any age if the impending birth of a child isn't a momentous and welcome occasion. I feel bad for both mother and child. How much worse it must be when you have the media hounds trailing after you! I hope that, through all of this, the poor girl is able to realize that life is precious, regardless of the circumstances. I also hope that she'll get the help and support that she'll undoubtedly need in the coming months and years.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (2:59 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
National Geographic? i think a subscription to the magazine will cost about the equivalent of a half month's cable bill. Oh well, you're hooked!
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:07 pm)
Reply to: scubadiva
So a mom desperately wants her kid(s) to make it big in Hollywood. To what extent is she willing to go, and how much compromise is she willing to make? The subject would make a good episode of Dr. Phil.
You've got to get your kid on camera. And, once the money is rolling in, you've got to keep your kid in the spotlight. As she becomes a bigger media star, she would most likely tend to seek greater independence. By now, she has become your cash cow, and she has powerful and persuasive people- adults- on her side. You come to the point that what is right for the public, and good for your child, ceases to be a matter of consideration. It's all about this maintenance and progress of this monster you have created. And "monster" is not an improper word!
I do not know enough details and truth about the situation to know precisely how this drama has played out. I feel sorry for the little girl. If it is true that mom allowed her daughter to cohabitate with an adult, when the kid was a minor, and she did so for the sake of dollars- then she behaved with moral bankruptcy.
How sad for all the little girls who admire this kid. And I think you have a good point- if somehow the media turns this around and makes it appear to be "cool"- then they do a disservice to parents and children all over the world.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:10 pm)
Reply to: FinalyFree
Alright, I'll give the mom some slack. Let's see if she behaves as you have suggested. It would be refreshing.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:12 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
How right you are.
What kind of person, with an ounce of sense, would allow a camera into his home for a television show? I guess if the family life is staged, then maybe.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:17 pm)
Reply to: yellowsubmarine
Go ahead and watch it- just try to get your ticket at a discount. We buy an Entertainment book every year from some kid at school. It provides discount coupons for Regal Cinemas. Thus, I was able to get my tickets for $6 apiece. This movie will not stay on the theatres for long, and will soon be relegated to Dollar Theatres, and eventually DVD. It is simple entertainment that gives a few good scares and requires little in the way of thinking. Escapism! One scene bothered me a bit- the monster attacked the hospital. You are shown a view of the hospital nursery, filled with newborn babies, crying. You know the monster is coming. What transpires is not shown, but it is obvious the babies are all killed. I think that particular part of the movie goes too far. Killing babies for the sake of entertainment?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:21 pm)
Reply to: preceptlady
Yes, Skylar is a beautiful little girl. She will be two on March 1.
I watch TV- all the CSI shows. I just don't subscribe to cable or satellite. I could afford it. It's an attempt to protect my family and even myself from so much trash out there on TV. More so, none of us need to watch more TV, and the huge variety of entertainment afforded us with cable would be too much of a temptation. So I stay away.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:25 pm)
Reply to: inkspector
Hannah Montana? She held a concert in Atlanta recently. It was sold out, and scalpers were making a fortune. When my girls were preteens, they like Britney Spears. Back then she was portrayed as a nice, virtuous, and sweet little girl. Pretty but not raunchy. I did not have too much of a problem with them listening to her music and putting her posters onto their walls. The creature she has morphed into now bears little resemblance.
I'll check out this Hannah Montana.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
12.27.07 (3:33 pm)
Reply to: emerging
My intent is not to disparage the teenage girl who gets pregnant. It happens. I don't want it to be encouraged and promoted through the media, and the teen idols. I appreciate that Jamie Lynn has chosen the more difficult route- to give birth- instead of what is easy and popular, an abortion. I hope her family and friends, and church if she is part of one, rally around her for support. I know Jesus looked at the woman caught in adultery and said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more." The second sentence deserves some consideration. Let's not make this thing worse by somehow glorifying teen pregnancy. I hope mom will not use this for financial gain, although it appears she is doing just that. I hope Jamie can continue a successful acting career- although I think it is time for her to move on to a different show and character.
Lots of teenaged girls get pregnant. Some learn, mature, and are even better because of the challenge. I'll bet you are one of these persons. Maybe Jamie Lynn will be, also.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
12.28.07 (5:51 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
uh. PD? Nat Geo is the channel. not the mag. and I am totally addicted. It features prgramming like Modern Marvels, Planet Earth, the Universe, and on and on. Pretty much what PBS used to have, without the liberal bias. LOL
posted by:
yellowsubmarine (
reply)
post date:
12.28.07 (9:51 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
ok i watched AVP2 (its being marketed as Alien vs Predator 2 here, no idea why) and i thought that scene was pretty disturbing too. i only saw your reply after i watched the movie, and i agree it was a little unnecesary to harm pregnant women and children for entertainment.
it wasnt too bad of a movie overall, fast paced and a no brainer. but not something i'd want to see again.
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
12.28.07 (10:36 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
Lets just not hold our breath on this one, it would be nice but I'm not expecting it to happen.
