In the past decade, MTV has evolved from a network that aired mostly vapid shows that relate vaguely to music to one that tackles some of the most serious issues facing today’s youth. Often the focus of these programs are controversial in nature: we’ve seen specials on polyamory, cross-dressing, and body dysmorphic disorder. One of the networks most popular shows deals with teenage pregnancy.

But all of these topics seem tame and simple in comparison to the one they plan on looking at next. Recently we learned that MTV plans on airing a show that deals with teen abortion.

I for one have to applaud MTV for choosing to go ahead with a project that will inevitably elicit a lot of criticism. It’s important for teenagers to be faced with the reality of the situation: that people get abortions every day – in fact, 35% of women have an abortion at some point, but this issue is rarely discussed on television.

The special will be called No Easy Choice, which is telling. The assumption seems to be that women who choose to have abortions are quick to jump to that decision, but in reality, this choice is almost always a difficult and intensely painful one. This shows gives MTV a chance to show real girls what it’s really like. On the one hand, it may reach people who deem abortion as cruel and wrong (to our readers who are pro-life: I’m not suggesting that you should change your own beliefs, just that the show may present the issue in a way that makes you see others who choose to have abortions in a different way.) On the other hand, MTV has tremendous power to teach pro-choice women an important lesson: that even though abortion is an option, it is a tremendously difficult one, and that it is so important to be careful and safe. Read More »

The new season of Teen Mom premiers tonight at 10 PM on MTV and this CollegeCandy intern couldn’t be more excited. Not only do we get to find out if Amber’s havin’ another baby, but I had the chance to chat with everyone’s favorite mama, Maci. She filled me in on how her life has changed since she moved from Chattanooga, Bentley started talking up a storm, and even gave the CollegeCandy readers some invaluable dating advice. Oh, and she’s got a new man (who seems like a much better fit than her ex-fiance, Ryan). Yay, Maci!

Our convo is below, but if you want the really juicy deetz, you’ll just have to tune in tonight and find out for yourself!

CC: So, season 2! So exciting! What are you looking forward to most this season?

Maci: Honestly, to just kind of see and backtrack. After watching the first two seasons and reliving it I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve seen how I can do better… things that I’ve done wrong and things that I’ve done right. I’m interested in seeing what the other girls are up to because we don’t get to talk as much as normal friends! I want to see what’s going on in their lives too.

Do you guys keep in touch outside of the show or just at things like the reunion episodes?

No, I do talk to the girls on, like, a regular basis. A couple of times a month we check in with each other and see how things are going.

Which Teen Mom are you closest with?

Caitlin, probably.

How is your life different now that you’ve been a mom for over a year?

Oh my god, so different. Bentley’s big now so we can go play. Go to different parks and stuff. When he was little he really didn’t do anything but sleep but it’s been crazy. There’s something new every day. Read More »

Throughout the years, MTV has thrown some bizarre ideas for reality shows our way.  Some catch the attention of the nation while others fall through the cracks.  While watching MTV (daily) I find myself screaming at the TV, “WHAT is the point of this show??”  Entertainment value, usually.  That is if you can call watching guys pick a date based on the underwear a girl has in her drawer, entertainment. (Thanks, Room Raiders).  However, what about the shows that may have actually been created for a real reason?

Let’s rewind.  Teen Mom.  Yes, like most people, I am obsessed.  I am still trying to figure out what Catelynn has that I don’t (besides braces, a trailer, and a 1995 JCPenny homecoming dress) that makes Tyler choose HER over me.  SO unfair.  But back to my point: as I watched the finale of Teen Mom last week and gear up for tonight’s reunion episode with Dr. Drew, I’m really starting to wonder what MTV was trying to do with this show.

Was it for entertainment value? Sure, listening to Gary recite a definition of the word “empathy” during the finale was extremely entertaining, but teen pregnancy is a huge issue; is MTV trying to take a stance? Are they trying to educate teens about the horrors of teen pregnancy? Maybe trying to prevent it? You would think by airing this show, MTV could position themselves as advocates to prevent teen pregnancy and use the show as an education tool, while also providing entertainment.  Read More »

My favorite combination of four letters is finally here: TGIF.

Whether you were finishing up your first week of school, or applying for internships, this week was a productive one for all of us. And so was this month!  Is January really almost catapulting us into February?  The month was especially productive for the fist pumping guidos of Jersey Shore, as the cost per fist pump sky rocketed.  But while I’m not making bank eating pickles like Snooki, putting in a full week/almost month calls for a little Lady Gaga and a dance party. (Which we’ll all be getting at the Grammy’s on Sunday night!) After all, it’s the little things that count.

But first, let’s take a look back on the last w-to-the-eek:

- Speaking of applying for internships, we discovered some helpful resume building tips.

- But we gave a little helpful advice to keep “Star of  ‘Teen Mom’” off of it.

- We learned sometimes, ‘sexy time’ can go a little ‘awkward turtle’

- Brangelina break-up rumors circulated, and we were left…. with a smile on our face?

- Woah, I didn’t know this about Tim Tebow. Read More »