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Should “Zoey 101” be shelved because star Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant?

Andrea Cornell Sarvady, a left-leaning columnist, writes the commentary this week and Shaunti Feldhahn, a right-leaning columnist, responds.

Commentary

By Andrea Cornell Sarvady

In case you were visiting Mars over the holidays, let me catch you up: Jamie Lynn Spears, sister of tabloid-fave Britney and the 16 year old star of “Zoey 101” just added to Center for Disease Control statistics showing teen pregnancy on the rise after a fourteen year downturn. A pregnant underage star? No wonder some parents are demanding that the already completed fourth season of her show, due to premiere in February, be shelved.

Nickelodeon may have no choice but to scrap the final season, though it’s a shame—bright and unpretentious, Zoey is a great character, even if her real-life counterpart has fallen far. In either case, the news is everywhere, forcing parents to have tough conversations with their tweens, whose disappointment echoes that felt by sports fans when baseball’s steroid scandal broke.

In addition to an awkward sex talk, a lesson in differentiating between private and public personas is equally valuable here. As parents we need to ask ourselves: have we encouraged our kids to infuse celebrity with more credibility than it deserves?

Underplayed in the recent Hannah Montana concert crisis: after online brokers cruelly snatched up vast amounts of seats, many parents opted to pay exorbitant prices rather than disappoint their Hannah acolyte. Previous generations of parents merely rolled their eyes at pop star obsessions—why is ours trying so hard to join the fan club?

Jamie Lynn’s pregnancy is a trainwreck, even if her own mother prefers to treat it as a public event, selling her story to a tabloid for a million dollars. Distressing to be sure, but nothing many of us haven’t grown to expect from Hollywood—and nothing girls raised with other dreams will want to emulate. After her initial shock, my own eleven-year-old quipped, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the sister, does it?”

On the hunt for a role model who won’t transform into the butt of a cynical joke? Try looking in the mirror. If we convey enough enthusiasm for our own lives, maybe our children won’t need to worship images as carefully constructed as movie sets—and just as false.

Rebuttal

By Shaunti Feldhahn

Kids will view entertainers as role models whether we want them to or not. And in this case, Jamie Lynn Spears’ show was purposely designed to create a good role model. It is massively popular among 9 to 14-year-olds, and pre-teens and teens around the country talked about little but her pregnancy in the days after it was announced. So like it or not, Nickelodeon’s choice for the show will have a defining impact.

The entire point of Zoey 101 was to show a decent girl confronting real-life situations and largely making good choices — and seeing the consequences when she and others don’t. If Nickelodeon now chooses to keep the show, tens of millions of kids will absorb the biggest lesson of all: A role model can make a terrible choice to have underage sex, end up pregnant, and life will go on as normal — nothing will really change. In other words: in real life, there aren’t consequences after all. What a recipe for instilling cynicism in this entire watching generation!

It’s already difficult to help kids understand that single parenthood changes everything when actresses like Nicole Ritchie purposefully choose it. The average teen doesn’t grasp that non-millionaire single parents have a complete change in life expectations - and often endure struggle, exhaustion and poverty.

Nickelodeon is reportedly considering a response special on love and sex, but that is not enough. The studio should keep the same compassionate tone with which they’ve responded to the Spears family, but they must shelve Zoey 101 and tell millions of watching kids why prioritizing the right message is worth the financial loss. And it would bring such good out of a bad situation if Jamie Lynn herself would be the message-bearer - if she would look into the camera and tell her audience that she’d made a life-changing mistake and was accepting the consequences.

Nickelodeon’s website says it is, “the most-watched television network by kids in the United States… [and its] ‘kids first’ philosophy is the key element to its business successes.” In this difficult situation, the only real way to be “kids first” is to ask Jamie Lynn to publicly step aside as a role model.

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By lovelyliz

December 30, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this

With the exception of Nickelodeon’s big hit shows, there isn’t that muuh that interests the tweenies, just ask my 11 year old niece who doesn’t care for most of it.

Whether the network pulls Zoey 101 is up to them and probaby dependent on the ratings. Let the parents decide whether to let their kids watch. Let the kids decide if they want to watch and let the network decide the fate of this programming.

By concerned mom

December 30, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

When we went back to school this year there were two visibly pregnant girls in my daughters school. One was in sixth grade the other in eigth. The other day, during lunch, the eigth grade child shows up and the front office allows her and her mother to go to the lunchroom, where her class is, and show off the baby. The teachers all took turns fawning over and holding this baby. One teacher actually told her she did good. What kind of example is this to the other children? If this was to be allowed at all it should have been after school when the other students were gone.

By Denise Noe

December 30, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this

Should Jamie Lynn Spears have aborted her pregnancy? She might have done so before word got out. Perhaps if she had done that, there would be no question about continuing her television program. We walk a fine line here. We want to discourage adolescent boys and girls from engaging in partnered sex and we want to discourage adolescent girls from getting pregnant but we have to be careful not to actively encourage abortion.

By Kari

December 30, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this

tsk,tsk, The Spears girls should be more careful, A few yrs. apart in ur childrens ages is more helpful in the long-run, My kids happen to be 9 yrs. apart, sure they argue…however,we don’t have to pay a ‘sitter, and in a few yrs. our son will be off to either College, a job, or hopefully both! Our daughter is still at the age where she’d like us around her (except when at school) But, we look foreward to traveling & leisure time as we approach or 40’s…that’s not old! Sorry 4 ramblin’ Tryin’ 2 B a good Mom, Kari

By Kaitlyn

December 30, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

will there be more Zoey 101 after the movie on Jan. 4 2008 because she is pregnant?

By Rick

December 30, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Who cares? The more we discuss Jamie Lynn and the older train wreck, known as Britney, the longer we keep them in the spotlight. Stop talking about them and they will quickly fade from our collective minds and we can move onto more important topics like the upcoming presidential elections and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Forgot about those did you? We need to get our priorities in order and stop talking about the stuff that truly, in the grand scheme of life, doesnt matter (like Britney and Jamie Lynn)!

By hannah

December 30, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

zozy 101 should come back whne jamie is not prenet i love that show. if zozy 101 does not come back paple a going to be really made.

By Responsible Mother

December 30, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

I agree…the whole thing with Jamie Lynn is a HUGE trainwreck ! This fiasco sends all kinds of wrong messages to our young & impressionable daughters and sons!

Even my 9 yr old daughter came home from school saying “Mommy guess what? Zoey 101 is going to have a baby…that is so cool” and “She will have to take a little break from Nickelodeon when her tummy gets big, but she can come back on the show & bring her baby with her”. Needless to say this resulted in a hour conversation about all of the many reasons it is NOT cool and that it is NEVER okay for a child/teen to have a baby even if they do get married, because it not only goes against the bible, but can be very dangerous to her health.

I am so disgusted with both of the Spears girls ! As if Britany wasn’t doing a bang up job enough with her life & children…..then 16yr old Jamie Lynn shows our children that not only is having “PREMARITAL” sex cool, but that having “UNPROTECTED” sex is cool too. Her mother better pray that her daughter’s unplanned pregnancy is all that she gets from this and that she doesn’t end up with some kind of STD.

By pogo

December 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

The only thing I have to add to this disappointing topic: Why do we talk about the trash in Hollyweird. Out of curiousity I watched that TMZ show where there was a segment showing papparazzi (sp?) chasing the elder Spears (who obviously wanted the attention). It was a pathetic show.

IF WE STOP WATCHING and READING this trash the paparrazi will go away. If I was famous and had to content with those idiots chasing me to get photos to sell to the papers, etc., then I WOULD BE CRAZY, TOO.

Let’s get some priorities in order. Entertainment news has become just as trashy as those tabs in the grocery store checkouts. PLEASE, PEOPLE, STOP BUYING AND DIGESTING THIS CRAP!

LOOK AROUND THE WORLD THERE ARE WAY TOO MANY THINGS THAT ARE FAR MORE SERIOUS AND DEMAND OUR ATTENTION. Hollywood is not entertainment anymore. It’s pure trash.

By Brian

December 30, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

Goodbye Zoey 101. You made your choice of irresponsibility and now I will make the responsible choice. Your outa’ here!

By Responsible Grandparent

December 30, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

I totally agree. I refuse to let my grandchildren watch this program after Jamie Lynn Spears appears to following in her trashy sister’s footsteps. Ugh!

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December 30, 2007 12:49 PM | Link to this

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By deana

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I think Jamie Spears should not continue her role on Zoey 101. The problem with all this media, TV programs and Actors/Actress behavior is it is telling kids you get rewarded for bad decisions. In the real world this is not true. Most kids watching see the worse your behavior the more attention and rewards. The problem is no matter how much I talk to my child if she see this everywhere around her I sorta seem outdated. However, most kids who get pregnant at a young age don’t have nannies lots of money. Most of theses kids will end up on welfare, some have children taken away, not finish school and even worse.

By ayoungmom

December 30, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

ALL RIGHT I FEEL THIS WAY I’M 23 YRS. OLD I NOTICE ALOT OF TEENAGERS HAVING BABIES SOME FOR OLDER MEN WHAT DO THEY SEE IN HAVING SEX WITH AN OLDER MAN IN THEIR 40’S NOW IN ZOEY CASE SHE IS A ROLE MODEL TRUE BUT SO AM I TO MY YOUNGER FAMLY MEMBERS BUT THAT DID NOT STOP ME FROM LIVING MY LIFE. I THINK THAT ZOEY IS NOT A BAD PERSON FOR HAVIN A BABY BUT THE THING IS I THINK SHES JUST SETTIN A BAD EXAMPLE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW IN HER SHOES THE APPLE MAY HAVE NOT FELL FAR FROM THE TREE BUT COME ON GIVE THE POOR KID A BREAK SHE MIGHT BE A BETTER MOMMMY THAT BRITNEY WE CAN ONLY WISH HER LUCK AND THE BEST AND THE THING ABOUT SCHOOL AND THE STUDENT BRING THEIR CHILD TO SCHOOL WAS WRONG A BABY HAS NO PLACE AT SCHOOL, AND ITS CRAZY TO BRING A NEWBORN TO A SCHOOL DO THEY REALIZE HOW MANY GREMS GO IN AND OUT OF THAT SCHOOL EVERY DAY COME ON KIDS GET A CLUE UNDER STAND THE DANGERS OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR SURROUNDINGS HOW DAMM DUMB YOU GOTTA BE TO KNOW THAT ANYTHING THAT A NEWBORN CATCHES CAN HURT THEY BAD. I MEAN HOW MANY OF THESE KIDS HAVING KIDS KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A REAL BABY THEY NEED TO NOT THINK IT A BABY DOLL OR A CHECK FROM THE GOVERMENT CASUE IT’S COSTING PEOPLE LOTS OF MONEY TO TAKE CARE OF THESE KIDS FOR YOUNG ADULTS. I MEAN DO YALL PARENTS TAKE CARE OF THESE KIDS WHILE YOU TRY TO FINISH SCHOOL OR DO YOU JUST DROP OUT THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE WORLD TODAY IS TO MANY DRUGS AND SEX LEAD UP TO THINGS LIKE THIS, THE INFANT BIRTH DEATH RATE IS HIGH BUT THE MAIN REASON IS BECAUSE MOTHERS DON’T CARE ABOUT HOW THEIR YOUNG DAUGHTER IS RAZING A KID THAT THEY FEEL THEIR CHILD SHAMED THEM BUT THAT NOT THE THING THE PARENTS PUSH THEIR KIDS IN TO MANY DIFFERENT THINGS EITHER ITS SPORTS OR CHEERLEADING SOME PARENTS NEED TO GET A CLUE TOO JUST CAUSE YOUR KID IS A STAR IN YOUR EYES WHAT ABOUT WHEN THEY ARE AWAY FROM YOUR VIEW THEY DRINK AND SMOKE AND DO ANYTHING THEY CAN TO FEEL THAT EMPTY HOLE INSIDE AND WHEN THAT HAPPENS THINGS LIKE BABIES FOLLOW SO PLEASE PARENTS KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS AND KNOW THEY ARE SAFE AND NOT BREAKING THE LAW AND SO THINGS LIKE JAMIE (ZOEY)’S LIFE STYLE DON’T HAPPEN TO THEM ALSO YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A STAR TO MAKE A NAME FOR YOUR SELF OR HAVE A BABY,ITS HOW YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE EVERYDAY AND YOUNG ADULTS PLEASE BE CAREFUL JUST CAUSE THAT CUTE GUY /GIRL SAYS THEY LOVES YOU DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU NEED TO SLEEP WITH THEM AND AND CARRY AN CHILD ON YOU SIDE FOR YEARS TO COME. DO THE RIGHT THING WRAP IT UP OR DON’T JUST DO IT,AND NO MEANS NO OK.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

By Someone

December 30, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

There is no reason for Nickelodeon to take Zoey 101 off the air. ZOEY is still a good role model that children can continue to watch and look up to. Jamie Lynn made a mistake, but she seems to be accepting responsibility for it. Children need to understand the difference between the television character and real life - the television character is still a good, wholesome teen with good values and a good head on her shoulders.

And by the way, a new episode of Zoey 101 airs next Friday.

By Natalie

December 30, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

I believe everybody needs to lay off this girl. I’m sure everyone that has posted something on this board has at some point in time in their life messed up. You may not have got caught but you know when you were wrong. I had a beautiful little girl when I was seventeen who in no manner was ever a mistake. A little unexpected and a little sooner than what I would have liked but all children are a blessing and should be treated as one. I think Nick should simply put her on vacation when the time is right and allow her to then come back. After all, most mothers out there in the world do have a job now.

By Wayne

December 30, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

Whether or not Nick chooses to kill off the Zoey show will have a direct impact on whether or not my children are allowed to watch Nick any longer. I will be the adult here even if Nick chooses not to.

By Heathen

December 30, 2007 2:22 PM | Link to this

You people only complaining about the fact that she’s not married (oh NO! THE BIBLE! God will smite us all) make me sick. Stop being so whiny about terrible role models and your religious response and BE YOUR OWN ROLE MODEL to your child. And leave God out of this.

By Heathen

December 30, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

You people only complaining about the fact that she’s not married (oh NO! THE BIBLE! God will smite us all) make me sick. Stop being so whiny about terrible role models and your religious response and BE YOUR OWN ROLE MODEL to your child. And leave God out of this.

By Rene smith

December 30, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

There should be no question…The show should be cancelled.

Children can only see through a childs eye.

I have five children and I should not have to explain to them why Jamie Lynn should have not been having pre-marital sex.

Jamie Lynn is not the role model I want for my children.

By Rene S.

December 30, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

There is no question that the show should be taken off the air.

Children can only see through a child’s eye.

I have five children, and I should not have to be explaining to them why Jamie Lynn should not be having pre-marital sex.

Zoey 101 will be cancelled in my home.

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By f(x) = 36x^2

December 30, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this

The person in question is an actress not a role model. Her personal life is absolutely none of your business. How dare any of you suggest that someone should lose her job because of someting involving her personal life. It is illegal to fire someone because they become pregnant, yet that is exactly what you are demanding. What a bunch of sanctimonious prats.

Here’s a very simple solution: If you don’t want your child watching this show, then stop them from watching them. Use the Parental Block feature available on almost every cable box (Nickelodeon is a cable channel, I believe…) and encourage all of your friends who are also parents to do the same.

If enough parents feel like you do, then revenues will fall off and Nickelodeon may make the decision to cancel said programing.

This way, the market will decide whether or not the show survives, not hystrionic parents who think they somehow deserve to demand the cancellation of a program because they have abdicated their parenting responsibilities and let a television character become their children’s “role model”.

By Rebecca

December 30, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

It is an unfortunate event that happened to Ms. Jamie Spears. Yet it is an opportunity to show the “real” world to those who think that every problem can be solved in under 30 mins. Why not use this to enhance what happens when one has umprotected, unplanned sex. All the kids on Zoey 101 are old enough to know about sex. Why not incorporate it into the show. There are MANY ways to do this tastefully and yet get a message across that problems cannot always be solved in a half hour show. I feel saddened that Ms. Jamie Spears will have to take abuse, and criticism from the media and her peers. All I can say is that I hope all those who hassle her have PERFECT lives. Good Luck, Rebecca

By Medical_girl

December 30, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this

When are we going to teach our children problems can’t just be swept under the rug and ignored? Ending Zoey 101 would be like sweeping the problem under the rug. As creative as the writers have been, this is the perfect chance for them to earn their money by coming up with a storeyline which shows the consequences of bad choices that are permanent. Our children are much smarter than we ever were at their age. It’s time we treated them that way and explained the choice she made of having premarital sex was not only a bad one, but will effect her for the rest of her life. Even Zoey had to grow up and as children grow up they make choices in their lives that will effect others as well.

They can shoot episodes around her, have Zoey off doing charity work in some foreign country, shoot above the belly, there are creative ways to work around the pregnancy, but it needs to be addressed in the show at some point, and would be a perfect story about life consequences. Parents that’s have a problem with it can keep their children from watching Zoey 101, but use it as a learning experience in real life, as it is.

By momofasevenyearoldfan

December 30, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

My daughter and I love the show. Nick shouldn’t cancel the show, but do like British tv shows do and either spin off with another girl on the show or replace her with another actress. Afterall she doesn’t match her demographic anymore and she’s a mother now. This would be a lesson to our girls not to worship the actresses. The show can continue with a new Zoey. That would definitely show the power of consequence.

By f(x) = 36x^2

December 30, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

The show can continue with a new Zoey. That would definitely show the power of consequence.

Again - which part of “It is illegal to fire someone from her job for being pregnant” do you not understand?

By assaisen

December 30, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

hey come on people lay off the kid, gezz. just because one kid gose out and gets knocked up dosent mean that every kid is too. i am 14 and im know that thats wrong . kids make our own dissinsions in life, restricking what we whatch wont make anything better or worse. its how we are raised that makes a difrance,

By esa

December 30, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

By all means, lets further stigmatize teenagers for doing what teenagers do. Only by adding huge amounts of shame and derision to an already difficult situation can we expect children to make an incredibly difficult decision.

I long for the day when abortions will decline sharply because people with unplanned pregnancies stop listening to the mindless condemnation from the religious right and feeling ashamed of themselves and instead make an informed decision without carrying the the self-hatred others seek to promote.

By Aubrey George

December 30, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

PLEASE NO dont cancel zoey 101!!! PLEASE DONT just wait till she has the baby. i know she made a mistake and she is definatly NOT turnin into brittney give the girl a freakin BREAK it was an accident - SHe said it herself it was that jerk casey who tricked her hes made other women prego earlyer this year CUT HER A BREAK plaese!

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By Gale

December 31, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

I think people should turn off the TV and read. I cannot even read some of the posts because the grammar and spelling is so bad. At best, this is a discussion opportunity for parents to discuss age-appropriate sex with children. 10 and 11 is not too soon to talk about sex with children, and it is a terrible age for them to find out the hard way.

By Monica

December 31, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

F(x),

While it may be illegal to fire someone for being pregnant, in some jobs, it is legal to fire someone for immoral behavior. The “Sprout” channel (formerly PBS kids) fired one of their stars because they discovered that she was also doing porn on the side.

Also, they could still provide some sort of job for Jamie Lynn, just not the star of a “wholesome” program.

Natalie, yes, I have made mistakes. I feel for the girl. I was terrified when I had a baby at 30; I can’t imagine having a baby at 16. On a large scale, getting pregnant at an unmarried 16 is not the worst thing that someone could do! However, there are consequences for every decision that we make. What better way to illustrate that to tween America than by cancelling or recasting someone in a show because of making decisions?

By Archie

December 31, 2007 10:26 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Zoey 101 should be shelved but the role played by Ms Spears should be recast. I do think the Spears’ family has been unfairly treated by the media, however, the Spears’ family has made some big mistakes and all people have to deal with the consequences of their personal mistakes.

By Jeff

December 31, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

In regards to ‘teenagers doing what teenagers do’:

My dog will chew my clothes if they are left on the floor. Does that mean that I don’t both punish the dog when it happens as well as generally try to keep my clothes off the floor?

Punishment is generally not 100% effective. Neither is prevention. But a combination of both has been SHOWN to produce the best results.

By kimberly

December 31, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

Who the heck cares? If your child is so ga-ga over a Nickelodeon character that you can’t direct her attention and interest to more meaningful things, you’re not trying very hard. The world around us is filled with examples of good, bad, and not-so-smart. As with everything your child observes, there is a lesson in there somewhere. Share it and move on.

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By NetBanker

December 31, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Well said, Kimberly! That pretty much expresses my opinion.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. Be safe tonight and Happy New Year to all!

By NetBanker

December 31, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Now here’s a topic I’d love to see our columnists discuss the ethics/morality of:

‘Wombs for rent’: The latest job outsourcing to India

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/stories/2007/12/31/outsourcedwombs1231.html?cxntnid=amn123107e

By Amber

December 31, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this

You Should NOT Cancel Her Show Just Because She Got PREGNANT Her Mother Lynne Spears Should NOT Have Let Casey Sleep Over It’s Not All Jamie’s Fault Casey N Lynne Are Both To Blame So PLEASE DONT Cancel Her Show Me and My Lil Sis Love Her Show

By chuck

December 31, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this

Happy New Year!!

Of course the show should be cancelled. Nickleodean ADVERTISES the show as good and wholesome entertainment for young girls and pushes Zoie as a role model. They should cancel the show, retool it with a new actress, and bring it back next year. I agree with fx to a degree that the market should decide it so I sent an email to the network and to advertisers of the network. If they get enough of those the show will disappear and hopefully put us all out of the Spears family misery.

BTW, I hope mother and baby are well. The best thing she could do is put the baby up for adoption.

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By f(x) = 36x^2

January 1, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

While it may be illegal to fire someone for being pregnant, in some jobs, it is legal to fire someone for immoral behavior. The “Sprout” channel (formerly PBS kids) fired one of their stars because they discovered that she was also doing porn on the side.

As this smacked of internet hyperbolic hysteria, I felt compelled to do a little research. As I thought, the actress in question, one Melanie Martinez, was not fired for “doing porn”. She has never done “porn”. She was fired because she appeared in two satirical PSA’s spoofing abstinence-only sex education. After her release, PBS’s ombudsman criticized the decision on the grounds that it impinged on freedom of expression.

Second, it is not legal to fire someone for behaving immorally unless there is a clause in the contract that specifies what behaviors are not acceptable. And while it’s entirely possible that there IS a morals clause in Jamie Lynn Spears’s contract, I suspect the network would be on very shaky legal grounds attempting to invoke it because of something already protected by federal employment law.

By RF

January 1, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

One of the reports I watched said the network already has the next season filmed anyway, so I doubt there’ll be any issue at least for the next four months. After that, I suspect the network will probably throw out some rumors about firing her and wait for the public response to decide.

Kimberly makes the best point. If your child is THAT absorbed in a television character, you need to think about how your life and your child’s life is structured and turn off the idiot box. Parents are still the best role models and I hope this situation will prompt some parents to spend more time with their teenagers talking seriously about sex and its consequences.

And what about the ,ahem, dare I say the word, father? We need to be getting him on the interviews and asking why he didn’t choose to use protection!!! I wouldn’t mind seeing my teenager read an article about him and his bad choices!

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By The Other Jack

January 1, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Interesting conversation.

Kids are absorbed in TV. It makes no difference how many people on this forum demand that actresses and/or personalities not be considered role models. They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

She is now a 16 year old Mom. Her life will never be the same. But she is a very wealthy 16 year old. She will have the child and then pay a personal trainer to get her back in shape and will be able to afford total and complete care for her child. Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

But children all over the country will associate themselves with her. They will see this beautiful baby and the mother quickly slimmed down and will identify with that. So an unmarried 16 year old can have a baby and see how well she has recovered and see how well the child is cared for and ISN”T IT CUTE!!!!

So wouldn’t it be great to have a little baby like that? If the truth were known, I wonder how many illegitimate and uncared for children will result from this? In my opinion, even one is too many.

Oh yea, as far as children not being able to tell the difference between actors and the characters they play: Most adults still believe what politicians tell them before an election. Talk about gullible!!

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By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer? It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

By JokesOn

January 2, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Other than the pain of childbirth and the sickness associated with pregnancy, she will have no consequences for her actions.

That is a pretty inaccurate statement if one looks to her sister as a benchmark. There have been plenty of consequences for britany’s bad choices and she has tons more dollars than little sis.

I somehow doubt that anyone needs to implement unnatural consequences given reality has a way of working that out on its own; not to mention the cockiness of being others judges.

Kids are absorbed in TV. It makes no difference how many people on this forum demand that actresses and/or personalities not be considered role models. They are role models for many kids, no matter whether anyone likes it or not.

That may be true for those that let the TV raise their kids, but not for those that have an active role in their child’s lives. Your blanket statement is stating that parents have no control over their kids perception of value, reality and morals.

By JustAThought

January 2, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Why can’t the writers of Zoey 101 write this pregnancy into later scripts, with the Spear’s character on Skid-Row(not the band), with a child, lamenting I should have had that abortion after all?.

Or at least lamenting the lack of Safe Sex sex? (Should have made him wear that condom).

This could be turned into such an educational experience for the show’s characters.

But I think I will pass on the Spears Girls’ Mom’s Parenting Book.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this

By f(x) = 36x^2

Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?

Please try your best to comprehend my entire post. What I am saying is that this wealthy television star will not suffer the consequences that many of her fans would surely be subjected to by following her example.

It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

My own personal sense of morality? Can you please try to answer my post without preaching at me?

Try to consider: when a 16 year old American girl becomes pregnant by a man (boy) that she is not married to, there are normally huge consequences. Her life will never be the same. What 16 year old girl do you know that would rather care for a child 24/7 than participate in the normal high school events that all her friends would be participating in?

I sincerely hope that you are not saying that the normal and healthy growth process of a teen aged girl should include having a child at the halfway point in her teen life.

The girl’s consequences have nothing to do with religion, morality or anything that I would wish or want. I has to do with 3 AM feedings and baby setters to finally give the poor girl a break.

It has to do with another very demanding mouth to feed, disposable diapers, and a baby raising a baby. It has to do with ending many of the hopes and dreams that this girl has wanted but will now, never be able to achieve.

These are not consequences that I would wish on anyone. Why would you? It is obvious that you support the “barefoot and pregnant” mantra that hasn’t been popular since the 1930s. Step into the 21st century and join the rest of us.

If the idea of Morality bothers you so much, please refrain from preaching just a few minutes to consider that there are reasons other than morality why 16 year old children should not be having babies.

You need to get over your morality paranoia. I didn’t say a word about it, but you are so obsessed with preaching at anyone who might even mention the word that you are willing to accuse me of basing my post on the subject when I didn’t even mention it.

Lighten up, man.

By Jack

January 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

What a fantastic subject the ladies have selected this week. BFD. Haven’t other actresses been pregnant and still filmed until near the end of their term, a la “King Of Queens”

Hope everyone had a good New Year and may 2008 be better than 2007.

Love & kisses to all the ladies.

By rock1998

January 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

I think it’s very sad and wrong about having pregnantcy so young.the world is just about money now.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

JokesOn

That is a pretty inaccurate statement if one looks to her sister as a benchmark. There have been plenty of consequences for britany’s bad choices and she has tons more dollars than little sis.

LOL. Not exactly. Brittany was actually married to Kevin Federline when she had her first child. She was also 25 years old. I know this because I took the 30 seconds to go to Wikipedia. The consequences she has suffered have had much more to do with drug abuse and alcohol addition.

I somehow doubt that anyone needs to implement unnatural consequences given reality has a way of working that out on its own; not to mention the cockiness of being others judges.

As I said in the last post, please try to get past your penchant to preach and consider that there are actually real and dire consequences when children have children. Those consequences have nothing to do with what I want or believe or anything written in any religious text.

That may be true for those that let the TV raise their kids, but not for those that have an active role in their child’s lives. Your blanket statement is stating that parents have no control over their kids perception of value, reality and morals.

My “blanket statement” stated a fact. Are you actually saying that all parents have control over their kids? I hope you are not saying that there are no parents that use TV as an instant baby setter.

Again, I understand that you REALLY want to preach and judge others for preaching or judging others. I have seen you twist things I say into all sorts of contortions to try and claim that I am judging anyone. I find it comical, sad and sort of disturbing.

I didn’t invent children and I didn’t invent 3AM feedings. I didn’t invent Pampers or paying for them. I didn’t invent the responsibility of caring for an infant. Again, get past the preaching and try your level best to actually address the issues I am discussing.

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Really, TOJ? Really? From a few sentences, the theme of which was basically “We shouldn’t punish expectant teen mothers because their lives are already difficult enough as it is”, you conclude that I am not only in favor of teenage pregnancy, but that I also believe that all women should be barefoot and pregnant? Really?

I have to know - are you this irrational and hystrionic in real life as you are on this blog?

By Jack

January 2, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

If she were to have the big “A” (and that should be her choice) would the show still be canceled since Mommy Dearest spilled the beans for money?

They canceled Dog because he used the “N” word in a private conversation with his son who also sold the info for money.

Sad state of affairs when you are sold out by your immediate family because of money.

By John in Tampa, FLA

January 2, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this

Forget canceling Spears…someone needs to cancel Korent!!!

By NetBanker

January 2, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

Nickleodean ADVERTISES the show as good and wholesome entertainment for young girls and pushes Zoie as a role model. Based on this comment and a few others what this really seems to be coming down to is that too many teens and people are unable to distinguish between the lives of thesbians and the characters they play. Zoey IS a role model while Jamie Lynn Spears is not. What I’m ‘hearing’ is people suggesting that the valuable or viable lessons from Zoey in the 4th season of the show (already filmed) will be completely negated by the actress’s personal actions off camera.

The other comment I have read mutliple times is that they had unprotected sex. Has this been confirmed by Jamie Lynn or whats-his-name or are all y’all just assuming? I honestly don’t know because this story has zero meaning in my personal life, but I would be interested to know if the condemnation for unprotected sex (which I do agree is stupid) is warranted or not.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Really, TOJ?

Yes.

Really?

Yes, really.

From a few sentences, the theme of which was basically “We shouldn’t punish expectant teen mothers because their lives are already difficult enough as it is”,

Wow. That’s what you got out of:
What I am saying is that this wealthy television star will not suffer the consequences that many of her fans would surely be subjected to by following her example.

I don’t know exactly what to say about that. I’m sorry I didn’t respond how you wanted me to respond.

you conclude that I am not only in favor of teenage pregnancy, but that I also believe that all women should be barefoot and pregnant?

Teen pregnancy is exactly “barefoot and pregnant”. You wrote this: It is not illegal for a teen mother to have a baby, is it? Are you suggesting that there be “consequences” imposed on someone you don’t know simply because of your personal sense of morality?

Maybe it’s me, but that appeared to only address the question of morality, (a subject that I had not even addressed), and ignore all the other consequences other than the legal aspects of children having children. Again, sorry I’m just not giving you the answers you want.

Really?

Yes, really.

I have to know - are you this irrational and hystrionic in real life as you are on this blog?

And of course my obvious question to you, are you this judgmental and evasive in real life as you are on this blog? You might also notice that I spelled judgmental and evasive correctly. Histrionic doesn’t have a “y” in it. Don’t use the big words if you can’t spell them.

(Just having fun here. LOL Again, lighten up. It’s a New Year)

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

John in Tampa, FLA

Forget canceling Spears…someone needs to cancel Korent!!!

Amen brother, say it again!

It’s more like Low rent. (lorent)

By f(x) = 36x^2

January 2, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Ah, pointing out spelling mistakes - the last refuge of internet blowhards.

Actually, TOJ, what I said as well was “Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?”

I’m fairly certain that “other than now being a mother” encompasses all of those difficulties from being a teenage single mother that you mentioned. You seemed to imply that there should be additional consequences other than those, hence my question to you.

The only point you’ve managed to convey is the patently obvious observation that it’s easier for single mothers with money to be single mothers than it is for those without it. Do you have an opinion on the actual topic, or would you rather just continue to rant about how deliberately misunderstood you are?

I’m guessing the latter, but hey - like you said, it’s a New Year. Maybe you’ll surprise us all.

By HeeHaw

January 2, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

I’m guessing the latter, but hey - like you said, it’s a New Year. Maybe you’ll surprise us all.

Well, I am not banking on it. But feel free to be Optimistic.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Jack

That whole “Dog” show was pretty creepy. It was like “Trailer Trash Makes Big - The Movie”. Hearing him use the “N” word was certainly no surprise. And his spawn being so slimy as to destroy his own father’s career, just to “get at him.” It was like a bad movie. You expected everything to happen that happened.

I watched it a couple of times, just because I am crazy about Hawaii. That show should have been shot in lower Alabama or something, but never in Hawaii.

By The Other Jack

January 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

f(x) = 36x^2

Ah, pointing out spelling mistakes - the last refuge of internet blowhards.

LOL. Hey Pal. You gotta lighten up. This is supposed to be fun. Do you let life bother you this much? I’ll bet you can create some un-Godly road rage when you really apply yourself.

Actually, TOJ, what I said as well was “Pray tell, what “consequences”, other than now being a mother, do you think she should suffer?”

That isn’t what you wrote at all,