Teen Mom OG: An Opinion

As the premiere of the 7^th season of Teen Mom OG quickly approaches, it seems there has been no hiatus to rumors and drama for the reality star mommas. It’s no great surprise that the primary drama surrounds Farrah and her “boyfriend” Simon and their egregious and immature attacks of the other show participants, but what is surprising is that MTV continues to provide Farrah a platform.

Through the last seven plus years, the lives of these four young women have unfolded on the reality series for the world to judge…or troll, as is often the case. However, when reasonable people consider what these ladies have been through and how far they’ve come, the personal growth and maturity – especially under the stinging heat of the spotlight – is no less than admirable and sometimes awe-inspiring. Amber, Catelynn and Maci have dealt with and overcome some seemingly insurmountable problems, including becoming adults when they were quite too young, anger management, depression and other mental illnesses, impulsivity, domestic violence, and childish impetuousness. 

I can’t help but feel grateful that all my youthful indiscretions and mistakes weren’t publicized for the world to see. It’s really not so hard to figure out why things went so very wrong for Farrah (and to realize how truly amazing the others really are!). Everyone loves to hate so-called “evil” characters on TV, but this is “reality” television and Farrah is not a fictional character. Her journey has been quite different than that of the others and many would say that her behavior is very deserving of the frustration and ire that she creates in viewers. Let’s face it, the girl is a downright nasty, wretched human being and she spreads her misery around liberally…and we hate her for it, but should we? In fact, shouldn’t we feel pity for Farrah…just as we’ll inevitably feel pity for the woman Sophia turns out to be because of how she’s being raised?

As disgusting, abusive and horrible as Farrah has been, I do feel pity for her and the sad life she clearly leads. While the other ladies are shown surrounded by friends and loving family, making happy memories, working to better themselves in meaningful ways and enjoying all that life has to offer, Farrah’s scenes are filled with outrageous fits, neighbors in place of any real friends, impersonal business dealings, and shameless attention seeking. In spite of rare moments of a slight connection with her daughter, the bond is seriously lacking and inconsistent, as evidenced by calling her daughter “stupid” and “selfish”. Love and affection is replaced by gifts and money, the teaching of hollow behaviors and values, and ridiculous and meaningless baby-talk. In one episode, Sophia applauds her mother for arguing with and insulting the neighbor over her own barking dogs. The most consistent thing that Farrah is modeling for Sophia is abusive conflict and anger. I just can’t imagine living with so much bitterness and anger, not to mention denial and delusion. At the heart of it all, whether Farrah admits it (or even recognizes it) or not, her life and her daughter’s life is disconnected from meaningful human connection and profoundly unhappy. It’s not funny, it’s not entertaining…it’s sad, it’s heartbreaking – for both of them.

That being said, I do not understand why MTV continues to follow her story. I suspect that they hoped they would get to film a miraculous transformation. After all, Amber’s story became pretty rocky in its own right and we’ve been able to witness her incredible growth. However, Farrah has not improved, at least not after editing, and at some point, they have to consider her impact as a role model to teens and young women. When do they draw the line and say “this is not going to change for the better”? I think now…and if you look at public response, many agree with me. Farrah’s story may someday have some true value, but that someday hasn’t yet arrived. Farrah deserves pity and wishes for a better future – if not for her, then for her daughter. But that doesn’t mean that her poor behavior should continue to be displayed on a show that means something to so many – including the young women who are trying to send a positive message. It’s time, MTV, to move on from Farrah’s story and to wish her luck…and hopefully to see her spend some time in an accredited treatment facility.