Posted 9/4/2008

BRISTOL PALIN AND A NATION WITHOUT PITY

Kirk Douglas starred in a 1961 picture called Town Without Pity.

It was a story of a young village girl in West Germany who was raped by four American soldiers who then faced the death penalty. But the defense attorney played by Kirk Douglas was ruthless, malicious and vicious in turning the trial – and the whole village – against the innocent girl. In the end, she was destroyed by the ridicule and contempt expressed by the whole town.

Now that ugly movie plays again. Bristol Palin is the innocent victim. The vicious press is Kirk Douglas. And we may be the repulsive townspeople enjoying the spectacle.

Everyone who wishes to seek advantage in Bristol's troubles ought first to see that movie. Look carefully into the faces of the townsfolk and see if you do not see yourselves.

Bristol Palin is not alone.

In 2006, more than 435,000 babies were born to girls between the ages of 15 and 19, and the number will undoubtedly increase when 2007 data is released.

Why is this happening?

The media and Hollywood are out in front making light of single-motherhood. At one time, mothers-to-be clothed themselves in fashions probably designed by reclusive monks. But now everyone lets pregnancy hang out boldly – in tight-fitting tops or in nothing at all.

A very pregnant Demi Moore was featured on the cover of Vanity Fair. Angelina Jolie prances about proudly displaying her kids without any intention of marrying their father, Brad Pitt. People Magazine regularly features glamorously pregnant single actresses. These are the celebrities kids look up to. How can girls worry too much about getting pregnant when all the celebrities look so happy?

And of course there is the alternative of abortion. Somewhere between 55% and 60% of unwanted pregnancies are aborted. With all the political fervor generated by Roe v. Wade, how can even the most sheltered teenaged girl not be aware of the abortion opportunity?

What is increasingly a sign of changing times is the fact that some fashion companies and designers are now targeting pregnant teens as a potentially lucrative niche market. The average teen girl is pretty narcissistic. Fear of losing her looks, her figure or her glamour used to be major deterrents to getting pregnant. But if the fashion and cosmetic industries make pregnancy look glamorous, another barrier will have been breached.

The feminists have championed single motherhood, claiming that mothers can raise children successfully without a man around. Although research overwhelmingly indicates children turn out better if there is a male in the family, feminists persist in championing single motherhood. With divorce rates high, and fewer and fewer women marrying, the feminists are carrying the day in the court of public opinion.

Add it all up, and single motherhood – including pregnant teens – is here to stay and grow.

So let's get over our artificial judge mentality and remember the Golden Rule:

Do unto Bristol Palin as you would have others do unto you in the same situation.

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