Monday, December 9, 2019
Roles in the Management of Liquidity Risks â⬠MyAssignmenthelp.com
Question: Discuss about the Roles in the Management of Liquidity Risks. Answer: Introduction The increasing competition in all business sectors demands regular analysis of internal and external factors. It allows the organizations to develop better strategies to maintain its market position against competitors. Established in 1982, The National Australia Bank (NAB) holds the position of one of the largest Australian banks. Headquartered in Melbourne, the organization operates through 35,000 employees working across Australia and New Zealand in 1600 branches. At the end of 2016 financial year, the revenue generated by NAB was nearly AU $ 17.42 billion (Turner, 2016). For analysing the macro environment of NAB, a PESTLE will be conducted here. Any change in macro-environment factors directly affects the working of the organization, so the analysis is required at regular intervals. With the help of the PESTLE analysis, NAB will assess the factors those may affect the operations of the organization and also help in strategic development (Fu, Lin Molyneux, 2013). For any company operating in any country, it is very important to keep a regular check on the political factors of the country and the world as it affects the company drastically. NAB deals with all major countries, so political factors play a vital role in determining the profitability of the organization in certain market or country. NAB is a part of the four pillars of Australian banking sector capturing approximately 11% of the market share (Kao Peng, 2012). The Australian Government policy of four pillars prevents the mergers of banks together that acts as a challenge to capture more market or develop techniques for it. Along with it, the Rudd Government has an Innovation Agenda that aims to support innovative Australian businesses. This government policy allows the organization to develop new business models that help in the growth of bank's customer base also develop new revenue channels for the organization. Apart from these two main factors other general political factors t hat can affect the organization includes anti-trust laws those are related to the banking sector, taxation rates, mandatory employee benefits, wage laws, bureaucracy, and tariffs and trade regulations ("National Australia Bank Limited PESTEL / PEST Environment Analysis[Strategy]", 2018). Economic Factors The position of the Australian economy has been resilient to the Global Financial Crisis. It is expected that soon the economy will recover. Due to the economic crisis, the organization suffered a loss of 14% profit decrease. The report published by financial stability review shows that due to the global economic crisis the organization may bear the bad debts of 0.6% in the coming years. The organizations should develop policies that could help the stakeholders to keep their investment safe with the organization. This will bring further investment in the organization keeping it safe from the challenges of global economic crisis and economic changes of different countries where the organization is conducting business. The other macro-environment economic factors that can affect the working of NAB in the coming future includes the fluctuating currency rates, saving rates, inflation rate, interest rate, and foreign exchange rate. It is suggested that NAB should use the indicators of cou ntrys economic factors like growth rate and the forecast of consumer spending to develop policies to capture the market segmentation and also attain desired organizational goals (Ojo, 2010). The culture and societal values affect the organizational culture. The shared beliefs and attitudes of the people are very significant to understand that how the consumers targeted by NAB should be approached. The design of the marketing message that communicates the thinking of the company to the consumers is designed as per the banking industry consumers. If considered the Australian population then a major part of the population includes the people who are above 85 years of age. So, developing policies that include the retirement policies and investing aged care industry will help the bank to receive good returns on investment (Banerjee, 2011). The other major section of the population is the generation Y that belongs to the age-group of 18-24 years. This group is more likely to spend their time in caf's, bar or restaurants thus any investment on the businesses on related aspects will help in gaining better returns. Though, the lack of generation Y's interest in community help may affect the interest of the generation of the bank and dilute the NAB's value proposition. The other economic factors that could impact the working of NAB include the demographics and population skills level, society's class structure and hierarchy system, Education level of the population, entrepreneurial spirit and investment culture of the society, etc. (Guerrieri Welch, 2012). Technological Factors The technology factor acts as the disruption for all industries. The changing technologies and innovative techniques hired by competitors impact the methodology and working of the organization. Being one of the major banks of the country, it is very important that NAB management should be aware of innovative technologies entering the banking industry. Like online banking has become a household name. Using it effectively and efficiently will allow the company to achieve major benefits. Though, the technology use also brings challenges related to online frauds and hacking. There are many examples present across the world where the data related to the customers of major banks were hacked by the online hacker and then misused the information to conduct frauds (Marcelin Mathur, 2014). Technology also opens doors for various new business ideas to strike the market. The world is preferring the use of technology. Therefore, investing in ideas related to technology and innovation can provide NAB better investment returns and success in capturing the market segment of new investors and entrepreneurs. The other technological factors those could leave an impact on the organization includes technological development acquired by competitors, the impact of the technology on the product and service offerings, the increasing value of technology advancement, the impact of technology on the banking industry's cost structure and the rate of technology diffusion (Olszewski, 2012). The organization's profitability structure can be affected by the different norms of the environment by different countries. With the increase in the demand for environmental sustainability, the banking industry is also forced to adopt the methods those are sustainable for example paperless banking, applications, online banking system. Apart from it the environmental disasters and mishaps and laws and liabilities related to them also affect the way an industry operates. Before entering into any new business venture, it is important to analyse the environmental condition of the country. For example, in the USA major storms occurrence is quite frequent which affects the working of all businesses operating. Investing in such companies can be threatening for NAB. The other environmental factors those can leave an impact on the working NAB includes the climate change, regulations and laws related to environmental pollution, and air and water, Recycling procedures, waste management, go gre en policies, supporting sustainability and cost of following the environment related implications of the banking industry (Turner, 2016). Legal Factors Different countries have different rules and regulations regarding the banking industry and investment portfolios. Entering into business with any company or country it is very important to analyse the legal factors those can provide support to the organization or act as a hindrance to effective working. Different taxation system, interest rate, trade policies, wages, all these are some factors those are bound by specific laws of the government. The use of the digital platform by the banking industry has given rise to various laws, rules and regulations related to the consumer security and investment possibilities and other banking operations. NAB is dealing with many countries across the world which demands the knowledge of laws and other legal factors that could impact the working of the organization. Certain legal frameworks and laws that should always be focused on while developing business includes the anti-trust laws in the bank industry and what is followed across the world, e -commerce and consumer data protection laws, property and copyrights laws, discrimination laws, Employment laws, health and safety law, and minimum wage and other important laws that may affect the working of NAB (Kao Peng, 2012). Conclusion Changing business trends and environment demands regular analysis for conducting effective business and developing the competitive advantage of the organization. National Australia Bank is one of the major players in Australia's banking industry. The paper presented here conducted a PESTLE analysis which is the analysis of macro-environment that impacts the working an organization in a country. The analysis shows that there are the lot of factors that could act against the company's effective working but, with well-developed policies and correct investment structure the company can achieve the desired market segment. The Australian government uses NAB as an important organization in managing the banking functions of the country and customers also believes the organization. Thus, with the correct use of factors that could bring positive change to the organization the company can develop well and achieve better profits in the coming future. In the end, the conclusion of the paper shows that the working environment for NAB is favourable and with focused thinking and correct business policies the company can expand its business on a higher level. References Banerjee, S. (2011). Macro Prudential Supervision and the Financial Crisis of 2007: The Aegis of the Central Banks.SSRN Electronic Journal. Fu, M., Lin, Y., Molyneux, P. (2013). Bank Efficiency and Shareholder Value in Asia Pacific.SSRN Electronic Journal. Guerrieri, L., Welch, M. (2012). Can Macro Variables Used in Stress Testing Forecast the Performance of Banks?.SSRN Electronic Journal. Kao, K., Peng, C. (2012). Production efficiency, input price discrimination, and social welfare.Asia-Pacific Journal Of Accounting Economics,19(2), 227-237. Marcelin, I., Mathur, I. (2014). Financial development, institutions and banks.International Review Of Financial Analysis,31, 25-33. National Australia Bank (NAB) SWOT PESTLE Analysis - SWOT PESTLE.com. (2017).SWOT PESTLE.com. Retrieved 22 March 2018, from https://www.swotandpestle.com/national-australia-bank/ National Australia Bank Limited PESTEL / PEST Environment Analysis[Strategy]. (2018).Fern Fort University. Retrieved 22 March 2018, from https://fernfortuniversity.com/term-papers/pestel/nyse4/4214-national-australia-bank-limited.php Ojo, M. (2010). Redefining a Role for Central Banks: The Increased Importance of Central Banks Roles in the Management of Liquidity Risks and Macro Prudential Supervision in the Aftermath of the Financial Crisis.SSRN Electronic Journal. Olszewski, K. (2012). The Impact of Commercial Real Estate on the Financial Sector, Its Tracking by Central Banks and Some Recommendations for the Macro-Financial Stability Policy of Central Banks.SSRN Electronic Journal. Turner, S. (2016). The Use of Macro Legal Analysis in the Understanding and Development of Global Environmental Governance.Transnational Environmental Law,6(02), 237-257.
Monday, December 2, 2019
Robert Frost Essays (1753 words) - Robert Frost, Henry David Thoreau
Robert Frost Robert Frost is one of the few twentieth century poets to receive critical acclaim and popular acceptance (Magill 728). His simplistic style appeals to the novice and expert poetry reader alike. Robert Frosts understated emotional appeal attracts readers of all literary levels. Frost develops subtly stated emotions and a clever use of imagery in his poetry. Influences on his poetry include his family, work, and other life experiences (Oxford 267). Frost also works to develop iambic pentameter using simple language, in an attempt to effectively portray the New England lifestyle (Magill 723). Frost successfully blends classic poetry and a modern simplicity to create a new generation of poetry lovers. Frosts poetry is greatly influenced by his life experiences. To understand his poetry, it seems necessary to understand the man himself. Ironically enough, the famed New England poet is born on the West Coast and named for a Confederate general. Robert Lee Frost is born on March 26, 1874 in San Francisco. He is the first child of Isabelle and William Prescott Frost Jr. (Oxford 267). His father dies when he is eleven, prompting him to move to Lawrence, MA to live with his grandparents. Although he seems bright, young Frost dislikes academics and drops out of school in each of his first three years (Poirier). Frost eventually graduates second in his high school class and attends, and later teaches at prestigious colleges and universities, such as Dartmouth and Harvard (Oxford 269). However, unwilling to commit his life solely to academic pursuits, Frost seeks a simpler lifestyle, working at such jobs as bobbin boy at a mill, making shoes, editing, teaching, and farming (Oxford 267). Th is craftsmanship affects his writing. Frost seeks to put complex meaning into each of his poems, while each verse remains as simple and honest as an axe or hoe. Frost uses this simple writing style throughout his poetic career. Frost combines this unadorned style with an ability to blend common language with artistic expressions. Frost first learns the beauty of the straightforward, manner of speech from the rural people of New England: On his New Hampshire farm he discovered this in the character of a man with whom he used to drive along the country roads, (Braithewaite). His first books, A Boys Will and North of Boston, which reflect this discovery are published in 1914 and gain him instant status as a unique and talented poet (Braithewaite). Frost wrote these books after he had moved to England in 1912 to pursue a full time writing career and upon his return to America in 1915. He is pleasantly surprised to find his poetry gaining popularity among poetry readers. Many critics also delight in this promising young poet. Poetic scholars marvel at his exceptional ability to learn from the best English and American poets, while at the same time retaining his own identity (Braithewaite). Robert Frost studies poetry for years, practicing and refining his own style. He assumes the qualities of each poet that he enjoys most, and fuses them with his own (Braithewaite). For example, much of Frosts poetry is written in iambic pentameter. He attempts to listen to New Englanders naturally iambic rhythm and adopt it into his poetry (Magill 726). By using iambic pentameter, Frost shows that ordinary people can talk and argue within a medium that William Shakespeare and John Milton in the 16th and 17th Centuries had reserved for aristocrats and angels (Thompson 142). Such authors and poets as Shelley, Wordsworth, and Emerson also influence Frost (Blaithewaite). However, by far the most influential writer on Frosts is another famous New England naturalist, Hen ry David Thoreau (Denouden). Many critics have discussed the connection between Frost and Thoreau. Frost read Thoreaus Walden several times during the course of his life. The subject matter that each writer addresses often concerns Mother Nature. It cannot be denied that Frost and Thoreau are great admirers of Nature (Denouden). Each writer uses nature as a prevalent subject in his or her works. Frost and Thoreau share great optimism for nature in their writing, yet they are also aware of the complexity nature brings upon them. Frost and Thoreau both partake in nature in their lives and writings, and their works are filled
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Importance of saying No in Antigone Essays
Importance of saying No in Antigone Essays Importance of saying No in Antigone Paper Importance of saying No in Antigone Paper Essay Topic: Antigone In the play Antigone saying No is very significant. All the major characters did refuse to do something or the other all throughout the play. All the major characters like Antigone, Creon, and Ismene did say no a lot in this play. Saying no can be seen as a sign of stubbornness. All the characters said no as they had an obvious reason One of the most significant event in the book is when Ismene said no and decided not to help Antigone in burying Polynices. Ismene believed that women should not fight with men and she was also scared that Creon might kill them. This helps to bring about the character of Ismene in the book. She was seen as more of a girl type as compared to Antigone and she believed that men are the only one who dies for ideas and women should not. Ismene was in a state of confusion throughout the play. At first she refused to help Antigone in burying Polynices, and then she finally decided to join with Antigone, but she was already too late as Antigone rejected her company. Ismene tried to help and she conveyed to her that what she wanted to do was wrong, she tried to help Antigone but Antigone was too stubborn and didnt listen to Ismene. Ismene knew that if Antigone had done her deed she would be killed. Antigone was also the one that said no to almost everything. Antigone was a very strong headed girl and she was very focused and determined to bury her own brother Polynices. One of the most significant event was that when Antigone said no to the king and insisted on burying Polynices. She didnt follow the secular law, the law that the king uphold and followed. This brings out her character and also it helps in the plot development. This showed that Antigone believed that what she was doing was right. She had all the reasons to bury Polynices and she was not scared to face her own death. Antigone cant hate but love, this was one of the most important reason why she tried to bury Polynices. Although she knew that she was going to be killed but she believed that she owed it to him to give him a good burial. This was the reason in which Antigone was finally killed. I didnt say yes. I can say no to anything I say vile, and I dont have to count the cost. But because you said yes, all that you can do, for all your crown and your trappings, and your guards-all that your can do is to have me killed, this whole line shows that Antigone said no to all that was vile, King Creon didnt actually want to execute Antigone but he had to as it was his own rule that anyone that tries to bury the body of Polynices will be put to death. Another event which is significant is when Antigone said no to her nurse. Her nurse was like a mother to Antigone. She had been taking care of Antigone the whole time. She serves as a comfort for Antigone, I can hold your calloused hand, your hand that is so prompt to ward off evil, this line shows that Antigone needed her nurse and that she helps her to ward off all the evils. But then the nurse accused her of going out at night to meet a lover and Antigone didnt tell her the truth. Antigone was repeatedly asked what was wrong with her, but she never told her nurse the truth. Where is your pain, the nurse asked Antigone but she didnt reply and just replied nowhere. Antigone constantly said no to her nurse and didnt tell her what she had done. Then Antigone told her nurse to promise to take care of her dog. This event shows that Antigone knew that she was going to be killed, but then she was not afraid. She was very sure that whatever she has done was the right thing to do and she did not regret and was not sorry for whatever she has done. King Creon was also very persistent believed and couldnt say no to the law he has made. His tragic flaw was that he was self- righteous and he believed that the divine law can be replaced by the human law and he believed that every women like Antigone should be killed or put to death so there will be natural balance and that no woman can ever best a man. One of the most important conversation in the play was when Antigone said no to you, and die, then Creon replied by saying that it is very easy to say no(pg 51). This whole conversation shows the state of confusion that Creon and Antigone Is in and it also shows the grudge Antigone had. Saying no in the play Antigone is very significant in giving or revealing the character of each of the character and also it helps in the plot development. It also gives us an account of each of the character attitude towards life.
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Marketing Plan
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Marketing Plan A well-written, comprehensive marketing plan is the focal point of all business ventures because marketing describes how you plan to attract and retain customers. This is the most crucial aspect of a business. Having a marketing plan is essential to any successful business. In fact, it is the heart of the business and the basis from which all other operational and management plans are derived. Marketing can give inventors a wealth of information that, if applied correctly, can virtually ensure your success. Therefore, it is important that you, as a first-time business owner, develop a comprehensive, effective marketing plan. If you need assistance in accomplishing this task, contact your local SBA office. You can find them by looking through the local telephone directory under U.S. Government for the telephone number and address of the office nearest you. You can also get that information by going to the U.S. Small Business Administrations website and entering your zip code in the section local assistance.Ã An effective marketing plan will certainly boost your sales and increase your profit margins. You must be able to convince customers that you have the best product or service for them at the best possible price. If you cannot convince potential customers of this, then you are wasting your time and money. This is where the marketing plan comes into play, and this is why it is so important. There are numerous advantages you can extract from the marketplace if you know how. And the marketing plan is an excellent tool for identifying and developing strategies for putting these advantages to work. Business Advantages Identifies needs and wants of consumersDetermines demand for a productAids in the design of products that fulfill consumers needsOutlines measures for generating the cash for daily operations, to repay debts and to turn a profitIdentifies competitors and analyzes your products or firms competitive advantageIdentifies new product areasIdentifies new and/or potential customersAllows for testing to see if strategies are generating the desired results Business Disadvantages Identifies weaknesses in your business skillsCan lead to faulty marketing decisions if data isnt analyzed properlyCreates unrealistic financial projections if information isnt interpreted correctlyIdentifies weaknesses in your overall business plan Review Its always good to review what goes into a marketing plan. Write down what you can remember on a blank sheet and then compare it to this quick fact sheet. The marketing plan offers numerous advantages; however, as you can see, there can be drawbacks. Keep in mind that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks and you can always seek professional assistance when you are developing the marketing section of your business plan. It may be worth the investment.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
The Causes of Crime Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
The Causes of Crime - Term Paper Example à One of the well-known researches that applied the Sociological Theory was made by a French Sociologist named Emile Durkheim. He conducted a classic study of suicide, with an attempt to explain the difference between the sociological from psychological intentions of individuals. According to Durkheim, there are four main types of suicide: Egoistic suicide ââ¬â committed by people who do not feel attached to a group or community that commands their loyalty and participation, for example, foreign students in America who are away from their family and friends. Altruistic suicide ââ¬â committed by people who have excessive loyalty to his group than himself, for example, soldiers compared to the individual. Fatalistic suicide ââ¬â occurs when people believe that there is nothing they can do to alter their living conditions. Anomic suicide ââ¬â people depend on social guidelines to order their lives and they commit these suicides to have one consequence when rules of behavior are conflicting (Encyclopedia of Death and Dying, 2007). à à à à à In arriving at his conclusions, Durkheim identified few factors relating to the issue and applied theories one at a time to the data until they fitted. He concluded that ââ¬Å"suicide rate varied from group to groupâ⬠(Gelles and Levine, 1999, p.25). It means to say that there is no exact causal pattern for suicide and the tendency that people may or may not commit suicide depends upon the attributes of the group he belongs to. For example, Japanese soldiers were most likely to take their lives than other members of armed forces; ââ¬Å"unmarried people had much higher rates than married people didâ⬠(Schaefer, 2001, p. 11). Though Durkheim offered a more scientific explanation to the causes of suicides compared to other findings, his conclusions were still weak. A theory is not a final explanation of events, like human behavior. That is why sociologists continue to determine other factors that will explain why people commit suicide (summarized based f rom Shaefer, 2001, p.11; website reference containing closely similar facts at http://www.hewett.norfolk.sch.uk/CURRIC/soc/durkheim/durkw2.htm)
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Social media Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Social media - Research Paper Example Since social media is broad topic and contributes to our lives differently. From the uprisings and revolts seen in the Arab countries between 2010 and 2012, is correct to say that social media plays a role in uprisings. This paper shall seek to explain how social media sites and networks contribute to revolts and uprisings, what are the possible strategies that can be put into use to minimize the use of social media to propagate revolts and uprisings, and lastly, it will also examine if there is any link between access of social media sites with uprisings and revolts. The Arab Spring explained as the revolutionary wave of protests, civil wars, and demonstrations began taking place on 18 December 2010 in the Arab world (Merlini and Roy 67). These revolts were triggered by dissatisfaction in the manner in which the local government were ruling, human rights violations, extreme poverty, unemployment, political corruption, economic decline, and several other demographic structural factors. In conducting their demonstrations and protests, the youths used Twitter and Facebook to communicate to their fellow protesters in other cities, as well as the whole world. They formed Facebook pages which they used to communicate with other protesters (Beaumont). These pages gave them a platform to unite together as well as share their opinions and views on how the revolt was progressing. They also uploaded pictures of themselves demonstrating against the dictatorial regimes that they were against. These pictures informed the whole world what was happening in Egyp t and Libya. Additionally, the protesters also made Facebook and Twitter updates on the situation on the ground (Beaumont). This played an instrumental role since they could warn other protesters in other small towns of imminent attack by the government soldiers. BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) also assisted the rioters since it helped them send coded messages to plan attacks,
Sunday, November 17, 2019
Glmaorizing Teen Pregnancy Essay Example for Free
Glmaorizing Teen Pregnancy Essay Media, specifically television has taken the issue of teen pregnancy to a whole other level. The shows 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager document the lives of young teenage girls facing the issue of being a pregnant teenager. Originally created to show the controversial subject of teen pregnancy, all of these shows soon began to change. As the seasons continued in all three of these shows, the controversial subject of teen pregnancy soon became a glorifying concept. What was first viewed as just a fantasy is now becoming a reality for many teenagers. Viewers of these shows are now seeing that teen pregnancy isnââ¬â¢t all that bad; it may even be considered normal according to MTV and ABC Family. The ââ¬Å"teenage celebritiesâ⬠on these shows are making it through life just fine; portraying that anyone else can too. Yes, these teenagers may have faced hard times in the beginning, but at the end of the day, their lives are unrealistically viewed as ordinary. Both MTV and ABC Family depict the lifestyle of being a pregnant teenager to be somewhat glamorizing. The reality television show 16 and Pregnant was first aired on MTV on June 11, 2009. This show follows the stories of four pregnant teenage girls [Farrah, Maci, Amber and Catelynn] that are in high school dealing with the hardships of teenage pregnancy. ââ¬Å"Each episode follows a five to seven month period in the life of a teenager as she navigates the bumpy terrain of adolescence, growing pains, rebellion, and coming of age; all while dealing with being pregnantâ⬠(MTV. com). During the first few episodes of season one, the struggles of dealing with teenage pregnancy seemed difficult and nearly impossible. MTV portrayed each girl as if they were not going to make it through this crisis they were about to face, and their lives were soon coming to an end because being a pregnant teen was not acceptable. As the show continued and episodes passed, these so called ââ¬Å"hardshipsâ⬠, no longer seemed to be that difficult. With all the support from their families and/or boyfriends that they received, these teenage girls were able to get through this bump in the road pretty well. Not only did they get support from people they knew, they received the most of their support from MTV. While teenage pregnancy might have started out rough, becoming an MTV celebrity could not have been too bad. According to Arienne Thompson, author of ââ¬Å"16, Pregnant â⬠¦ and Famous: Teem Moms Are TVââ¬â¢s New Starsâ⬠, ââ¬Å"All four women are mainstays on USA TODAYs Celebrity Heat Index, which measures media exposure; Portwood [Amber] topped the list for October, beating out Angelina Jolie and Prince William. The moms are regularly on the covers of People and Us Weekly and have Facebook fan pages dedicated to themâ⬠(USA Today). Putting the stars of these reality shows on a magazine cover puts them in the same place as any other famous person. The message that is being sent out to girls is that if they get pregnant as a result of being sexually active, then they too can end up on TV or on a magazine cover. Being sixteen and pregnant may not be the most ideal lifestyle, but becoming more popular than an experienced, well-known actress at the age of sixteen is another story. Viewers of 16 and Pregnant now see that if they become pregnant at a young age, they also can have the chance to become famous alike Farrah, Maci, Amber and Catelynn did. MTV did not decide to stop there though. As if these girls were not famous enough, as a continuation of 16 and Pregnant, MTV aired Teen Mom on December 8, 2009, only six short months after the broadcast of 16 and Pregnant took place. This show takes the four teenagers from 16 and Pregnant, and documents their first few years of motherhood. Receiving more attention than before, MTV has millions of viewers watching Teen Mom each week, making these ââ¬Å"teenage celebritiesâ⬠even more famous. Teen Mom executive producer Morgan J. Freeman says, ââ¬Å"The concern for teens, however, is what else they may see in the show. While the Teen Mom stars have their share of struggles on the small screen each week, paparazzi shots and tabloid covers manage to rip them out of the context of MTV and place them in the realm of celebrityâ⬠(USA Today). Even celebrities agree that the characters on these shows are becoming too idolized. ââ¬Å"Kim Kardashian boldly states that ââ¬Å"It seems like shows like ââ¬ËTeen Momââ¬â¢ are all of a sudden making teen pregnancy look cool in the eyes of young girls. She even goes a step farther and says that the girls from the shows ââ¬Å"have become almost like celebrities, but girls these are not people you should idolize! â⬠â⬠(Jadebt13). Along with MTV, ABC Family decided to air a show following the life of a pregnant teenager. On, July 1, 2008, ABC Family aired the show, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which became the networkââ¬â¢s most watched series in the 12-34 demographic (McKay 1). This show follows the character Amy Jergen through her pregnant life, and also through her life of being a mother. In the first season, Amy realizes that she has become pregnant, and does not know how to tell her friends or family. This season shows the struggles that Amy faces while being pregnant, but as the season comes to an end, life become simpler to Amy. The Secret Life of the American Teenagers glamorizes her teen pregnancy by having the schools marching band play their instruments as Amy first returns back to school after finding out that she has become pregnant [which is a little unrealistic]. Not only does this event take place, but also Amyââ¬â¢s boyfriend, which is not the father of her soon to be son, proposes the idea of getting married and helping her take care of the baby. At the start of the second season, Amy has her baby boy, named John. With the birth of John everything soon turned into a fairytale ending, and her life completely turned around; her boyfriend problems fall into place, and she started to receive support from her family, friends and community. This season sent out the message to its viewers that if you become pregnant as a teenager, you will have support from surrounding people, when that is not always the case. In conclusion, television is glamorizing the lifestyle of pregnant teenagers. The shows 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager all have different story lines to them, but in the end, they all show that some good can come out of being a pregnant teen. 6 and Pregnant and Teen Mom are both reality television shows that idolize the glamour of being pregnant by the publicizing these girls not only on MTV, but also in outside sources such as magazines. The Secret Life of the American Teenager on the other hand, is a scripted television show that depicts teen pregnancy as being a joy, fun, and simple by showing how great life can be having a baby at such a young age. Both MTV and ABC Family chose to air similar concept shows around the same time period that glamorized teen pregnancy when r ealistic having a baby in your teen years is not ideal, nor a pleasure.
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