I know I just joined the group and this is a heavy topic. But I just felt the need to write about it. I was reading the latest Essence Magazine and they were featuring women and self-esteem in this issue. One of the articles that caught my attention was on teen pregnancy.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) released this stat: in 2007, 72% of all Black births were to single women, 29% to single, Caucasian women, and 51% to single, Latin women. I was startled by these numbers and especially hurt as a Black women.
I surely don't mean to offend any single mother. I have been one. Yet, I truly believe in 2 parent households. I cannot even begin to know all the different circumstances of the women in these statistics. However, it made me think about teen pregnancy. The article I was reading was really about educating our young daughters about valuing themselves so they make better choices than to have sex at a young age and even to wait until marriage.
As you get to know me, you'll find I have very conservative, Biblical convictions. And if you read my book, you know I did not start out that way. In fact, I have fallen into many negative statistics, expecially during my teen years; the one above to name a few.
Even though I may be conservative now, I am not unloving, unsympathic, or judgmental. I can relate to many things.
Earlier today I was telling a collegeaue that I have chosen not to be very political and I have no "causes" I rally behind. However, preventing teen pregnancy is definitley a cause I could rally behind.
The stat above really frightens me, as did what this article was addressing, the low self-esteem in our young women and how music, TV, and other influences affect their decision making.
I just needed to get that off my chest. I welcome any constructive thoughts you may have.
Ayesha LaNique
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