the secret life of an american teen

July 15, 2008

Last year, I read Chap Clark’s book HURT. The book is the result of an in depth study on the underworld of the American teen. Clark spent time hanging out on the front porch of the the secret life of some High Schoolers, who let him get to know them. The information is confirming and disturbing, but nothing that you don’t notice in the everyday life of youth ministry: Teens are forced (?) to have a real life and then also live the one that we see up here on the surface. Loving them seems to be the only remedy — something Jesusy like that. ABCFamily has produced a weekly show that kind of lets the viewer in on the same principle. I just watched the first episode of The Secret Life of the American Teen here and was equally moved by the honesty, but repelled by the stereotypes.

The main character discovers that she is pregnant after having been seduced by an oversexed upper classman (who was sexually abused by his father) at a school band camp. I’ve always heard about those. There is a Christian couple who suffer from clichè, but get fair treatment…until an apple messes everything up again. The amount of “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior” language boggles the mind. I actually couldn’t tell if it was a send off to Saved! or for real, but the kids can decide. Here’s the byline from ABC: “Good-girl band geek Amy is smart, talented…and pregnant. Super-Christian cheerleader Grace wants to wait until she’s married. As their secrets start to spread to the parents and to friends like bad-boy Ricky and wild-child Adrian, everyone’s secrets and stories start to come to the surface.”

If you are in youth ministry, you should watch at least this first episode. I can imagine that watching with some of your youth who are capable of having a conversation about it would be pretty enlightening/entertaining. I’m going to use this first episode when we get going in the Fall. The show is real, doesn’t pull the obvious punches, BUT smacks of clichè. But something, in this case, is better than nothing. I’m interested to see how this show does. Will teens want to watch a 7th Heaven version of their lives, or is the show geared more to shock parents into asking questions?

AND just because God is everywhere, catch this:
“The Cleaner” Premieres Tonight at 10PM ET/PT on A&E
Inspired by the true story of a real life “extreme interventionist,” A&E’s new series “The Cleaner” stars Benjamin Bratt as William Banks, a man who, after hitting rock-bottom from his own addictions after the birth of his daughter, strikes a tentative deal with God. In exchange for a second chance, he vows to kick his addictions and dedicate his life to helping others. Now, along with his unconventional team, he helps people get clean from their own addictions by any means necessary. Visit the official site, see the photos and get local listings for “The Cleaner”, premiering tonight at 10PM ET/PT on A&E.