Sliming at Any Cost
There's no doubt that the media loves a juicy scandal -- especially when it involves a Republican. But what's really disgraceful is that the media is willing to stoop to such depths.
Every time Levi Johnson makes a television appearance and basks in what at least some teens will see as the spotlight of publicity, it legitimizes and normalizes behavior that is terrible -- not only for the young people involved, but for society as a whole. Every time Johnson or Palin goes on television, the message is transmitted, it sends the message, even inadvertantly, that what they've done represents just another acceptable (albeit drama-laden) "choice."
In a healthier society, Johnson (and Bristol Palin, for that matter) would be politely ignored -- not showered with media attention -- as a result of their behavior.