Shunned - Without a Map

It is interesting how the stigma of a teen pregnancy has changed.  Meredith tries her best to hide her pregnancy from her friends, family, and community as a whole, in fear of being judged and shunned (which is what happened).  For instance, she gets expelled from school, coming home with a green note saying so.  At school before getting expelled, she does not shower after gym for a month, in fear that her friends would notice that she was pregnant.  Their reaction when she finally told them, was simply them being silent anad walking away from her.  Her parents came to the decision that the baby would immediately be given up for adoption.  People around town would become silent and would whisper when they would see Meredith walk by.  One person even had the audacity to ask if Meredith got "knocked up".  Although people today still have a certain degree of judgement when it comes to teen pregnancy, it is much more accepted and respected.  People are more apt to help and be more supportive of the stressful situation.  For instance, it is encouraged that teen mothers finish high school instead of dropping out.  Friends and family nowadays are more apt to listen to what the mother wants for herself, instead of making decisions for her.  Also, they are usually more understanding, wanting to help instead of shying away.