Targeting the adolescent male

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Abstract
The National Urban League regards too early parenting among adolescents as an issue requiring high level, active attention from all segments of the Black community. Poverty, single parent households and adolescent pregnancies are not exclusively female problems. The role that males play has been missing from too many studies of these phenomena. In light of the fact that most sexual activity is male initiated, and most sexual behavior is male influenced, it becomes clear that there will be no resolution of the problem of teenage pregnancy without directing greater attention to the male. The issue of male resonsibility is skirted too often due to parental pride on the part of mothers and fathers when their male children seek sexual relations with female partners. It is viewed as a sign that they are developing sexually within the norm. This is especially true, in many instances, in female headed households where the mother is concerned that she may not be providing her son with an adequate male role model. Sexual activity by female adolescents, however, is generally not condoned. This confusing double standard is further compounded by the disjointed fashion in which American society responds to adolescent sexuality on the whole. Although the home should be the focal point, many parents reluctantly admit an inability to communicate effectively about sex with their pre-adolescent children. Thus, the school, church, community and social agencies have all been enlisted in this task. The National Urban League's initiative in this area is expected to have significant impact on the course of adolescent sexuality and reproductive responsibility. It centers on the adolescent male and the key role he plays in adolescent pregnancy. One of the top ten Black advertising agencies in New York is working with the Urban League to develop a media campaign that will create in young Black males an awareness of their responsibilities in sexual relations and parenting. The National Urban League is committed to lending ongoing support and efforts at decreasing the incidence of unplanned adolescent pregnancies through education and motivational approaches aimed at all segments of the Black community. The Male Responsibility campaign is an example of the innovative approaches it is employing.