Random Ramblings

Ok, I admit it ...

I used to watch MTV's Real World pretty religiously. Even up through last year, I'd watch it if it was on, although I didn't really care if I missed it. I guess I'm just an eternal optimist, but l was kinda hoping that this year would start off with something else -- instead, I see YET ANOTHER bar-room altercation leading to punches, people in jail, and this time, someone apparently with a fractured skull. Sounds just like last year, and the year before that, and ... Oh, and of course, there is the standard mix of stereotypes within the cast.

It seems to me there is an open opportunity for someone to come in and re-do The Real World, but to actually make it worthwhile television. Mixing up people of different races, cultures, backrounds, nationalities, etc., is a very worthwhile thing. For many of us who have gone off to college, this kind of interaction probably led to some of the biggest lessons we learned our freshman year -- everyone is NOT like us; stereotypes rarely fit (although somehow they DO seem to fit on The Real World); there is value in diversity. Good stuff! And all of that could easily be shown through a Real World kind of program. If done properly, it could lead viewers to examine their own preconceptions and views of other people -- again, good stuff!

Instead, we get alcohol poisoning, bar-room brawls, hot-tub parties leading to one-night stands, and really strange concepts of relationships -- not just cheating on the boy/girlfriend back home but actually expecting him/her to not blow up when they find out about it.

Like I said, it seems to me there is an open opportunity for someone to come in and re-do it. Unfortunately, given the crap the networks are currently putting out, they clearly wouldn't touch it without adding more sex and drama to it. That leaves it to some religious/cable channel, which means no one would actually watch it.

Oh well. Maybe next year?