For Real, Yo

Okay, I hate to admit this, but, I watch The Real World. I have watched every season and keep coming back for more, though this season, (what is it now, like season 17?) I was ready to give up when Paula kept hogging the spotlight with her manic drunken flip-outs.

I love it because it is such an interesting glimpse at people. (Okay, okay, the people are ten years younger than me, but STILL!) Even though each cast member comes into the house a type, and there is editing, and they are partying so hard half the time that it's hard to really relate to them at all, I feel like once in awhile, the audience is exposed to their complexities as people. They might be "The Alcoholic" but they can still surprise you and you can find yourself understanding them somehow. Sometimes.

And, sometimes,they can be hard to understand, and REALLY ANNOYING.

The character that bugs me the most in Key West's season, is Janelle. The other day she said the DUMBEST thing. And I think I am mad at her because she was fighting with Jose, Jose, who is total Switzerland, friendly, squared-away in my mind. She was calling him insecure, and actually said this: "Personally, if you were to ask me why did he do that I just feel like he's using his insecurities as an escapegoat for my SECurity." How is that for rich, people? I am by no means an intellectual or a snob. She just really revealed her own stupidity in using the word, "ESCAPEGOAT." I would not delight in her mistake as much if she had an ounce of humility (a trait I admire) or carried herself like any human 20-something who farts or falls down. It's that she seems HIGH ON HER HORSE, very DIVA-like. And as much as I want to give her a chance and ride it out, be surprised by something redeeming about her, I'm not sure it's going to happen. What could be more real than that?

Comments

toddderrick said…
First, it's important for you to know that I LOVE that you're still catching the Real World!! Yes, it's true! Occasionally, I see it as I flip channels, think to stop, but instead of seizing it as you have, I realize that I'm balding and don't want to be reminded that I am 10+ years on these hamburgers and squirrels!! So, I love that you're watching it... and I trust you can fill me in on the significant seasons I've missed!!