When I was Younger...

When I was younger and watching the Real World, things like this just didn't happen. And if they did, they were met with shock and disgust. Yet now, even in an age where we have become far more tolerant and accepting of others, such things are simply shrugged off.

I'm referring to last night's episode of the Real World:Back to New Orleans where Ryan called homosexual Preston a "fucking fa--t." Not just once either. Multiple times. Oh, and he said this in front of all the other roommates. The shocking part which I alluded to was that all the roommates, including Preston didn't get horribly offended and immediately confront Ryan about that. They just shrugged it off. Ryan has become so insane that his comments no longer illicit the common and appropriate reaction. This after only 4 episodes. Simply stunning. He has almost gotten too outrageous to the point where we are not shocked by his antics. Are we becoming numb to Ryan? I hope not. If he has a flaw as an entertaining character, it's that he brings on too much too fast.

What has become of this show? This started out as groundbreaking television in its dealings on race and sexuality. As recently as Real World: Hollywood, forms of racism and homophobia were subtle at best. We laudably have gotten to the point where someone being gay is not a big deal. But did we cross over so much that bigoted comments are glossed over and ignored? How can a show that seeks to bring issues of race, sexual orientation, and prejudices have a cast that doesn't understand the gravity of another's comments? Maybe I'm reading into this too much. After all, the general consensus in the house is that Ryan is incredibly insecure about his own sexuality, and lashing out at Preston for being gay is simply a thinly veiled show of his own hangups.

But it still was wrong what happened. Perhaps Preston should have made it a bigger deal. If he showed true hurt from being called that, his roommates may have adjusted their reaction accordingly. Regardless, they should know that saying that is offensive to everyone, not just homosexuals. How is Ryan going to understand the magnitude of his words if his roommates choose to ignore them?

We've clearly reached a new phase of the Real World. The first phase was the introduction of important social issues to the world of twenty somethings. They were legitimately real people who had varying viewpoints and conflicted on race and other social issues, but also lived normal boring lives. I would say this phase lasted up to Back to New York. The trend was starting to veer towards the next phase, dubbed the "Sex Phase." Beginning with Chicago, the plots were geared more towards hooking up. Sure it had always been a part of the show, but now it was taking center stage. Las Vegas was the clear changing of the guards. Alcohol became a prominent player along with sex. Debauchery was the name of the game for the next bunch of seasons. Eventually, the formula became stale, particularly due to boring casts. I like to name this phase "Missionary Sex Phase." The sex and alcohol was still there, but it was kind of dull. Like missionary sex can sometimes be. I thought Real World was trying to move to a more youth active, socially conscious phase which Washington D.C. But the ratings bombed and the producers followed with Back to New Orleans. I'm loving this season so far, and it gives me hope that the Real World that I loved back in the early 2000's (boy that is weird to say) is making a resurgence.

But if last nights episode is any indication, there is going to be a complete disregard for a social voice in the show. You can have African-Americans, homosexuals, foster kids, and eskimos and say you are addressing social issues in society, but until you have a cast that confronts bigotry along with getting wasted and being a twenty something, the show cannot be what it once was.

With that said, this season has been great. I still am a huge Ryan fan for entertainment purposes, only. He clearly is a douchebag, and if he is straight, a bigoted homophobe. Jemmye is awesome Last episode she through a drink on a girl, which only crazy girls do. I think she is more like JWoww now than Snookie. Knight has surprised everyone by turning in quality performances each episode, and Erick and Sahar are great role players. Preston has the potential to be great as he certainly causes a plethora of drama (I was seriously debating using the word "plethora" in this blog. It seems out of place to use big words for a blog about the Real World). Ashley sucks but there is always one shitty housemate. I can't wait for the 2nd part of the season as the real drama is just about to begin.