The Real World, MTV’s longest running television program ever, is a reality show featuring seven strangers who auditi
on to live and work together for months. Similar to a documentary (accept far more commercialized and dramatic) cameras follow their every move. Real World essentials are: alcohol, sex, and seven strangers who love both. Without all three, the program would probably have lost its popularity a long time ago. Each season seems to grow more and more suggestive. However, the most fascinating thing about this show is its ability to produce celebrities out of ordinary, every day people.
A few weeks ago we read Joshua Gamson’s article about the “story of two stories.” In the article he explains two different scenarios in which someone may become famous. The first story narrates fame as being due
to talent and greatness. This individual gains popularity and a highly admired status by doing the extraordinary and displaying great talent. Gamson refers to this as “fame as greatness.” An example may be a popular country singer, such as Taylor Swift who became the youngest artist to ever win a CMA Entertainer of the Year Award.
Gamson’s other scenario refers to “fame as manufactured.” More recently in the last two decades this has become quite common in the pop culture industry. It seems that in the last five to eight years it has sky rocketed. In this scenario those who are “worthy and unworthy” are noticed and gain popularity. This would include those who may not actually have a specific talent but rise to fame for some other reason (such as being a single parent of eight children or having a family of twenty). Gamson refers to this as “manufactured fame.”
According to The Washington Post, nearly two million people watched the most recent premier of Real World (Real World: D.C.). As the season progresses, it gains more and more
viewers. It is without a doubt that this show is hit, so it comes as no surprise that contestants of the show rise to fame. Since 1992, when Real World was first aired, many of the contestants in different seasons have gotten gigs in the entertainment industry. Had they not been featured on show, most would most likely never have made it. They become celebrities simply from having a camera follow them from the bedroom to the bathroom to work. Many of the “Real World celebs” move on to become featured on other reality television shows such as Real World vs Road Rules Challenge, Uncovered, Celebrity Rehab, and more.
No longer do you need to have those stunning looks, an incredible voice, dance move, or athletic ability to be a celebrity in today’s society. Land a spot on MTV’s Real World or another reality show and you’ll get your celebrity status in no time. Although it may be short lived, at least you lived….right?
Below is a preview of Real World, D.C.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3FXq5z2Vsk
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