MTV reality shows come to L.B.
By Wes Woods II
Summer Forty-Niner
Alcohol, substance
abuse, studying abroad, AIDS/HIV and volunteerism brought 17 cast members
from two of MTV's most popular shows, "The Real World" and "Road Rules"
to Cal State Long Beach last Monday night.
A diverse crowd of
approximately 500 packed the University Student Union Multi-Purpose Rooms
and watched the MTV cast members from "The Real World-Hawaii," "Road Rules-Latin
America" and "Road Rules-Semester at Sea" break into groups to give personal
experiences about the topics.
Video clips from
both shows, which highlighted topics such as alcoholism, gave an in-depth
look at the cast members personal involvement with the topic. The presentation
intergrates the cast members experiences and the topics they discussed.
After the presentation,
the cast members took questions from audience members.
The presentation
is part of a nationwide college tour, which was put together by series
creator Mary-Ellis Bunim and partner Jonathan Murray. The group's company,
Bunim-Murray Productions, joined with the Points of Light Foundation and
the Kaiser Foundation to help the MTV group gather information and statistics
the topics and assist them with their speaking methods.
"(The presentation)
is not designed to air (on MTV)," said series co-creator Jonathan Murray.
"It's to show other universities (to promote the group for future endeavors)."
Ruthie, who participated
in "The Real World-Hawaii," said she had two reasons to take part in the
presentations: "To use my influence to touch people in what I believe in
and give people the real, real story (behind the series)."
Cast members Amaya,
Kaia, Ruthie, Colin, Matt and Teck from the "The Real World-Hawaii," Sarah,
Josh, Brian, Abe, Holly and Gladys from "Road Rules-Latin America" and
Ayanna, Veronica, Yes, Pawel, Pua and Shawn from "Road Rules-Semester
at Sea" all participated in the event.
Justin, a member
of "The Real World-Hawaii" who was scheduled to participate, couldn't make
the event because he was working, Murray said.
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