The Real World

While the first few seasons of "The Real World" were exciting and unlike any other show, the last few years have made the show predictable and degrading. Cary Darling, a reporter for the San Diego Union-Tribune comments on the recent trends in the show, "too often portrayed male African-American roomies as either militants or players; and – whereas Norman's sexuality was dealt with more or less matter-of-factly – practically turned guessing who is "the gay one" into a parlor game." The show has different roles that must be filled each season, yet in their casting, the producers are labeling minorities as "the gay one" or the "African American one." These roles are limiting and only perpetuate stereotypes.

reality tv

Reality tv is potentially harmful in its stereotyping of minorities. While reality TV has been able to increase some people's accpetance of people who are gay, shows such as the "Real World" have also reinforced negative stereotypes among the youth culture.