The Real World Guide To Dating

Real World

By Treadingonme | Thursday, April 19, 2007 | 4:43 pm | 26 Comments

I’ll admit that I’ve been single for over a year now. I’m totally cool with that, as being single allows me to go out and get as drunk as possible on weekends and not have to face any consequences whatsoever. That’s not to say that I’m entirely against relationships in general, because I am not. However, this week’s episode of the Real World provided me with even

Jared Wife Beater

This screen-grab could have easily come from an episode of COPS.

It also provided me with a number of insights as to what to do should I find myself trapped in a relationship with a crazy chick. Yes, this week’s episode was heavy on the crazy behavior and light on the Outward Bound (extremely light in fact), so that makes any episode worthwhile, right? Find out just how crazy the behavior was after the jump.

The episode starts off this week looking at some of the various pictures Jenn has put up of her friends from home, and ultimately we end on the picture of Jared. Well, it just so happens that Jared has called Jenn out of the blue, and he says he’d like to see her if she’s ok with it. Jenn agrees, but her voice is kind of tentative, and Jared asked why she sounds like that.

Jen Phone

The pizza guy was caught of guard when Jenn tried to phone bone him. . .

but ultimately, Jenn is cool with Jared coming. She did say that she was kind of nervous about him preventing her from whoring herself around, but she decided to cross that bridge when she came to it.

Davis and Brooke are at the computer hanging out, best friends again.

Brooke looks kind of crazy with some bright eye-shadow on,

but she does not act crazy here. Maybe she took some make-up lessons from Jenn. Anyways, they’re discussing Brooke’s love life in Colorado, and she says she hasn’t really seen anybody that interests her, and she wants a man, not a boy. A gay man if possible, because she loves gay men. She wants a man because they know how to treat a woman. A crazy, crazy, crazy woman. Davis isn’t sure how to respond when she finishes figuring out what she wants in a man, so he just says he’ll charge $70 for the therapy session. Her parents would love the help Davis is giving them (and the break probably).

That night the girls all go out to eat at a sushi place, and Brooke sees a “hot” guy sitting at another table.

Toby Rand Narrowweb 300X444,0

Wasn’t he on ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA.

She actually gets a little out of control excited, and while they’re waiting for the food, she’s stripping him with her eyes. She writes down her name and number on a piece of paper, which she tells us is incredibly out of the ordinary for her, and as the girls leave, she drops the paper off, saying “Just giving that to you,” then walks away. The guy looks at it, scoffs, then pulls out his lighter and burns it in front of Brooke’s face. Actually, he may have said thanks or something, then there was awkward silence as Brooke left. He probably put the paper in his pocket so he could burn it later though. The guy’s friend said “Nice” when Brooke left the piece of paper, so this guy’s probably a loser who never talks to girls. Ever. Good luck with that Brooke.

The next day, as Alex is showering, he asks Jenn what she’s got going on. She says she’s going to see what Jared is doing, since he’s in Denver. Then she says she’s nervous about Jared seeing Alex, because Jared is under the impression that Alex likes Jenn.

Alex’s throbbing shower bone didn’t put Jenn’s woes at ease.

I’m sure it’s not from Jenn’s storytelling, that’s for sure. She says being drunk and having sex is hurtful, but there are no emotions involved. Sometimes there are no memories involved in it either, not that I would know.

Jared arrives at the house, and immediately Jenn is nervous about Jared meeting Alex. It was all for naught though, as Jared shook Alex’s hand (Alex described it as forced, but that could have been for other reasons) and that was pretty much the end of that.

That night everybody was out, and Jenn and Jared were at the bar kind of making out. At the table, Davis tells Stephen that he enjoys having everyone in the house “kind of” like him, but the girls do a lot of things that he could get mad at them for and tell them how he feels, which would then result in the end of being “kind of” liked. So, he’s decided he’s just going to continue talking behind everyone’s back, because that’s never ever backfired on him.

Davis wanders into the bathroom, and he runs into Jared in there. Apparently Jared asked for some dirt on what Jenn has done in the house, and did he ever hit the gold mine by asking Davis. Davis asks if Jared knows anything, and Jared says he knows about some guy, but he’s bad with names. That was all Davis needed, as he tells Jared that Jenn slept with Alex twice (Jared thought it was just once) and she says she’s incapable of being faithful. Any qualms Jared had about getting into a relationship with Jenn before that conversation have surely been laid to rest now.

Judgmental Davis smiles after commenting on Alex’s chin fat.

Alex pulls back his second chin then goes home screams in the bathroom and tears apart Davis’ bedroom.

The next day Davis and Alex are getting a beer somewhere, and Davis tells Alex about the conversation the previous night. (Sidenote: the conversation starts off plain enough, as Davis says, “I think he’s cute. When we were in the bathroom…”) Davis says that Jenn told Jared about Alex once, but not the other time, or the other two guys. I will say for Davis that when he retells a story, he is much more accurate than many of the other people in the house.

Back at the house, the phone rings, and it’s for Brooke. It’s Kyle! The sushi guy! Apparently he didn’t burn her number after all. The two have an awkward conversation, and then Brooke tells him they’re going to Hush that night, so he should stop by. Kyle ends the conversation by saying, “Well, Brooke, you sound like an interesting girl…” Poor Kyle. You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. Regardless of craziness, Kyle agrees to meet Brooke that night, and Brooke was jazzed.

Fast-forward to that night, the roommates all appeared to be at Hush, but Brooke was standing by herself, waiting at the bar. She was looking around, always making sure to keep her chins up, and finally, Kyle chose to not stand her up on national television. Probably a wise decision. Otherwise, he’d be forever known as Kyle, the sushi guy who stood up Brooke. And that just takes too long to say. Anyways, the two sit down, and I assume they have many more drinks before deciding to leave the bar. I base my assumption on the fact that once outside, Brooke looked pretty drunk, giggling a lot and getting pretty handsy with Kyle.

Elsewhere, we’ve got some bad news. Apparently Jared has chosen this moment, as he and Jenn are walking home, most likely trashed, to bring up his conversation with Davis.

Jenn’s awkwardly confronted while prostituting herself on the cold Denver streets.

There’s some illogical arguing, and when she gets back to the house, Jenn sees Tyrie and explains the situation about Davis telling Jared. Ty just seems pretty confused, but Jenn continues on her rant regardless, and she is not short on threats. “I will beat somebody up if they try to cross me.” “I’m about to kill this mother fudger.” “If I had a gun I would shoot him.” How about the job Davis has done in the past two weeks? He’s received two death threats, though not to his face, in as many weeks. He hasn’t even DATED these girls and they want to kill him. That is power.

Brooke calls Kyle, and she’s pretty ecstatic that he seems like he’s a good catch. They engage in some small talk, which apparently was lacking when they were at Hush. Kyle asks Brooke if she wanted to go bowling that night, but she said she was thinking more along the lines of a bar. Now, I thought Brooke went off the handle crazy last week, but she’s busting out some fresh crazy to us this week.

Dear Brookes Therapist,

Please never medicate this woman. . . she’s too freaking great as she is!

Sincerely,

TVgasm

Crazy Relationship Brooke. She tells Stephen that Kyle wants to go bowling, but she says it while fighting back the tears. Stephen asks what was so bad about that, and she responded, “Nevermind, you don’t understand!” Yeah Steve, don’t you understand how HORRIBLE and HUMILIATING it is to be asked to go BOWLING??? I can barely type the word without shuddering in disbelief. Way to be a jerk, asshole.

Brooke goes to her bed to blow her nose and continue crying, and Stephen is perplexed as to what just happened. Obviously, he’s not inside her crazy head, so he doesn’t understand how these things work. He’s trying to help calm her down, but the entire time he’s fighting back the laughter. Bonus points to Steve this week for laughing at Brooke. He goes into her room to play therapist, a role sorely missing in her life since neither Davis nor her parents were there. The scene ends in one of the sexiest nose-blowing episodes from Brooke that I’ve ever scene in my life. Did I say sexiest? I meant most nauseating.

Dude, Davis. . . you should shave. Looks like you have a beard in this photo.

and they’re walking in an area of Denver that I will just assume is near downtown. Davis was telling Alison about the conversation he had with Jared, and he said that he was honest with Jared, so now he feels kind of awkward around Jenn. Well, it just so happens that Tyrie was also in the area, so the two sit down with him. Ty asks Davis if the storm has taken the house yet, although not in so many words. Well, now at least Davis has a warning that Jenn is on the warpath, and he also knows to get out of the house if she has a gun, unless he wants her to make good on her threat.

Back at the house, Jenn is crying on Jared’s chest. He tells her that if there’s anything else she needs to tell him, she needs to do it now. She says she made out with Darnell, and Jared’s response to that was to get up and go smoke. Tyrie is outside also, so Jared says he doesn’t know if he needs the problem that is Jenn. Ty tries to help straight Jared out, since he seems so confused about everyone’s name and/or role. Tyrie was getting exasperated having to explain so much. Jared, dude, lay off the weed. Just a little bit. Please.

Tyrie tells Jared to say what he’s been told by or about Jenn, and then Ty will confirm or deny it. First up is Alex, twice, which Ty confirms. Next is Darnell, and Jared asked Ty if Jenn messed with him. Ty responds with “What did she tell you?” Jared repeats the question, and Ty says “Yes, and she told you that.” Apparently Ty, she didn’t tell him that, so Jared stormed off, pissed.

blah blah blah Jenn blah blah slut blah blah sex with anyone blah blah liar blah

Note to self: Do not try to clear up a cheating situation through Tyrie. But refuse to stop cheating.

The next day Jenn calls Jared, and he sounds surprisingly cheery. He says he was told the best advice ever: “You already knew it was going to happen, so stop being a little brat about it.” You know, I would think something along the lines of “You can’t trust this girl, so get over it” might be a little closer to helpful in this situation, but then again, I don’t enjoy getting cheated on.

Now that everything is patched up (so far), Jared wants Jenn to come pick him up. There’s a problem though, because Davis is taking the car in an hour to go to the aquarium. Jenn asks if Davis can pick up Jared, and he agrees to as long as she comes with. In the car, it’s Davis who initiates the discussion with Jenn about what he said to Jared. She accuses Davis of saying something to Jared along the lines of “So what do you think about Jenn and Alex.” Davis sets her straight and is honest, for the most part, and everything between the two seems to be ok.

Jenn isn’t out of the woods yet though. She told Davis that Tyrie spilled the secret about her doing Darnell, and Jared still doesn’t know about John either. That was a great decision by her the night before. Rather than take the opportunity to get all of your infidelity out in the open, only be partially honest about part of it. Drawing things out in the most painful way possible is usually the easiest way to do things. Brilliant.

Well, Jenn and Jared meet up, and Jenn comes clean (supposedly, we weren’t privy to the conversation) about everything, and Jared takes it all in stride. The two go to have lunch somewhere, and now they’re relieved. Jenn describes Jared as the best person she’s ever met in her life, mainly due to that fact that she can walk all over him and cheat on him and lie to him and she doesn’t have to feel guilty afterwards. Jared then says with that out of the way, the two of them have nothing left to argue about.

This time, the pizza guy gives in.

So everyone’s happy those two will never ever fight again, and Jenn will certainly never get drunk and put their relationship to the test again. And there is nothing delusional about any of those statements.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Have you ever cried when asked to go bowling? Remember when Alex was pertinent to this show? Will Jenn and Jared get married and have lots of babies?

And don’t forget to watch the after show on MTV.com. This week Saul reveals the fountain of youth!

Comments (26)
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26 Comments

1

insertnamehere

Posted April 19, 2007 at 5:21 pm

BOWLING?? OFF WITH HIS HEAD! I love Brooke
2

brigita

Posted April 19, 2007 at 6:33 pm

Hey Brooke, newsflash: Grownups”including these Men you’re so intent on dating”don’t like to spend their weekends at bars watching 20-somethings get all sh!tty and grind on one another.

Instead, we like to show off how uncoordinated we are while drinking cheap beer out of pitchers and wearing shoes that have been around even more than Jenn.

Oh and PS: Drunkenly jumping into the arms of a guy you barely know? Well, that’s one dating strategy…
3

alligatorwings

Posted April 19, 2007 at 9:07 pm

Yuck–can this cast be any more pathetic or despicable? Each episode seems to be a challenge to lower the bar on human behavior. Zero shame, zero ethics, little to no self-respect. Don’t get me wrong–I love watching dysfunction as much as the next person, but it’s kind of nice to have at least ONE cast member with SOME redeeming qualities. So far, I can’t seem to locate any in Denver.

Brooke is a freak, and it’ll only be a matter of minutes before she scares this guy off. I have a friend just like her and it’s always the same old story. You’d think he’d asked her to go bowling on their honeymoon. Get over it, Brooke! YOU are the reason you are single!

Jenn is a functioning alcoholic and it appears she’s found her codependent other half. She’s just sad. Bay area white trash par excelence…

Stephen–why didn’t they just allow him to add The Real World to his resume so he could’ve been replaced by someone who actually intended to PARTICIPATE in the show?? He should’ve interviewed for College Hill–oh wait–that’s for black folks…he wouldn’t be interested in that…LOL
The ultimate irony with Stephen is that he thinks being on the show is a big “career move”. He is only showcasing how lazy, manipulative and self-serving he is. Stephen has made it clear he has zero ability to work with others as a team, little work ethic, and that only looks out for (and cares about) number one. It’s just what every prospective employer and future voter looks for in a candidate!

Colie/Alex–the only thing between them and a Jerry Springer appearance are front teeth and brother-sister parents. They may be attracted to each other, but they are both so completely narcissistic and self-absorbed it makes relationships with anyone else impossible. I felt sorry for Colie’s boyfriend, and I hope he has enough sense to find someone worthy of him. It’s definitely not her.

Tyrie–nice guy, but he has successfully reinforced every negative stereotype about black men in the shortest amount of time. It’s like he came to the show with that singular goal in mind. There’s only so much you can blame on an “alter ego”…

And last but not least–Davis. Although he runs a distant second to Tyler, the Wicked Gay Bitch of Key West, he is as equally deplorable in his behavior and actions. It makes me wonder if they do open casting calls where only the most despicable and dysfunctional gay men need apply. His faux heterosexuality is ridiculous, but even more ridiculous are the fag hag Christian “friends” who play his game. He worries so much about people respecting him for being gay, but he’d be far better served by putting some effort into becoming a respectable human being. It pisses me off when gay people act like the rules of right, wrong or decency don’t apply to them. His passive-agressive bitchy bullshit towards the roommates and subsequent innocent naive little boy reactions/posturing/apologies are sickening. Someone needs to call his ass out about his two-faced, arrogant, asshole behavior.

Davis obviously believes he’s incredibly gay, Christian, and cute, but I think he’s wrong on all counts. The only thing he IMO is full of shit–PERIOD.
4

Chee-Z-TeeVee Addict

Posted April 19, 2007 at 11:20 pm

…shoes that have been around even more than Jenn.

That’s just wrong. The only thing that’s been around more than Jenn is oxygen.

Yeah, I agree alligatorwings – Davis is a mind-fuck. He really thrives on drama, and even more disturbing(ly) he seems to enjoy inflicting pain and stress on the people around him. He reminds me of those sadistic little boys who pull the legs off of bugs, and then get fascinated by watching the bugs panic and die. What I don’t get, is why everyone keeps letting him off of the hook. He’s kind of like an affable, non-murdering Jeffrey Dahmer – I like you okay now, but I’d really like you much better after hacking you into pieces.

B. Boop’s crying episode was kind of charming, in a “Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte” kind of way. Except for the excavation project she performed in her nose, or as I like to call it – The Big Dig for Dignity. If a bowling date can trigger a mini-tantrum, what happens in the event of less than spectacular sex? Does it involve maiming or the cutting of brake-lines?

I want to add more, but I just got really sleepy – I’ll be back though!

I’m so glad you’re back alligatorwings!
5

Blah Blah

Posted April 20, 2007 at 1:01 am

Brilliant synopsis, Alligatorwings!

Remember back in the day when one of the stereotypes on the Real World was the naive, virginal roommate from Tumbleweed, USA? I think that went out with Trashelle from Las Vegas (southern chick who seems to be virginal but ends up being the biggest whore in the house). After that season, it seems like only those who are into partying and hooking up are cast on this show. This cast is making Las Vegas look G-rated!
6

AC

Posted April 20, 2007 at 6:45 am

Davis is such a fucking hypocrite! Wasn’t he the one who got stark-raving MAD at Brook for “warning” his boyfriend about trusting people?! And he got mad that Brooke instigated and got involved in his relationship?! HELLO! And she gave GOOD and VALID advice, not just mindless gossip! He’s ridiculous!

I can’t stand watching this psychotic, manipulative, narcissistic jerk! Tyrie is the only guy in the house that I like. The rest are disgusting.

As for Brooke, I have yet to see the episode, but does she ever explain why she was crying over that dude suggesting bowling? That’s a little strange . . .Still love the girl, though!

Jenn is a confused chick. I have, sadly, been in the same situation as her and I must say, she just needs to be single and figure herself out. I don’t see her relationship with Jared (or any other man, for that matter) working out until she sows her wild oats. It’s unfair, despite how much you love the other person, to put them through that shit. It’s selfish. And you shouldn’t feel bad about being selfish, you just need to be selfish on your own.
7

Coco Grace

Posted April 20, 2007 at 10:54 am

I agree with Cheez – Brooke is like a demented Betty Boop. I honestly see Brooke as one of those overly emotional mothers/wives that drink cocktails in the afternoon in her living room and take too much Xanax to calm her panic attacks. She’s like a step away from the stereotypical Southern trashy drama – drunk southern drawls, tears all over the place, high heels and emotional instability. I feel like she makes a charicature of herself. I also was wondering during her Bowling date freakout, that if it might be possible that Brooke is “acting”? She does want to be an inspiring actress (Which just makes me think of her in evening gowns smelling like bourbon and bipolar disorder) and The Real World has a built in audience. I’m not saying she’s not crazy but it did come to mind that miss Boop could be acting for the cameras.

Wow, Jenn ..you really solifided your place amongst classy women like Trishelle and Sarah. Actually, to be honest, I like Jenn way more than those two…but I felt for Jared when he kept finding out more and more information about her sexscapes. Makes me wonder why he took her back with such ease (I’m sure he was doing more than “making out” with some local girls). The whole situation I found actually really heart-breaking though. God, I’m such a sap. (Maybe Brooke will let me borrow some Paxil?)

Davis reminds me of everything I don’t like about catty women. Enough said.
8

babeblue

Posted April 20, 2007 at 11:37 am

jared must be a saint to deal with all that crap! (either that or a complete idiot). what guy would come on tv and find out that the whole city of denver has run through his girl and still be trying to stick with her?

and if i have to see jenn shed those crocodile tears ONE MORE TIME about how much she “regrets” sleeping with alex and all these other people, i think i’m going to HURL!

quit being a ho and you wouldn’t have to worry about hurting this guy that you supposedly care so much about.

Questions:
1. how was tyrie any better than davis for telling jared about jenn’s sexcapades?

2. and why the hell is jared asking everyone but jenn about her personal business?

3. what is WRONG with these people?
9

YankeesFan

Posted April 20, 2007 at 1:05 pm

I think Brooke is hilarious. I think Steven reacted really well when Brooke was going mental about the bowling date. I think I just would have cracked up in her face. She really is something else.

I am liking Davis less and less as these episodes go on. Tyrie was wrong to get in the middle of the whole Jared and Jen thing, but when he said that Darnell and Jenn had done whatever they did, it seemed like he thought Jared already knew this.
10

Ronin614

Posted April 21, 2007 at 1:14 pm

I agree with AC: Jenn needs to be on her own and sow her wild oats, like Alex. She shouldn’t be a in a relationship.

I think if you’re going to be promiscuous, you should be careful and honest about it. Jenn’s biggest problems are A) Her lack of self-esteem; B) Her alcohol abuse; and C) Lying.
11

Chee-Z-TeeVee Addict

Posted April 21, 2007 at 2:52 pm

I would really like to see the Real World evolve a little bit in terms of format.

Obviously, the whole premise has become a franchise for continuing shows, however that doesn’t mean it can’t be more relevant within it’s own season. I think MTV should go back to not having cast-members who wanted to pursue careers in the entertainment business.

I think they should get away from formulaic stereotyping and typecasting, and put an emphasis on certain personality types. People who are obviously alcoholics, personality disordered or otherwise dysfunctional should be replaced by people who stand out as achievers, slackers, creative-types, intellectuals, athletes, being funny or off-beat, political or apolitical – just basically a mix of personalities that would ordinarily not gravitate toward one another.

I also think they should get rid of the job thing, and require them to find employment or active educational/career directions.

I’m not a prude by any stretch, but I’m kind of over the whole watching drunken, post-adolescents fuck on camera thing too.

Oh, and get rid of the pre-paid bar tabs. It’s just dumb, they should cover their own tabs – it would be a much more natural dynamic, and they might actually branch out and develop some kind of relationship to whatever community they’re in.
12

alligatorwings

Posted April 22, 2007 at 1:17 am

Amen, Cheez!
Real World has just become a 15-minutes-of-fame means-to-an-end. Blah Blah said it best: “Remember back in the day when one of the stereotypes on the Real World was the naive, virginal roommate from Tumbleweed, USA?” Now, there’s nothing “real” about it–it’s all just a contrived, plastic, over-stylized product. It’s become MTV’s version of a McDonald’s cheeseburger. Hell, most of the cast members have agents before the show even airs!

It would be nice to have a show where people are genuinely about the experience itself. I liken it to kids who go on a field trip not because of where they are going, but just because they get out of school for the day. It’s no wonder none of the castmates ever bother to do anything more than preen, drink and whore around. Remember the RW turds who wasted an entire six months in London and Paris doing absolutely nothing except lounging around the house??? Most cast members are obviously not invested or interested in the place they live, the community, etc. because they aren’t truly invested in the process itself and what it has to offer. This not only speaks to their limited capacity as individuals, but their primary motive for being on the show. It’s just a means-to-an-end and a notch in their belt, and explains why all the artifical methods of getting them involved (i.e. jobs, projects, etc) have been failures. In my opinion, most of the cast members are just there to get famous and have fun on their own terms, so it’s no wonder the quality of the show has sunk so low.

They should changet the show’s intro:

This is the true story..

of seven fame-hungry 20-somethings…

picked to live in a house,

who spend six months..

trying to out dysfunction each other for more camera time..

because fame is the only thing that’s real..

The Real World___________!

Like you said Cheez, maybe if they actually cast participants with some depth and accomplishment the show might have a bit more substance and quality to it. At this point, castmates seem to be picked based primarily hotness and/or dysfunction. Yeah, we get jacked off by the cast members with a bunch of noble endeavors, talents, goals and accomplishments at the beginning of the season, but it’s obvious these are merely the same rehearsed soundbytes they used to dazzle producers so they’d get the show. Rarely does any of it materialize into anything–unless it represents a necessary narcissistic ego-feed (Tyler’s race, for example).

Anyway, that’s my rant. What do you think?
13

Rock Star

Posted April 22, 2007 at 2:11 pm

I agree they need to go back to old format of casting real people. For the Real World. Imagine that, right? In addition, they need to go back to casting some people who aren’t 21…the only exception I can think of to that in recent memory is Svetlana. Then they definitely wouldn’t all be at the bar every night.
14

bakismaki

Posted April 23, 2007 at 6:30 am

Brooke wants a man but she is crazy immature. Leaving your name and number on a piece of paper, come on! And the way she was acting when she met up with the guy. Grow up Brooke.
15

bakismaki

Posted April 23, 2007 at 6:36 am

alligatorwings, you claim Tyrie has reinforced every negative black stereotype but then you chastise Stephen for “not being black.” That is lame!

How exactly is a black person supposed to act.
16

alligatorwings

Posted April 23, 2007 at 10:02 am

Bakismaki–please allow me to clarify.

With Tyrie I was referring to specific actions on the show that have unfortunately reinforced and perpetuate negative stereotypes about black men–not him as a person or his general behavior. Actually I think he is the most likeable person on the show. Unlike other castmates, Tyrie owns his BS and is contrite about it afterwards instead of rationalizing it or blaming someone else. He also really redeemed himself on the hike with the New Orleans kids–he’d be a great role model and leader for young people if he really deals with his serious anger issues first.

On the other hand, based soley what I have seen and what they have discussed on the show–Stephen seems to reject much of African-American culture–hence my comment about not wanting to be on “College Hill”. If you watch the show, you know Stephen would NOT want to be on it. Didn’t he even refer to Tyrie as “hood”? I think that says it all.

Anyway, I don’t subscribe to the perspective that there is one way of “acting black”–in the same way there are similar misconceptions about gay people. Mainstream perceptions of minorities usually only reflects one strata of that particular group. If I had a dime for everytime a non-gay person told me, “You don’t seem gay!” I’d be rich. However, in the same way I knock Davis for perpetuating negative stereotypes about gays, I was doing the same thing about Tyrie. And it’s not so much a personal attack, but more of a disappointment in how people choose to behave–and the way they reinforce ignorance.

Anyway, I hope that clarifies my comments. Also, let’s please not turn this thread into a town hall meeting on racism and what it is to be black. It’s not the appropriate place, and it deserves a better format.
17

AC

Posted April 23, 2007 at 10:31 am

Out of curiosity, alligatorwings, how has Stephen “rejected” African-American culture? Just a question, not an accusation.

I think talks about racism, homophobia and sexism that come up in response to television and pop culture is completely relevant here on this website. Where is the more appropriate place and what format is better to discuss such issues?

This website is all fun and games usually, but I think if we debate and discuss heavier issues in a rational, mature and respectful manner, it’s fair game.
18

alligatorwings

Posted April 23, 2007 at 11:56 am

Actually, maybe you’re right–maybe it is a question that should be explored on this thread. I’m just hestitant because often times when it comes to discussing sensitive issues like race it becomes a breeding ground for internet trolls.

Although it’s hard to say based on such limited information, but what is everyone’s take on Stephen’s participation in the show? What is your opinion on the whole dispute over the “hood” vs “acceptable negro” discussion between Tyrie and Stephen? Do you think Stephen rejects African-American culture, or do you think there is enough (or any) evidence to support this? I’m willing to discuss as long as it is an intelligent discussion and doesn’t fall into personal attacks or flaming.
19

bakismaki

Posted April 23, 2007 at 1:44 pm

Unless someone does something where they specifically reject their culture, it would be hard for me to accuse them of denying their culture or being ashamed of it. To some people Stephen doesn’t act “black enough,” and I think you go into dangerous territory when you start hurling these type of accusations around.

Stephen goes to a historically black college, and he had a black girlfriend. I don’t know if he is exactly the guy who comes to mind as someone who rejects their culture. However please don’t misunderstand, going to a historically black college does not make you more of a black person, nor does going to a another college make you less black. Stephen is just uppity and prissy. He wore eggshell blue underwear for godsakes, lol.
20

slutty_whore

Posted April 23, 2007 at 4:21 pm

ITA, bakismaki.
21

jozeyg

Posted April 23, 2007 at 4:52 pm

i have to say it…..Jared is hot!

poor thing deserves better then trash.
22

Rock Star

Posted April 23, 2007 at 4:53 pm

I don’t see how he’s rejecting black culture at all…For starters it’s not like all blacks have the same preferences as far as what makes up “culture”…and to me the people who reject black culture are the ones who, despite being black, refuse to have black friends, refuse to date black people, and automatically decide not to listen to any music if the artist is black. (I have known several people like this.)
23

alligatorwings

Posted April 23, 2007 at 8:57 pm

Stephen is just uppity and prissy. He wore eggshell blue underwear for godsakes, lol.

I think this is more accurate than saying he’s rejecting African-American culture–and more of what I was referring to in regard to him not wanting to participate in College Hill. He’s like a snobby, Real World version of Carlton on Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I guess his behavior has more to do with class than race. Thanks for helping me see my error, baki! I should have thought it through more.

Here’s an interview with Stephen that says a lot about his behavior and attitude on the show—and speaks to some of the things we’ve been talking about in regards to RW casting:

How he got on the show:

“I wasn’t a big fan of the show myself, but I went to the interview, had a conversation with the people and just kind of went from there. Yeah, I’ve seen a few episodes. Believe it or not the first full episode I’d ever seen was Key West, which was the season right before ours. So, I kind of watched it when I started getting serious about the interview process.”

On the show you’ve been portrayed as the conservative, republican, African-American. Is this something that you went into the show focusing on, that this was how you wanted to be portrayed?

“No, not at all. I don’t think that that was a goal of mine at all. I just came in, like I said, with very little expectations on what was going to happen. I didn’t really know that that was going to be my angle, so to speak. But watching myself, that is pretty much me in a nutshell. I’m pretty aggressive on my stances on whatever issue comes up and I’m pretty much, of any of the roommates, I consider myself one of the more direct ones. I don’t really like to be walked over. I don’t really like to have my thoughts or whatever I want to say, you know, misconstrued. So I wouldn’t consider myself pigeon-holed in like a little box, but just the parameters of the show, the fact that they can only show one percent of what is filmed, you know, it does kind of put you in a little angle. So I think that they do make me look a little more conservative than normal, but other than that, I mean, that’s pretty much me. I definitely can say that it’s not like it’s a total opposite from who I am in real life.”

What was the most challenging thing for you, with your experience being on the show?

“Being away. Being away from Howard. I’m very involved in my school and the fact is, is that it just goes on, it’s a year-round thing so being involved in student government and stuff like that, there are people here during the summertime, doing things and getting prepared and I kind of wish that I would have had the opportunity to be here and be up in the mix of everything. I was kind of sad, basically, to leave my home life. I’m not one of those people who came on the show because I was trying to find an escape from my regular life. I actually really like my life. As a matter of fact, the show was really more of an inconvenience than an escape. That was pretty hard. Also, leaving behind a steady relationship, because my girlfriend still lived in DC at the time I was in Denver, so that was hard.”
24

AC

Posted April 24, 2007 at 8:26 am

Thanks for the clarification. Stephen has a black girlfriend and goes to a historically black college . . .hardly rejecting African-American culture.

Have you seen College Hill? I’ve never seen a whole episode, but it’s pretty horrible. I don’t think there are many people, whether they are uppity, ghetto, black, or white, who would want to be on that show! Haha.
25

alligatorwings

Posted April 24, 2007 at 9:31 am

LOL–yeah–sometimes it is bad–and the current season is really bad–but entertaining
26

Nosferatu_Nickatina

Posted April 24, 2007 at 3:36 pm

I’ve been reading these recaps for a few months now and I just made an account to join in on the fun.

I wasn’t one to watch RW at ALL untill my boyfriend moved in with me and got me hooked on it, that bastard.

So Denver is the first one I’ve ever seen, I’ve never even watched part of an episode of a past RW. Come to think of it, I didn’t even watch MTV untill last summer.

And I think that these people are fucking MENTAL. Seriously.

Brooke reminds me of this stripper-friend of my dad’s. She’s unstable as all can imagine, ridiculously emotional, and so incredibly white-trash, Alabama Man is scared to beat on her. She’s a total attention whore and I can see her trying to cut her wrists with a butter knife in future episodes. At first she was the sweet, cute little southern girl who was really quiet and kept to herself – but then she made the mistake of going to the “ghetto” to get a manicure and now she’s completely insane. She needs to be institutionalized.

Jenn gives me a bad name, as I go by the name Jenn myself. To top it off she’s from the Bay Area, as am I, so she makes me want to gauge my eyes out with a spoon. She looks like she should be painted up in black and white face paint, and dancing on the pole in the movie Big Money Hustlas with the fat stripper Missy. This poor girl needs some serious rehabilitation and counciling, and sadly, she speaks with a wide vocabulary and DOES happen to make agreeable points every now and then. She seems like a smart person… which is quite a shame, because she’s such a hoe and has to have sex with every guy she meets. She probably has, or has had an STD of some sort, and isn’t she only like, 22?

Colie is ugly. When I see her on my TV I get scared that she’s going to jump out and eat me. And looking at her really just makes me want to sheild my face with a mirror, in hopes that she’ll turn to stone. Poor hideous creature has her head TOO far up her own ass, thinking that Alex likes her and whatnot. And I read in a past recap that someone said she looks like she has bad breath – yes she does. Ever since that mono episode I realized that they’ve NEVER once shown her brushing her teeth. Maybe they should do that, yanno, just to give us all some reassurance in case somebody runs into her on the street or something. Really her face just bothers me, she’s too damn ugly and her hair is so flat and it looks just, thin, unhealthy, flat and oily. On top of that she desn’t brush it, and I really don’t think she showers either. She’s just dirty. I hope she gets hit by a bus.

Davis is just the blunt, straight-forward gay guy. He’s the drama-starter, and you can’t trust him with anything, unless you’re blunt and straight-forward. At least he doesn’t REALLY over-exxagerate the details of the stories he tells. Really I think he’s the only sane one there, and just likes to have fun with the crazies.

All I have to say about Alex, is I feel very very sorry for the poor woman who ends up birthing his children or marrying him.

Stephen is just the whitest black guy I’ve ever seen in my life. Does he paint himself brown or something? And a republican at that – sweet Lucifer in Hell and all that is evil, he needs a reality check! BTW – I HATE THE WAY HIS NAME IS SPELLED. It makes me want to say “Stefen” instead of “Steven”

Tyrie…. I just feel bad for him now. He seems lost, ever since he went to jail. Wasn’t he a hardcore gangbanger or something? He’s this big, intimidating black man… I mean you see that fool get in your face and you’re just thinking to yourself, “Why, yes, Mr. Very Large Black Man, I would much enjoy fighting you.” Why must he be so sensitive? He’s probably the only one that could literally knock some sense into his poor, feeble-minded room mates.

As for this episode, it was kinda ridiculous. Jenn is a whore, and I feel bad for Jared for not knowing that when he met her. Was I the only one who saw her on the very first episode, and thought “That one is the one that will have sex with everybody?” I didn’t think so!
Brooke’s bowling freak out was totally pathetic. I agree with the ones who think she’s putting on a show for the camera men, in hopes that some super-huge and famous director will see her and be like “I want THAT crazy bitch in my movie!!!” Maybe she really is histrionic, I don’t know. But having an emotional breakdown because some nice guy wants to take her bowling, and not get her completely drunk and have sex with her? Come on. If she was looking for a one-nighter why doesn’t she just borrow Jenn’s dildo or have sex with Ty? ((We all saw him eyeballing her like she was a big juicy chunk of watermelon in the first few episodes!)) You know, she could have gone bowling with Kyle the sushi guy, and just NOT bowled, and told him that she just got her nails done in the ghetto that day and the cheap glue could cause one of her French tips to fall into the ball.

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