
In June, I wrote an article called “Does MTV Provide Condoms for Reality Show Castmates“? I’m still curious as to the answer, but I’m not sure what else to do towards discovering the truth. Ultimately I would like some answers straight from MTV, but I don’t think I’m high enough on the blogging food chain for that! I have come across some new information, though, that has me even more intrigued…
Earlier this week, the Village Voice posted an article titled “We Have Obtained a Copy of MTV’s Standard Real World Cast-Mate Contract“. They posted the entire 30 page monstrosity, which, not surprisingly, basically asks participants to sign away every right they have. After reading the contract, and pondering the general nature of MTV, reality shows, advertising dollars, etc, I’m considering a disturbing conclusion: MTV wants participants to have unsafe sex. Or at least doesn’t mind, because it benefits their ratings.
As I write this I’m astounded by how naive it sounds to presume that they wouldn’t want the drama, and how conspiracy theorist it sounds to presume that they are hoping the cast members suffer the consequences of unprotected sex. I thought perhaps the reason was that MTV didn’t want to be liable for the efficacy of condoms that they provided, but details in the contract specifically eliminate that concern. So at this point it seems like…
Pregnancy scares are good for sucking in more viewers! STD symptoms make for great teaser previews of next week’s episode! The emotional ramifications of any cast member suffering the consequences of unsafe sex is generally dramatic, and therefore great television, hooray!
I’m not even arguing with all that – it is dramatic, intriguing television. But I promise it can still happen even if you provide them with condoms and encourage them to use protection. Condoms aren’t 100% effective, and people (especially drunk people) don’t always use them 100% correctly. Hell, at this point I would just be happy to see a Trojan commercial between breaks. If you can have castmates just “happen” to crave delicious Subway sandwiches, they can also “happen” to crave a ribbed for her pleasure before hopping into bed. Plus it’s not like these are emotional condoms, acting as a barrier to prevent promiscuity, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and embarrassment. All of those things (the basic tenets of reality TV, perhaps?) are still available in abundance!
Click “read more” at right to see direct quotes from the contract, and images of the actual document… Continue reading “Update on MTV’s Real World Condom/STD/Pregnancy Contract Stipulations!”