I emerged from my car with a newly burned compact disc in hand and a plan in my mind. Nervous and unprepared for the criticism that could lie ahead, I carried this disc, this one year and more of work, toward a friend at work in the Boulevard Mall. This friend would essentially determine if my work was ready to be moved to its next level. Only the friend walking by my side had an idea of what was running through my mind. This is life.
Parked less than 15 feet away was a van and a camera crew. Getting ready for action and preparing each other for the best viewpoint, this crew of four to eight people strode toward the entrance behind us. A glance over my shoulder focused on the cameras as I began to wonder what was happening.
There in the doorway stood two University of Buffalo students exiting the mall, waiting for the camera crew to escort them to their car. I believe, at this point, I threw my keys across the parking lot. This isn't life. This is MTV's version of reality television.
First, let's focus on the lives of the students themselves. Did they realize these consequences when they entered into this agreement as, assumedly, a sorority? The vision doesn't escape my mind or sense of humor.
"Alright, honey, we're done shopping, let's call the camera crew so we can leave. I know they wouldn't want to miss our conversation on matching bandanas." The bandanas are clearly a biased stereotype on my part, but focus on the crux of the statement. Their lives have been interrupted many times by this point in the taping to cooperate with a television station that broadcasts their waking moments to millions.
Is this "real life?" Clearly, as educated people, we realize it is not, but what about the other children and adults viewing this? Each semblance that escapes the everyday lives of the students and makes it onto the actual program further damages our character as a generation to everyone outside.
I'll admit that I did not ever watch these programs until after this incident, and that I have only viewed approximately five episodes since to do some research, but the reason I didn't in the first place was that I was more interested in my own life than the lives of these quasi-celebrities who chanced themselves onto television. Now I wish I hadn't seen what we are portraying.
We've struggled with ourselves as a generation for a long time now, whether we've known it or not. In middle and high school, when we were labeled due to our age and style, we grimaced at the thought of being typecast. As we read about Columbine, careless teen driving under the influence and other atrocities, we argued for hours on end with our parents and teachers about our values, ideals and morals being better than the older generations supposed.
Now this, what has become over the years a disgusting display of all that is assumed about us. We've told our elders that, yes, we are cliquey, we go through our weeks for the alcohol and frequent casual hook-ups, and we use profane language and careless actions to get whatever we want, whether it's right or wrong. We've given them a misstated version of our rationale. In the same breath, we have told our younger brothers and sisters that this is cool. Go out and try to meet people for the sole goal of frivolous sexual gain. While you're at it, disregard respect for your fellow man and live for the furthering of yourself. Oh, if you have time, the furthering of your friends as well.
Collect this data and fervent ramblings and decide, as sororities and fraternities, that you at the University of Buffalo can put a stop to this. You can be an example for generations to come, and the hope for those who are older than us. Yes, MTV will move on to another city and another school without batting an eye. Yes, some higher-ups will clearly be bitter to lose the "recognition" we would gain as a hip institution. For the most part, individuals that disagree with the practices your organizations impart will do something surprising: smile. End it while you can.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
