Real World Honolulu needs touch of truth

With MTV's Real World considering a season in Honolulu, many people question just how "real" it could be. The show typically stars young people -- chosen by producers to generate interpersonal conflict -- who are from all over the country, to live in a particular city for a few months. However, citing reasons such as free rent in a huge house, frequent vacations, little job stress, and no transportation problems, critics dispute the show's representation of "reality." Some argue that given Hawaii's ethnic diversity, a show consisting primarily of Mainlanders would not accurately represent Honolulu's population. Others, however, would enjoy seeing a half-dozen ethnocentrist characters like Puck (from the second season), residing in public housing. For a true taste of the "real world," try living in a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with three other people, working two jobs, and taking the bus wherever you go. That's Honolulu's real world.