The Real World: Unplugged!

Ravaging on in its eighteenth season, The Real World continues to heat up the small screen.  Every season without fail, MTV churns out seven new characters that entertain and in rare cases, inspire. 

Stephen, a conservative, African American whose views are radically different from most of the others in the house, is helping to make this season more than interesting.  And his background and demeanor, radically different from other former and current cast members, is nothing short of refreshing.

Let’s face it; millions of young people are dying for a chance to be cast on The Real World.  But what does it really take to get the gig?  Stephen said that he couldn’t get into too many details about the audition process, but explained that it was long and grueling.

“Basically, it comes down to showing who you are, not really answering the ‘right question,’” he said.

Coming from such a conservative background, one might wonder what made him want to audition, and when asked why he wanted a spot on the show, his response was surprising.

“Well I wanted to audition for The Real World, because I felt it would be a different experience.  It was something new to try out.  My social circle is tight-knit, and I typically spend time with a lot of people who feel the same way that I do about things.  This was different,” he said.

While he says his parents initially advised him to rethink the move, in the end they came around.  “My mom watches the show.  I don’t think she even realizes it’s me on it anymore.  I think I’m now just a character to her.  It’s funny,” he said.

As far as the environment inside of the house goes, there was quite an interesting dynamic.  If you regularly watch the show, I’m sure you heard Stephen say that The Real World pad was an extremely unstable environment – in fact, the most unstable environment he’s been in thus far. 

Growing up in Sacramento, Calif., in a two-parent household, Stephen explained that The Real World house was a totally different experience.  While he had lived with different people, this was four months of concentrated interaction, people!  You’ve seen the show; you know what happens.

As far as his on-air behavior goes, Stephen is an open book.  When asked about any things he would have done different, he had plenty to say.

“I will say this, there are some regrets.  I can’t get into them now, so you’ll have to find out.  What’s beautiful about this situation is that I have the ability to sit back and watch it,” he said.

“Hind sight’s 20, 20.  Of course there are moments I think, ‘I should have done this a different way’.  ‘Man, I could have been a better guy.’”

One attribute that most viewers are pretty in tune with is his faith.  When people call it into question, Stephen humbly responds.

“The only difference between my growth and the next man’s is that I’m on TV.  Me being a Christian doesn’t change, it’s a decision that I made a long time ago,” he said.

After going through what he characterizes as incredible learning experiences, Stephen has some useful advice for his peers.

“Follow the example I tried to show on the Real World.  Look at Davis and I.  He came out as an open homosexual.  You’re going to encounter people in daily walk who are different from you.  Don’t judge people.  Accept them for who they are.”

That’s good advice from a guy who cares deeply about who he is and what he represents.  It’ll be interesting to see what happens, so get in tune and be sure to check it out. 

Got a question for Stephen?  Shoot us an e-mail and we’ll forward it on!

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