A 'World' unto itself Long redundant and increasingly bizarre, MTV's 'Real World' still has a hold on its core audience

Popular culture.

But during a six-minute interview session (shared with seven other people), she reveals that she's ... colorblind! The revelation makes casting consultant Michelle Millard spring to life. "The Real World" has had an African-American Jew, a devoutly Catholic female Hispanic Republican, and a crusty, lawbreaking bike messenger. But colorblindness - that's new.

At this stage, the interview sessions are superficial. The casting consultant throws out a topic, asks questions and watches how the kids interact. It's an instantaneous weeding-out process that suggests a twisted sort of fraternity or sorority rush: Instead of being favored for being rich, thin and bubbly, you're rewarded for being manageably dysfunctional.

With mere minutes to ingratiate themselves with a screening committee that will decide whether or not they're worthy, these "Real World" pledges dress how they think should dress, say what they think they ought to say.

It looks as though Hunter has a good chance of being initiated. Still, she's unsure.

Her friend explains: "She's worried that she doesn't have any real trauma in her life."

Hey, she watches "The Real World" and now she's tried out.

Now, that's trauma. Real trauma.

Pub Date: 10/11/98