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“College Life:” innovative and pure or manipulative and edited? It seems the answer depends on whether MTV is monitoring the interview or not. The first episode of what started out as a University of Wisconsin alumnus’ idea for a self-described “pure reality documentation” of the college experience at Madison has created a whirlwind of emotions throughout campus, leaving a mess in its wake.
Among angry Facebook posts, streams of e-mailed complaints to the university and protests from participants who swear they only had the best intentions, it’s hard to know which direction to turn. MTV can clearly put on a good show of innocence with their participants by using mediated interviews and pre-scripted answers, and the creator of the show, David Wexler, seems squeaky clean too. Thankfully, getting a hold of an unmonitored interview with one participant actually sheds some truthful light on this somewhat sketchy situation.
When angry mobs arise and look at someone to blame, the logical place to begin looking is the source. In an interview mediated by MTV, Wexler explains he wanted to attempt something new: a type of reality TV that was actually, well, real. Part of the reason the participants filmed themselves was to keep the purity of the taping in tact.
Why Madison? Wexler fell in love with the campus when he was a student. He describes Madison as “liberal and usually at the forefront of exciting things,” and also a “melting pot of cultures, artsy and a great school spirit.”
Wexler chose Madison for these reasons and more, which is partly why he believed the show would be so successful. He even had to fight to get it here over locations that would have been easier to pitch — like Los Angeles.
The casting of the now-infamous freshmen was based on a holistic approach.
“Truthfully, it was how well rounded they were, how personable they were, what kind of stories they wanted to tell on camera,” he said.
He also said he sees a bit of himself in all the students and thinks a lot of other people will too. In the end, he said they were really striving for a “rainbow of kids.”
Wexler seemed optimistic about his attempt at “pure reality” from the start.
“This was meant to benefit the university; it was completely out of love,” he said. “I think it will do the university proud.”
Although Wexler only had positive things to say about his idea, it appears something pretty important was lost in translation. Proud is about the exact opposite of the words being angrily muttered around campus.
Next in line for questioning are the actual students being filmed. With the waves of criticism looming ahead for the participants, many students are probably wondering why they wanted to do it in the first place. In an interview mediated by MTV, Andrea — the show’s conservative virgin — shared her heartfelt reasoning.
“I signed on wanting to tell a story and wanting to share my experience,” she said.
Part of that experience was how to have fun without the help of alcohol. In telling her story, she said the transition to college has actually made it easier not to drink because people are not as “clique-y” as they are in high school. Although it would seem hard to abstain on a college campus, particularly UW, Andrea says her willpower comes from the reaction of those who think she can’t do it.
“The students watching it are going to see what works and doesn’t,” she said.
Overall, Andrea’s “College Life” experience culminates into spreading one all-around message: “It’s possible to be a virgin and to be the life of the party.”
Although there was nothing surprising in Andrea’s all-too-perfect interview, things got a little more interesting once MTV left the scene. Alex — the Texan who struggled with a boy on the first show — decided to share her story without MTV feeding her lines because she felt strongly about the campus knowing what was happening behind the scenes.
“I thought I was going to get a chance to film things that mattered,” she said.
Although Alex has never really been a fan of MTV or reality TV in general, she thought this opportunity was different. She explained 10 students were given cameras for the first two weeks to compete and then were narrowed down to four. After being chosen, she described the experience of seeing the pilot for the show.
“I sat down with the producers and said I didn’t want to be portrayed like that,” she said. Although she continued filming, she says she knew she had to switch her focus.
She said after that first episode, she “strapped on her armor” and started focusing on things that mattered to her. Being involved in volunteer work for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, raising awareness about Darfur and blood donation among others, Alex had plenty to film. However, when the stream of content entering the editing room started changing, Alex felt penalized.
“I was basically given an ultimatum. They said my footage was lacking and indirectly told me there was not enough drama in the content that I was filming.” she said.
Among the other criticisms was her intelligence.
“They told me I was being too smart and had to dumb down my vocabulary,” she said.
Alex knew the first episode wasn’t what she wanted it to be, but she said she tried to take advantage of her opportunity.
“I take responsibility for the first episode,” she said. “I acted stupid, but afterward I really took my time to film.”
Although she says she knew what she was filming had an extremely low chance of being aired, she still wanted to prove to herself that she was at least trying. It would be MTV that made the choice to frame the campus a certain way, not her.
One of her most frustrating moments presented itself when she captured amazing footage of a rally at the Capitol following Obama’s victory.
“I filmed one of the most historic moments in history, and they weren’t interested,” she said.
As the majority of her film continued to be “lacking,” Alex explained she and MTV came to a mutual agreement that she would no longer be a large part of the show.
“I’m still filming now, but I already know that I’m not going to be a significant part of the series, and I’m perfectly fine with that,” she said.
She went on to say MTV had a “very manipulative sort of staff” and although she did develop a few meaningful relationships, she was not upset about being, as she puts it, “killed off after the second episode.”
Fully aware of the criticism from her peers, Alex defended herself and finds her portrayal out of context and unfortunate.
“I’m not a character, I’m a human being,” she said. “People put me in this little box and those first 30 seconds is who I am now.”
Ultimately, however, her concerns lie with the university.
“I don’t care how I’m portrayed, but I care about the campus,” she said. “This campus is unbelievable, there are so many opportunities and passionate students. Our school could have been portrayed in such a better way.”
She says she put her heart into things of value many others on campus are involved in, and it’s sad the rest of the country did not get to see the other things Madison has to offer.
Alex’s last thought seems to be a pretty common sentiment around campus, especially with Dean of Students Lori Berquam. The university has received criticism for choosing not to endorse the show, as without campus footage, the scope of the program would be very limited in what it could depict. Berquam agrees it was a possibility MTV could have chosen to film volunteer work and student organizations, but that’s not what they chose to do.
“We struggled with the idea that this was reality TV and what would actually make for good TV,” Berquam said. “We knew it wasn’t going to be cramming at the library for an exam.”
“We have a responsibility of protecting the value of the degree,” she added.
Berquam has also received many e-mails from frustrated students, including one alumna who now feels embarrassed to share she went to school here.
Berquam emphasized the importance of moving away from the “party school” reputation UW has garnered.
“I’m not stupid,” she said. “I know there’s alcohol on campus, but I don’t think that’s the focus of all experiences here at Madison. It’s unfortunate we now have this following us around.”
When speaking about the students involved with “College Life,” Berquam thinks they may have been taken advantage of.
“I think there was an exploitation that took place; I have a lot of emotions about this,” she said. “I worry about these students.”
Overall, Berquam does not criticize Wexler’s original intentions and said she was optimistic about the possibilities of the show — but was ultimately disappointed.
“I think [Wexler] probably had higher hopes than actually what ended up on screen,” she said.
Surprisingly enough, Berquam’s suspicions are false. Wexler says although he would have loved to work with the university, he’s been “pleasantly surprised” with the results of his work.
A large portion of campus is still upset about the portrayal of the show, but the question remains: Who really is to blame? In which direction should the fingers be pointed? Each party involved has a different idea about what is correct, but once a large scale player like MTV gets involved, everyone’s seemingly innocent intentions can go a little awry. Wexler wanted a pure documentary but had to realize that once he sold the project to MTV, he was entering a world with a paycheck and recognition, things that require good ratings.
The student participants may have indeed just wanted to share their stories, but once the pull of ratings was upon them, they may have been pressured into other things. The $1,000 per episode they get paid might have added a little pressure too. There’s no easy way to tell who dropped the ball on this one. One thing everyone involved has learned is this: Reality TV and college are never going to mesh in any kind of a way that leaves a university proud.
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This is an excellent, lucid, and well thought-out critique of what is a source of embarrassment for many students on this campus like myself.
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I’m relieved Alex isn’t as dumb as the premiere makes her out to be…
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great article. thank you.
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So if the u wouldn’t allow them access to film a lot of normal life on campus how can they fault MTV for showing what they were left with.
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this article neither explains well what is exactly so embarrassing about the show, nor investigates the other side of the story
poor, sensationalist journalism
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I am glad someone finally exposed this show for the joke it is. It is really degrading to UW Madison students who work hard for academics, are involved in clubs, and who don’t spend every minute of their lives playing beer pong or hanging out in what Kevn’s dumb ass calls the “heart of campus”…frat row…give me a break! Thanks for the awesome article. It is really well written, and lets people on this campus know the truth. Hopefully, this stupid show will get canceled soon, so that our university can somewhat redeem its status and save its image. Good job!
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After what Alex said I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to see that the second episode claimed that she “was under too much stress” and quit. Not quite the mutual decision for being too boring that she says (and I’m not doubting her).
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Sensationalist journalism? I think this sheds some light on what the hopes and intentions of the cast were initially. It also gives us insight as to how those intentions were perverted by a SENSATIONALIST television station.
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Anonymous (April 20, 2009 @ 6:48pm): this article neither explains well what is exactly so embarrassing about the show, nor investigates the other side of the story
Exactly right.
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great article. well done herald
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“So if the u wouldn’t allow them access to film a lot of normal life on campus how can they fault MTV for showing what they were left with.” - 4:02
What is it with these people? You think someone studying in a library or taking a calc exam is exciting? Though I would like to see Kevin’s sorry ass fail his exam, I’d much rather watch him make an ass of himself with his stoner laugh the night before his exam when he “goes out” by drinking in the dorms. MTV will cut anything not related to drama (relationships, a tattoo, failing exams) or drinking. Also Alex dropped out of the show and I’m guessing Kevin doesn’t study or do homework anyway.
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6:48
Where does this article claim to be explaining those things? It offers some insight into what is going on behind the scenes and why. That is exactly what journalism is. It sheds light on the story less told. Any idiot who pulls his out of his ass for 5 minutes would realize that the other side of the story is obvious and would realize that it should be obvious what is embarrassing about the show.
Your comment is a poor, sensationalist attack due to either boredom or pure ignorance.
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Alex is the only smart one of that group. Why is the new girl studying at the Edgewood College library?
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I believe many are overreacting the false reputation Madison will recieve due to the show. Although, the show potrays Madison in a negative light, people realize what mtv is all about and those who are looking at UW understand there is much more to the university then what four freshman and mtv have created in 30 minute episodes… the show aires after the hills lets be real here the audience doesn’t care about academics
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Way to dig down and show how fake, and scripted MTV is! I think we all knew it, but you don’t really know for sure until they tape a show with people you know. I also noticed that Alex was taken off the show last night, which totally confirms what she said about them cutting her out for not doing what they say. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m glad UW isn’t endorsing this fake, stupid show. It makes anyone who goes to the University for academics seem non-existent. Hopefully, the ratings on this show will suck and they’ll take it off the air so that we can somewhat save our school’s image! who knows…
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I watched both episodes, and then found this interesting and insightful article.
I think in a very clear and very brave way Alex is speaking for us all as young people of conscious in a new age of media. Major media (like MTV/Viacom) MUST begin to understand that audiences are looking for something different. Some of us (many of us) are no longer content to be treated as a mass through a lowest common demoninator aesthetic. We are niched and some of us expect media to begin taking more responsibility for the significant role they play as cultural institutions in our society—institutions that are very influential in the way we end up thinking and behaving. What a great (and lost) opportunity “The College Life” show had in making a difference in our world as young people who watch, rather than just sticking by the same safe old standard of assuming the worst in their audience—it might as well have been called “College Kids Gone Wild”.
This is what I think Alex is saying here and that she apparently tried at length to get across to the producers of this show. And, it’s important that we pay attention to what she is saying. As we’ve seen in our political and business arenas, change takes willingness and time. And, sometimes, positive change takes sheer bravery on the part of individual thought leaders, the audiences and the producer of media.
When will there be a media producer that suggests to its audience that it’s, perhaps, a great and good thing to quest to be an intellectual, community-minded, and culturally astute person? If this is what Alex grew into after her first few weeks youthful independence in a college life, and if this is what she wanted to show, I ask again, isn’t this a GOOD thing to include?
In short, at some point someone is going to have to say we’re fed up with the dumbing down of the audience (though I don’t know how much more culturally dumb we can be as a society). As long as media producers choose to say ‘the college life’ is not a time of personal growth and only ‘the stupid life’ filled with relationship triviality, that’s what we will tend to expect/believe in our young people, and what they expect of themselves. However, if media chooses to say ‘the college life’ can be a time of intellectual elevation (AS WELL AS a time of wild oats sewing), then that’s the sort of cultural psychology they can spread throughout the society. That’s how powerful the modern media is.
Can the prospect of an elevated life sell? Yes, I think it can—just ask the Medici’s. For the media, it’s all a matter of your long term view as BOTH an economic AND cultural institution.
Alex, like many college students I know, you do indeed have a good head on those shoulders. You’re obviously a thought leader.
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While I feel bad for the freshmen who clearly didn’t know what they were getting themselves into - they probably should have stepped back and thought about this a little more. We grew up on MTV. Do you think the RealWorld actually portrays reality? Do you think that The Hills is true to the lives of the paid actors? You probably should have realized before signing on the dotted line that what MTV wanted was footage of 4 freshmen drinking, sexing, and going wild at what is typically known as a party school. Good intentions or not, the show shouldn’t shock anyone…including those who chose to film themselves.
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I think this article does a great job of exposing MTV and the creators of the show for their less than honorable intentions. The show says claims to be a true documentary of college life at UW Madison but it fails to do so miserably. How is it that at such an academically competitive school the only real focus on academics is placed on the kid who parties too much and is failing math? UW is so much more than a party school, and while, as pointed out in the article, parties are a part of campus life so are political rallies, student organizations, academics and so much more. Its unfortunate that MTV’s idea of entertainment is limited to partying and boyfriend drama. I think this article is extremely well written and I was glad to here a direct account of Alex’s experience. It did a great job of showing that MTV was only interested in drama (like any other “reality” show they produce) and not what makes UW such a great place to live and go to school.
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�I filmed one of the most historic moments in history, and they weren�t interested,� she said
They told her to dumb this down?
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Of all the students on the show, the only one who doesn’t seem like a total moron is Alex. So I’m not surprised that MTV dropped her.
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Bullshit.
College isn’t all about studying and what not.
Might as well show what else goes on BESIDES studying and class.
Why would you just show kids going to class and what not?
That’s not the REAL College Life.
More stuff goes on when class is over.
Everybody wanna wet their damn pannies when MTV shows what REALLY happens on campus besides studying.
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Honestly… who cares. Everyone already knows that Madison is a huge party school. I was hearing stories about riots and bonfires in the streets long before any college show came on. Does this really affect anyone’s opinion on the school anymore? No, I don’t think so. It is a bigger school than can be fit into one box of partying and drama. Anyone who has gone to college knows that those are around every college campus anyway. If you don’t like the show, don’t watch it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but seriously… who cares?! AND… everybody already knows that networks are always looking for higher ratings, more money, etc. Welcome to real life where people try to make money. Nothing new there, I think its time to accept that one.
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I believe this article was well written and it brings up some interesting aspects of the show. However, i think that everyone and even the administration that’s getting riled up over College Life should take a chill pill. Even though I agree Madison is being portrayed negatively in this show, anyone who has watched any reality show on MTV-Laguna Beach, The Hills, etc, should know that reality shows are never ‘real’ and that MTV will portray shows dramatically just to get viewers. This show isn’t aimed to be just about college/academics so I don’t believe the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s reputation will suffer- MTV is portraying these issues freshman face during their first semester, and being the party school Madison is, drinking is definitely evident. Let’s give ourselves some credit here, we all know how ‘real’ reality really is and it’s not worth our time to get upset over some show. ehehehh
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The concept for MTV’s College Life was from a 2005 UW grad, David Wexler (his name is in the credits). From the alumni association database his contact information: 300 E 56th St Apt 27C New York, NY10022-4142 (917) 912-3256
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I agree with Kelsey K
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While this shows makes UW look terrible, it’s important to think about who it is conveyed to. The general MTV audience isn’t exactly the type of person who is influencial to this university. Granted bad publicity is still bad publicity. I am completely against this show and what MTV has made our university out to be; however, most of the people watching aren’t worth worrying about anyway.
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YOU GO ALEX!! Way to stick up to a big network like MTV. Seriously, that takes a lot of courage and is highly admirable. I hope you don’t get more criticism.
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I’m currently a Freshman at the University of Illinois, and if UW and U of I are anyting similar, I must say that MTV’s “College Life” is the epitome of bad and pretentios portrayals of what ACTUALLY happens in college. And that fact that these kids were being TOLD to look like idiots is absolutely appaling; this guy clearly wants his alma mater to look like hell. And boy, is he doing a good job. In addition, NONE of this crap actually happens. When I was watching this program, I felt like I was in High School; the drama was juvenile and the only things that mattered were looks and parties. Gahh. In my case, all college freshman are much more intellegent than the people in this show.
I really commend Alex for not being offended by her “kill out.” She knows that this show will do nothing for her, and that it’ll ruin her reputation for life.
This entire show makes me puke…
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i hate how everyone at madison is trying to act all shocked at how they’re being portrayed. State Street on Halloween, Mifflin St. Block Party, any football gameday. everyone tries to act like they’re above the image being projected by MTV, but take a look at any of the facebook groups/events for them and you would get the exact same image. clearly students study, go to class, etc, that’s college and its the same whether you’re at madison, yale or matc, but they’re looking to highlight what goes on after class.
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As an alum who hasn’t been back to Madison in almost 6 years, I find this show very entertaining. I really miss being in college and to a lesser extent being in Madison. Seeing familiar buildings/businesses brings back both fond and painful memories about what it was like to really grow up during my time at UW. I always wanted to do something like this, but in print, not video. Congrats Mr. Wexler, I’m sure your show will make more money than my book ever will.
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I am very disappointed in the show. This show has done a great job to tarnished Madison’s prestige. This article provides a good reaction to this show thats providing an overwhelming misconception of what it means to be a student at this school. This show needs to be more balanced and touch at least a little more on academics, if this change does not occur then this show can actually force some great minds away from coming here.
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Alex was the one person on the show that was interesting, and now she’s gone.
So now we’re left with a flirty virgin, her sad yearning ex, a tool who gets smashed and lies to his mom, and a guy whose family is going into debt so he can go to school and he shows his appreciation by blowing $2400 on a tattoo.
This is the future of America?
Give Alex her own show.
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This show is horrible and us students at UW need to get it off the air.