With the casting calls of “The Real World” and “Road Rules” fresh on the minds of the thousands of students who gave it a try on Wednesday, I’ve been thinking long and hard about this form of revolutionary reality television.

But the basis of my thoughts is the parts of reality that have been completely avoided with each season of “The Real World.” I’m not talking about the obvious elements such as seven people living in a sweet house in a cool town. I know that isn’t the real world.

Rather, I can’t help but think about the number of social issues and personality traits that are completely avoided on the show that very much affect the 18- to 25-age group that this show has targeted.

One thing that has always bothered me about “The Real World” is the lack of attention given to the cast members’ music tastes.

Have you ever seen a band T-shirt or poster or heard a cast member listening to music (they are often shown listening to headphones) or seen one going to a concert? I know music is such a huge part of my life that not including it on camera would leave out a giant piece of my personality.

Isn’t the idea to capture seven different personalities in one house? My wardrobe consists largely of shirts bearing the names of bands. If I was on “The Real World” I would have to invest in a bunch of plain shirts if I ever wanted to be on camera.

The only time a cast member and music ever cross paths is when a cast member is a musician or in some crappy band. Why not expand on that?

I understand that “The Real World” is trying to avoid free advertisements for bands, but come on. It is music television for one, and I have a feeling many music fans would better understand these cast members if we knew more about their tastes.

Another aspect of the “Real World” I’ve never quite understood is the fact that issues surrounding marijuana and other drugs have never been touched on. Whether you are into drugs or not, the bottom line is that the presence of drugs is very evident in the lives of MTV viewers and the age groups “The Real World” represents.

Once again, I see why they don’t want to endorse such things, but on a given night you can see Serena Altschul hanging around some of the biggest marijuana dealers in the country.

No cast member is ever seen dealing with drugs, which is understandable. But to never have someone talk about it? Are you telling me that with all these different cast members, there’s not a single one who has had a drug-related past?

I would think “The Real World” viewers could become more educated if a cast member was able to discuss a past battle with drugs.

I do respect the issues “The Real World” does tackle such as homosexuality, alcoholism and racism, but these issues have been beaten to death, and it’s time to tap other resources to create drama.

Perhaps what has caught my attention in recent seasons is the physical standards for a cast member. Think back to early seasons and name off the cast members you found to be attractive.

Now think about the last three seasons, and I’m guessing your list is twice the size. I’m surprised I didn’t see a sign outside Sips on Wednesday that read, “if you’re overweight and not that good-looking, you need not apply.”

This newest season, based in Las Vegas, is filled with attractive people who love sex. The sexuality of “The Real World” has increased immensely the last few years.

A recent episode found a guy and a girl fooling around in bed when another girl decides to join in the fun, with both of them. Sounds like one hell of a real world.

Normally I would be the last person to criticize the sexual content, but the fact is that it’s boring.

I’ve observed the social impact this show has had on society and young people, and I know MTV does put forth efforts to educate with its involvement in politics, health issues and other things.

If “The Real World” wants to continue and have a positive effect, it should make the effort to better educate and demonstrate how the real world is, rather than provide some amateur soft porn for its viewers.

That’s what Cinemax is for.

Kyle Moss

is a senior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.