A slew of roommates just moved into their new digs in downtown Las Vegas for Season 31 of MTV’s “The Real World” — but the long running reality show has a new twist with the theme, “Go Big or Go Home,” which means cast members can be kicked off and replaced for not participating in a series of ongoing tasks designed specifically to test their emotional and physical fears.
Putting a “Challenge” twist on the “Real World” doesn’t do much to rejuvenate the show, as most of the people cast are so stereotypically outrageous that that actually makes it rather predictable. Sabrina, Chris, Kailah, Dean, Jenna and Dione won’t do much audiences haven’t already seen before on reality TV, which is why cast member CeeJai’ Jenkins from Powder Springs, Ga., boldly stands out.
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Ceejai’ is someone that MTV audiences need to pay attention to. The aspiring lawyer has one of the most tragic background stories, but doesn’t use it as an excuse. The 24-year-old’s ability to calmly respond to her roommates’ naive racist comments with patience and love instead of violent outrage is incredible to watch, and Zap2it reached out to speak with her prior to the show’s premiere.
Zap2it: What made you audition this season?
CeeJai’ Jenkins: They actually found me. I was trying to submit for a docu-series, but then they asked me if I was interested in auditioning for “The Real World,” and I thought it was a joke. Like, “Yeah, right — I’m not interested.” But then why did I go through with it? This is just an opportunity of a lifetime. How many times can you say I was offered to be on “The Real World”?
Did you watch the show before?
Every morning before I went to school when I was in junior high, but then I stopped watching TV as much because I was athlete and didn’t have time, but “The Skeleton” season [“The Real World” Season 30], I watched faithfully.
What was your biggest hesitation?
I didn’t want to have anything affect me going to law school or me being attorney, or a political person. I didn’t want to hook up with anybody on the show! But then you’re like “Oh my God! He’s so hot!”
Let’s discuss cast member Jenna Thomason from Easly, South Carolina … and her naive views on race.
Patience is a virtue. I know that we’re human. So, I try my best to be understanding with any and everybody. Inside my head, I ask God, “Hey, can you just anoint my mouth to say the right thing so they can understand what I’m about to say?”
Honestly, I wanted to give Jenna a shot on explaining herself on why she feels this way, because I’m about to murder you on explaining how I feel. So, make sure you got your points clear, baby.
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Does this conversation come up again?
It is an ongoing conversation that will occur more and more.
Are you able to stay friendly with her?
Yeah! That’s what I want people to realize. If you get drawn into situations, you can work your way around it. Keep your top lip to the bottom lip closed and listen for second, and that will change everything.
Do you think Jenna took in what you had to say?
I’m going to say, “No.”
How does that make you feel?
Sometimes it makes you feel like you’re doing things for no reason. It frustrates you because all you want is a little understanding. With Jenna and I, she doesn’t understand the struggle. She did not grow up around black people, [doesn’t know] the history of blacks, how they got to America in the first place! It [can feel] like beating a dead horse.
Zap2it will continue to follow up with CeeJai’ as the season progresses, so we can keep learning more about who seems to be the most inspiring and refreshing castmate MTV has seen in years.
Catch the season premiere of “The Real World: Go Big or Go Home” at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.