http://www.mtv.com/videos/the-real-world-cancun-ep-5-payback-piglets-and-projects/1616252/playlist.jhtml
This episode is heavy. The main issue is that of self-injury, something that I've had experiences with, and believe can be fully prevented and treated. Ayiiia feels unwanted and unloved. She feels like everyone of the male gender stands against her on the show. She feels alone. I understand that it may appear that Ayiiia is looking for attention and that she might be faking her feelings so that she gets more time on the air. I understand that it appears that she is a drama queen and blah, blah, blah. I get that. However, self-injury is no joke. It is not something to be taken lightly. It is real, and people's lives are taken from it. I feel that MTV handled this well, not the best, but well. I don't know what was happening behind the scenes, or how whether or not it was scripted or whether certain people were paid more to have less compassion or any of that. If it was not presented in the show I don't know about it. End of that story. When Ayiiia was cutting herself and acting out her agression, depression, what have you, she found herself in the arms of people that wanted to make a difference in her life. These people wanted the best for her, whether it was an encouraging word, a hug, or just their simple presence in tough times, I believe that these people reminded her that she is human and worth more. Even when Joey, CJ, and Bronne continuously insulted her and poured salt in Ayiiia's fresh wounds, these people stood by her and supported her and loved on her even though it was a situation beyond them. At the end of the episode were two things that significantly struck a chord within me. The first were the encouraging words of Emily? or Jonna (I've never watched this before). The words, "I know what it's like to reach rock bottom and have nobody, but I'm here for you," are so much more powerful than we often think. It reminds people that they are not alone in their struggles, that we are all on the same plane, and that there is hope for tomorrow. The second thing was the Public Service Announcement at the end of the show. It's as simple as this: go to this website, call this number. It's over. That's all it takes to make a difference. From the comments I've read on the page, numerous people that watch this show deal with, or have dealt, with the issue of self-injury. This show was distributed, via the internet and MTV, to millions of people across the globe. This was the chance for a life-saving conversation to spark. A chance for people to get help for the things they hide a way. A chance for hurt to be ceased. It's provided hope for thousands who only see the darkness before them. Though MTV's Real World: Cancun may not have been the best way to get reality before the world, it has, and it's worked. Today is the day an issue that has been ignored is given light. I believe MTV has done the right thing by airing this episode, and I'll take as much flak for that as can be dished out. This is why organizations like To Write Love On Her Arms exist. It's time to become a vulnerable people that let our issues be known. The only ways to kill the monsters in our closet is to open the door and stab at them, or blow the whole house up. One of TWLOHA's staff stated it like this: "When faced with an issue they don't understand, like self-injury, people can either antagonize, sympathize, or become apathetic."
If you struggle with this, there is hope. You are not alone. There are places like halfofus.com and Twloha.com that can provide a light. There are numbers you can call 1-800-DONTCUT, 1-800-SUICIDE, t-800-273-TALK. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself. You aren't the only one that has ever felt this way. There is a community of people that believes in you. You are worth more.
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