
Maybe the only industry that is as morally questionable as the advertising industry is the reality TV industry. Personally I am constantly dumbfounded by the number of crazies there are in the world based on the ever growing number of reality shows that are being populated by them. Just think of all the crazies that don't make the cut or (shudder) are actually deemed too crazy to be subjected to the experience?
The Morning News has a fascinating article about what goes into selecting reality contestants. They interview a psychologist, formerly under the employ of such shows as The Apprentice and Survivor, whose job it was to help cast those shows, assuring that their personalities were combustible enough to make good TV but not so unstable that they would go off and kill themselves or others if they couldn't deal with being "fired" or "voted off the island."
Reality stars who have coped with the experience with varying degrees of success like The Apprentice's Omorosa and Sam and Hell's Kitchen's Ralph are interviewed (all pictured above). Interestingly Apprentice contestants sign a three year non-disclosure agreement which these two contestants are still within but that doesn't stop Sam from talking openly.
It's a great read for anyone who has ever wondered where they get these people from.