‘Laguna Beach’ is a fantasy

Re “There’s Laguna, and Then There’s MTV’s ‘Laguna,’ ” Nov. 5

Since when has any “reality show” had anything to do with the real world? This genre’s formula for success is to cast people as themselves in dramas that could be real if they weren’t being filmed. It’s like taking a life and editing out all the boring parts. “Laguna Beach: The Real O.C.” is a hit because its stars live every teen’s fantasy existence: all fun and no work.

Ask any of today’s high school students and you’ll find the opposite is true: Extracurricular clubs and sports, studying and part-time jobs leave little time for play, even in Laguna Beach. For any student who hopes to be admitted to a decent university today, hard work and community involvement are the only realities.

ELLEN GIRARDEAU KEMPLER

Laguna Beach