Nev Schulman — Executive Producer of MTV’s “Catfish” Show

“I've been traveling around the country for the past 5 years making Catfish, and in that time I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting thousands of people from all kinds of backgrounds and beliefs. From the hayfields of Texas, to the towns of the Midwest, over to the streets of Oakland, and all the way down to the swamplands of central Florida, everywhere I go I find the same thing. A generation of Americans who are compassionate and capable. Young people who are doing whatever they can to make something of themselves. We don't all start out with the same opportunities, but we all share the same simple desire to succeed.

Last night's episode took place in Saginaw, MI. A town like many others once known for its thriving industry, now plagued by unemployment and crime. The subject of the episode lives with his cousin, a gang member recently released from serving a seven year jail sentence. He and his friends, pictured below, have all grown up on the "mean streets". 

Undereducated and unemployed, they are what many would consider to be 'bad guys', 'thugs', and 'gang bangers'. But what they lack in education, they make up for in enthusiasm. Spending an evening with these young men was one most eye opening experiences of my life. These guys are the product of the underserved lower class. They grew up with poverty and crime all around them, and did what they had to do to survive.

Toward the end of the evening, as it often goes, I was asked to take selfies for everyones social media. Happy to oblige, I watched as each guy posted his pic with me, then lit up as they watched the likes' on their post soar, all of them giddy with laughter as they bragged to each other about the success of their recent post. It was one one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. 

Given the right environment, access, and opportunities, I have no doubt that these young men could and would be both successful and upstanding members of society. They are not in fact 'bad guys' at all, but actually sweet boys who got held down by a broken system. Meeting them gave me a perspective on reality that I sorely needed. It reminded me why my success is closely tied to the success of my neighbor, and that we are only as strong as our weakest link.

Thank you to the residents of Saginaw for welcoming me into your city, your homes, and your lives. I will not forget you, and promise to do whatever I can to get you the opportunities and attention you deserve.” 

March 9th, 2017. Facebook.