The first thing I thought when I heard of “World of Jenks” was that I hoped it would not be another stupid MTV show that makes bad morals acceptable. Surprisingly, “World of Jenks” wasn’t.
Documentary filmmaker Andrew Jenks follows around numerous young people with amazing stories. For the first two episodes, he chose to tell the stories of a rapper and an autistic man.
Jenks first got an inside look at the life of notorious rapper Maino. He learned what it’s like to be famous and to get whatever you want, whenever you want. He discovered that Maino’s reason for rapping to inspire people.
Jenks couldn’t see how Maino could possibly motivate and inspire young people when every night he goes out partying and drinking. Viewers see how Maino is widely known by the public as “the most explosive rapper in the game.” When Jenks questioned him about the constant partying and drinking, Maino exploded, attacking and insulting Jenks.
Despite almost being killed by Maino, Jenks still followed Maino around.
Jenks refused to just be a spectator. He wanted to be a part of Maino’s life and really know what it was like. Even with his life in danger, Jenks continued to experience the life of a rapper.
Next up was Chad, a 20-year-old man with autism who shared his life with Jenks. They went to high school (yes, Chad was still in high school), hung out with friends, and visited New York.
Jenks understood Chad. When they went to lunch, and Chad appeared to be upset, Jenks tried to make the situation light by saying, “Do you want me to fart?”
It was incredible to see that Jenks would say something as disgusting as that, just to help Chad perk up.
When Jenks learned that Chad always wanted to go to New York City and Coney Island, he took him there to accomplish one of his dreams. Chad was thrilled and completely content.
Watching Chad handle New York City was surprising. Without Jenks’ documentary, viewers might never have understood how upsetting loud noise can be to autistic people. How sometimes the autistic can’t function when they make a mistake.
Jenks is an amazing man. He cares about what people’s lives are really like on the inside and he shares those stories with the rest of the world.
MTV has made and will continue to make shows that offer nothing but bad morals. “World of Jenks” is the exception to that rule as it proves that everyone has a story to tell.
Gabbrielle Joseph can be reached for comment at [email protected].