Despite the fact that the conclusion to this article is hopelessly trite:

But what, we have to ask after the 10th or so MXC contestant's grimace of pain, is the enticement that would lead anyone to submit to such physical debasement and injury? According to MXC's American publicist, the prizes are decidedly banal offerings like oven mitts and trays of food. We are left then with the same uncomfortable impression created by seasons spent watching average citizens debase themselves on American reality TV shows: Humiliation on national television is itself the big prize. MXC's cathartic physical tests obliquely but nonetheless eloquently illustrate that in the game of culture, as in sports, there is no gain without pain. Perhaps Warhol's prediction was only slightly off, and what contemporary Americans really demand is their 15 minutes of shame.

There is perhaps a small bit of truth to it. I think, however, that the writer is ultimately clueless in assessing the show's audience and appeal. Those humiliating games look fun to the young men, including myself, who like the show. I would love to participate. As proof I offer the special episode where Americans re-enact the show with Tony Hawk as host. I hate to judge someone I know nothing about, but I'm guessing the author has never partaken of or understood the fun of that sort of activity.