Learn more about Senior Seminar Editorials here. View a list of previous editorials here.
A Senior Seminar Editorial by Kristen Caniff, MHS 2010
Similar to other pointless reality shows invading our society, MTV’s “Jersey Shore” has generated its own following. The majority of the viewers watch the show because of its absurd cast which consists of eight Italian Americans. It is almost like watching a car accident about to occur; one wants to get as far away as possible however something lures one in because of the forthcoming mayhem. The cast refers to themselves as “guidos” and “guidettes” which are derogatory terms for Italians. The members succeed at validating the connotation of the stereotypical Italian person, making the show very offensive to Italian Americans.
The first example of how it is offensive to Italian Americans is because the derogatory word “guido” is loosely used in the show. It is understood that the cast refers to one another as “guidos” and “guidettes” because they are Italians and they pride themselves on their culture. However is it really okay for them to refer to one another in such derogatory terms? Italian American groups find it very offensive that the cast is freely using the term on national television. Viewers may think that since the cast uses the term so openly, that it is socially alright for others to refer to Italians as “guidos” also. The Italian American groups find this term very odious and do not support the show.
Another reason why the show is so offensive is because the cast of “Jersey Shore” validates the harsh stereotype of Italians. The cast is loud, short-tempered, vain, and opinionated. A cast member nicknamed “The Situation” is very vain and takes pride in his washboard abdominals. Another cast member claims that he spends twenty five minutes on his hair every day and brought eight bottles of hair gel with him to the Jersey Shore house. Constant partying, harsh language, and nonstop tanning are also adding to the negative stereotyping of Italian Americans. Not only is the cast humiliating themselves in front of millions of viewers, they are also embarrassing the Italian American culture. Italian Americans do not want to be portrayed as the cast of the Jersey Shore; they want to be known for their virtues. The angry Italian Americans want the show off the air and do not want to rest until their goal is accomplished.
The members succeed at validating the connotation of the stereotypical Italian person, making the show very offensive to Italian Americans. One reason why it is offensive is because the derogatory term “guido” is freely used even though it is socially unacceptable. It is also offensive to Italian Americans because the cast over exaggerated the stereotypical roles of Italians why being loud, vain, party-animals with thick accents. The Italian Americans are very persistent about their opinions regarding taking the distasteful show off of the air. They will not rest until it is accomplished.