'Jersey Shore' Prompts Drama, Death Threats

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 8th 2009 02:28PM

'Jersey Shore' is causing some trouble for the network that originally defined reality television with 'The Real World' in 1992. MTV has tweaked its groundbreaking formula for a new generation of reality fans - and some people are unhappy with the results. Really unhappy. FOXNews reports that MTV has received irate emails, phone calls and death threats over the 'Jersey Shore' premiere. The show features a group of young Italian-Americans living together in a summer home; amidst the expected drama, the men and women refer to each other as "guidos" and "guidettes," a bit of cultural insensitivity that has enraged many, including a national Italian-American service organization based in New Jersey.

PopEater Photo Intern Gino DePinto Weighs In

The stars of the show use "ethnic slurs, violence and poor behavior to marginalize and stereotype Italian-Americans," says UNICO president Andre Dimino. He told the NY Times, "Their behavior is reprehensible and demeaning in all respects. I don't see any redeeming value in the show. They are an embarrassment to themselves and to their families."

"Trash television sells, and they'd be more interested in making money than how they're offending a great group of people," Dimino told the Newark Star-Ledger.

Jersey Shore - MTV Shows

UNICO's response has been more restrained than others. "The MTV building in Times Square was getting crazy threats and they are in the process of hiring more security in bodyguards," a source told FOXNews.

Despite the public outcry and loss of advertisers like Domino's Pizza, MTV is holding steady with its new ratings-grabber. In a statement, a network rep confirmed: "We understand that this show is not intended for every audience and depicts just one aspect of youth culture. Our intention was never to stereotype, discriminate or offend."

As for the Domino's pullout, the rep added that the series "may not be for every sponsor or advertiser and we understand that."

Tags: jersey shore, JerseyShore, mtv, the real world, TheRealWorld

Comments

(73)

Wednesday 09 December

By Tackberry

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"Reality Shows" are an oxymoron, emphasis on the "moron". Why? Because they have no reality at all. Every one of those shows has a director-type jerk telling everyone what to say and how to act to evoke a response from the viewers. Do you really think people talk and act so outrageously in real life? Granted, most of them may be jerks to begin with. I wouldn't be caught dead watching any of those shows. What's scary is that there are so many reality shows, which means that a lot of people ARE watching them. Get me off this stupid planet.

By AVM

This show makes all Americans look bad-Italian heritage or not.

By lk

i believe that these people are what they represent, guidos and the like from nj, just because you don't like the image, that doesn't mean they are not what they claim. i find all these reality shows deplorable, including the brood mares with the over taxed vaginas, the models, the bridezillas, the jersey shore house, the real anyplace wives and whatever the hell else is out there.

Tuesday 15 December

By huh?

I like the way you put things.

By Randy

Two words MTV:
MUSIC TELEVISION

By Ashley

Here's a great idea....DONT WATCH IT....or MTV for that matter. I don't ever understand why people put so much effort of negativity into things. And that goes for any show, station, person, etc. Worry about your own lifes instead of everyone elses.

By jessiXO

as a life long resident of the NJ shore, i can tell you first hand that this is a 100% true depiction of the dumb NY swine that we have to deal with EVERY SUMMER. if you think its annoying to see these people on a TV show that you've chosen to watch, try having them invade your quite little hometown on the jersey shore. this show and these morons are not representatives of NJ and the people that LIVE here. they are merely a small sampling of the obnoxious, moronic, and RUDE population that VISITS in the summer time.

By Monica

For people that think the show is offensive there is alot of other things happening in the world that are more offensive then a bunch of 20 year olds on a television show. The group that thinks it depicts Italians in a negative way i hate to say it but go to any area of New York (mostly Long Island) and that is your typical crowd at any major night life event and they are proud to be that way. We shouldnt cater to ignorant people who will base their opinions of Italians on a bunch of kids enjoying summer

By ed

Their parents must be SO proud!

Sunday 13 December

By dboomer66

New Jersey Shore...well, well...I grew up on the Jersey shore and this show is a JOKE! The girls are very unattractive in both looks and vulgar profanity. They are all overweight and nasty looking and they think they are "all that". No..they are "all THIS"..desperate for attention. The guys think they are hot-to-trot, but once they open up their mouths, they sound like over-arrogant, desperate for attention and drama. I'm Italian and although I love my heritage, this show really IS an insult to me. Plus I'm a New Jersey shore resident. This whole cast sould be thrown to the Italian Dogs who will show them what it's REALLY like to be Italian and learn respect!!

Monday 14 December

By Shawna

I am not going to lie..I love reality shows for the simple fact that they are hilarious. Jersey Shore may not be a show for everyone out there but hey if you don't like it don't watch it. Honestly they could of stuck any race in that house and your going to have the same crazy drama. Reality tv does just that with the Real World right down to Survivor. Some shows are more than others so its up to you to decide what you allow yourself to watch. I think Jersey Shore is funny and yes the boys are cute but I am the type of person who does get pulled in with the MTV and VHI shows. So you either love it or hate it!!

Friday 18 December

By Heidi

This is one of the trashiest shows ever to air on television. It's one big sex fest and those on it should be ashamed and embarrassed for their actions. They teach no values or lessons to younger kids who may be watching, and if I were a parent I would forbid my child to watch it. C’mon…what’s going on? Let’s show something classy that will teach our next generation that there is more to life than partying, sex with multiple partners and foul language. Just a disgusting show!

Thursday 24 December

By Lee Lee

That show is horrible. The cast is very annoying too! Everything they do is excessive. The hair, makeup, clothing, cussing, etc... I believe they make themselves look bad. If I were their parents I would be somewhat embarrassed. What makes those guys on show think they are cute? I hate sweaty armpits.

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