The Real Jersey Shore Hates MTV Show

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Dec 29th 2009 07:25AM

The New Jersey beach town that's home to MTV's 'Jersey Shore' is trying to distance itself from the controversy surrounding the reality show. In a statement Monday, the Borough of Seaside Heights says it "did not solicit, promote or participate in the filming" of the show. It did issue a permit allowing the production company to film, but says those permits are issued routinely. And this isn't the first time the show has gotten criticism.

A few weeks ago, MTV received more pressure to cancel its 'Jersey Shore' reality show. The latest criticism comes from the New Jersey Italian American Legislative Caucus, which says the show promotes derogatory ethnic stereotypes and is "wildly offensive."

In a letter sent Tuesday to the president of Viacom, MTV's parent company, caucus chairman Joseph Vitale asks that the show be immediately taken off the air.

The reality show focuses on the escapades of eight 20-somethings thrown together at a summer shore house. The stars are mostly Italian-Americans. Italian-American civic groups and New Jersey lawmakers are outraged, claiming the show perpetuates negative stereotypes. The town insists the show doesn't reflect the majority of its visitors.

The state lawmakers also have asked advertisers to boycott the show, which focuses on eight tanned 20-somethings and their escapades in Seaside Heights, a popular New Jersey beach town.

On Wednesday, a Viacom spokesman referred a request for comment to an MTV spokesperson, who did not immediately respond. MTV has said its intention is not to stereotype or offend.

PopEater Photo Intern Gino DePinto Weighs In

Tags: jersey shore, JerseyShore, mtv

Comments

(32)

Tuesday 29 December

By charlie

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Let them stay in NY. We do not want or need them at the Jersey shore.

By Teri

When I've watched the show, my grown sons and I can predict what moves they'll be making next because we KNOW guys just like these! It may be a stereotype, but it got to be one for a reason. lol Anyone who lives in Jersey knows guys like these, so I guess if they want to stop spreading the stereotype, they can start by telling their friends like this to stop acting this way. But somehow, I don't think they'll listen. I don't find it offensive, and I live in Jersey.

By smp276dp

This show is not good for Italian American's. Between them they have a I.Q of about 28. People that watch this stuff need help in the worst way.

By Joe

As a lifelong Jersey Shore resident and bartender, I have to admit that "Jersey Shore" is one reality show that does acurately portray a part of shore summer life. Yes, it's dismal that people from other parts of the country will watch and think that it shows the whole picture, which it doesn't. But the truth is the truth, which Mayor Pringle of Belmar found out last year when he critisized the "guidos" from North Jersey. As someone who works the other side of the bar I can attest that "Seaside Tony" is alive and well and visits the Jersey Shore every summer. It's one of the reasons we throw "Bennie Go Home" parties on Labor Day Weekend.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT GOES ON AT THE JERSEY SHORE!!! Everybody from Central and North Jersey go to Seaside for prom weekend, and also all summer...drinking, partying and having sex with random people. I'm 30 now, but when I was in high school and college I was at the shore doing the same thing. The only difference is that even though I"m Italian, I'm not a "guido".

By weezee

The show is terrible (what else do you expect from MTV?) but is unfortunately true to life. We have BENNYs all over Jersey, lots in my town, not just at the shore. The girls are OK, but it's the narcissistic guys that get on my nerves. I've dated several Italian-American guys before, but never a fake tan, eyebrow waxing, hair gel, tight shirt, Saturday Night Fever wannabe guido!

By JOE

By toysax54

I have grown up and still live in jersey. north jersey yes! Seaside has always been known to attracted a low level low IQ sleasy element.. interesting in getting wasted acting stupid.. Buyt the jersey shore is much more than just seaside.. there are many beautiful towns with beautiful beaches and they have none of the antics you see in this "entertaining" program.. why? NO BARS TO ATTRACT YOUNG DRINKERS! boring? well yes... and happily so... minus these idiot screw balls...

By Acecat

What is wrong with Snooky's back? Every single photo I've seen of her looks like she's holding something up her butt! What gives??

Wednesday 30 December

By janilee

I saw the show, and found it stupid and very offensive as an Italian American Jersey woman. We never behaved so badly when we had a shore house! We had fun and made friends with quality people to join our fun. STOP negatively portraying Italian Americans- we are not all gangsters, slobs, money hungry plastic dolls or Guitos!! It really makes me mad to see the stereotypes portrayed as the majority. Some of us are Doctors, lawyers, Psychiatrists, Speakers of the House, young pop star sensations (think Lady Gaga, Madonna)...ETC, ETC.!!

Tuesday 05 January

By midwest

The only thing stupider than the cast on Jersey Shore are the people who are actually entertained by this annoying show. If this is a representation of what Jersey is like, cross it off of my list of places to visit. Keep that trash in Jersey.

Friday 25 June

By yanelis

okay first of all, its really a shame that yall just judging these people and pretend like the things that happen on the show never happen, they do happen because they are YOUNG keyword: young , even though certain things i dont agree with, yu cant critize on the way people live their lives. if you dont like the show and it upsets you that much then just dont whatch it, its that simple! every single state has a stereotype or w.e you want to call it. ex: miami, has da chongas, my point is that if you know your not like that then why be botherd with it? -just keep it moving.

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