When "Jersey Shore" debuted on MTV on the third of December, 2009 with hesitation by the MTV network as to what the success of the show might be. I mean, was America ready to watch the misadventures of eight overly tan, self-proclimed Guido's and Guidette's? Well, after amassing a fame overnight, it seems that not only was America waiting for something like this to come along, but fans were loving every minute spent in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. They loved it so much, that MTV now has created a franchise of "Jersey Shore," with the conclusion of a second season and filming a third, character costumes, memorabilia, and of course the public appearances made by the "stars" of the show. And did I mention that the show now airs in dozens of countries around the world?
It now seems that MTV's sister network VH1 is jumping on-board the GTL bandwagon to bring us "My Big Friggin' Wedding," a bridal-themed series that follows five couples from Long Island and New Jersy as they being the arrangements of their lavish nuptials - fist pumping optional. Think of the show as a hybrid: like if "Jersey Shore" and "Bridezillas" smooshed and made a baby. This would be its offspring.
Ok ... well that sounds all dandy and dutiful, but c'mon. Really?
It seems to me that someone is just looking to cause a ruckus.
In regards to The Sopranos, what was the big deal? Excuse me if I get my history misconstrued, but it was a show about "mobsters," to which the term was generated through the Italian mafia - who did, in fact, kill people for reasons unbeknownst to me. That's not fodder for television, it is based on something that happened in history and is something that I am sure still happens today.
As for the Jersey Shore and this new wedding show, I don't see what UNICO National is trying to prove. I can understand that there may be some unfortunate feelings when it comes to seeing it, but to go as far as to say a show is a sole reason for the defamation of an entire group of people is completely and utterly stupid.
Does anyone remember a little reality show gem called "America's Most Smartest Model?" a game show/model search for the brightest of the beautiful? The contestants were not all that smart (one was named Pickle, for goodness sakes) but you didn't see Heidi, or Tyra, or Twiggy up in arms over the show. What about the show "For the Love of Ray J," where B-list rapper and Brandy's little brother basically objectifies women - you didn't see the black community and those who don't do that get up in arms. You want to know why? Because these shows portray THESE people - and are not intended to represent an entire GROUP.
I know people from New Jersey and Staten Island who are nothing like a guido. I've met people of color who were nothing like Ray J. I've even worked with models who were 4.0 students at ivy league schools. So what does that say about them? That anyone can rise above a stereotype.
Jersey Shore is a show for those who need a guilty pleasure or who don't have anything better to do on a Tuesday night ... and I am sure that My Big Friggin' Wedding will be the same thing. I find it quite sad that a group dedicated to enhancing the image of a community is taking so much time to degrade members of said community instead of coming up with an alternative - maybe an Italian-American version of "The Cosby Show?"
So to Andre' DiMino - just stop.
