MTV's new reality series has drawn protests of increasing volume. Now it appears that some are calling for a boycott of the show. The Italian-American group UNICO (which also protested HBO's "The Sopranos") has asked members to complain to MTV's advertisers. In the past couple of days, two advertisers on the show -- Domino's Pizza and American Family Insurance -- have pulled out of the series.In addition, one major media outlet reported that MTV New York offices were receiving death threats because of the show. The network has denied the report. "('Jersey Shore' furthers) the popular TV notion that Italian-Americans are gel-haired, thuggish ignoramuses with fake tans, no manners, no diction, no taste, no education, no sexual discretion, no hairdressers (for sure), no real knowledge of Italian culture and no ambition beyond expanding steroid- and silicone-enhanced bodies," blasted New York Post critic Linda Stasi on Monday. "Would that programing ever have been allowed if the group were African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Jewish people?" (Yes! Are you watching TV?)
The initial round of criticism didn't seem to help "Jersey Shore," which debuted Thursday to a relatively modest 1.4 million viewers. Adding to the drama is a clip from an MTV teaser for an upcoming episode of the show that's making the rounds online. It shows a man punching out one of the female housemates. But it's unclear if any of the conflict -- onscreen or off -- will improve the show's ratings. [source]
I don't think the show depicts any stereotypes. The only Italian stereotypes i know of is MOB related and Tempers. It just reminds me of college kids on spring break. I don't know since we (African Americans) are always depicted in a certain way on TV, It doesn't really bother me. Not that its okay, but it's not that big of a deal to me. I could be wrong.. I didn't watch the show and probably won't but a lot of my friends did and they loved it.
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