Jersey Shore

When I found out they were showing this in other countries, I flipped out. Just what we want foreigners to think all Americans are like! This show sucks so bad. It's just a bunch of 30 year olds getting drunk. They act incredibly immature. I despise this show with every fiber of my being.

It's stupid but it's so funny. the people have no brains so it's hilarious watching them get arrested, talk about GTL and get punched in the face...at least for Snooki. Except I feel like I lose brain cells while watching it.

What to watch out for * Messages: The show's premise revolves around crude stereotypical images of and behavior attributed to Italian Americans. As with many other reality shows, the series also sends negative messages about what constitutes responsible behavior, the consequences of drinking and casual sex, etc. * Role models: The cast members are stereotypical caricatures of young Italian-American adults whose sole interests are how good they think they look and having fun. While their landlord/boss attempts to instill a sense of professionalism in them, the cast is proud of their obnoxiously inappropriate behavior (which includes hooking up, talking about sex, dressing skimpily, getting drunk regularly, and more). * Violence: Contains the expected yelling, insult hurling, and arguing between housemates. There are also occasional brawls at clubs (including shoving and punching), and at least one instance in which a man punches a woman in the face (though footage of the actual punch was edited out of the final broadcast, it was included in promos, and its aftereffects are discussed). Some of the cast members say that physically fighting is an acceptable way of resolving problems. * Sex: The cast endlessly talks about having sex. Women are frequently shown in G-strings and other revealing outfits, while men are often shirtless or in their underwear. Club scenes include lots of butt shaking, grinding, and racy dancing. Sexual activity ranges from kissing (including same-sex making out) to people in bed reaching for each other's genitals; all nudity is blurred. * Language: Words like "bimbo," "sk-nk," "wh-re," "sl-t," "bi-ch," and "a-s" are used regularly. Stronger curses -- like "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," and words refering to genitalia -- are bleeped. * Consumerism: While their labels aren't prominently featured, brands like Coach, Cadillac, and Red Bull are visible. The cast's regular haunts includes Jersey Shore hot spots like Club Bamboo. * Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking is frequent and excessive. Hard alcohol (gin, vodka) is visible. People get drunk on a regular basis and are often shown engaging in promiscuous behavior while drunk and/or throwing up due to intoxication. Cigarette smoking is sometimes visible.

Quite simply, this show and those involved in it profit from the non-ironic exploitation of crude cultural stereotypes, alcoholism, and the stupidity of the general public. It might be funny or progressive if it were a mockumentary, but instead it glorifies a problematic (and unrealistic) lifestyle in a crass attempt to sell Red Bull. Most distressing is the fact that I KNOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY STARTED BEHAVING LIKE THE CHARACTERS ON THIS SHOW: trying to start fights at clubs, over-tanning, and getting drunk in the day time. It's puerile. What kind of a sad, empty culture has time for this dreck? I never thought I'd miss the Hills...