Parents' Guide to

Jersey Shore

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Reality show revels in crude Italian-American stereotypes.

TV MTV Reality TV 2009
Jersey Shore Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 57 parent reviews

age 2+
age 2+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (57):
Kids say (122):

Jersey Shore centers on the broad ethnic stereotypes of the "guido" (a male Italian American) and the "guidette" (the female version) -- who are often characterized as uneducated and hot-tempered and who proudly sport fake tans, over-gelled hair, and tight-fitting and/or gaudy outfits as cultural assets.

Rather than challenging these characterizations, the cast members of the show have proudly reclaimed the stereotypes. Instead of looking at Jersey Shore as a chance to transform these over-simplified characterizations into a positive celebration of their ethnicity, they use them to excuse inappropriate behavior. As a result, the show leaves viewers with a depiction of Italian Americans that's both misguided and offensive.

TV Details

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