Jersey Shore

There are two words that come to mind when I think of the popular reality TV show called the Jersey Shore, “guidos” and “grenades.” Now, if you have never seen the Jersey Shore before, then, naturally, you would think the word “guido” refers to the derogatory term used to describe an urban Italian-American man and a grenade may remind you of a small explosive device used in war. But, after watching a single episode of the Jersey Shore, possibly even watching 10 minutes, you would understand exactly what the cast is referring to when they use these expressions. 

The term “guido” is slang for a lower class Italian-American man. The term is used to insult Italian-Americans because it implies that they are uneducated and ignorant. It is perceived by the majority of the Italian-American population to be demeaning and inappropriate because this stereotype is the farthest thing from complementary.

Two years after the Jersey Shore aired in August of 2009 the term “guido” took on a completely different meaning. America now relates the image of a “guido” to a tattooed male with gel in his hair and a fake orange tan who lacks any sexual discretion. The cast has been very successful in convincing the citizens of America to insult the Italian culture in everyday language.

“Pauly D. was with the grenade.…when you go into battle, you need to have some friends with you, so that just in case a grenade gets thrown at you, one of your buddies takes it first,” says Mike Sorrentino, otherwise known as “The Situation.” As you can see, the use of the phrase “take the grenade”, does not mean jumping onto an active grenade to save your unit in the army. Rather, it means to take interest or to distract a less desirable woman so that your friend has the chance to “smush” her more attractive friend. Not only is this term extremely rude and insulting but it teaches males around the world that appearance is the only thing that matters in relationships. Once these “grenades” watch the episodes of the Jersey Shore, I’m almost positive they will immediately lose their self esteem.  

Now, how can anyone watch a TV show that insults Italian-Americans and demeans women every other minute? This cast has succeeded in giving America a bad reputation while looking selfish and unintelligent on television. Thank you.