MTV's Jersey Shore: Advertisers Run Scared While the Show Continues to Be a Hit
"I Don't Get No Respect!"
MTV's Jersey Shore, the reality show featuring eight adults spending their summer together on the Jersey Shore, has been losing sponsorship due to its controversial depiction of Italian Americans. As reported atWhy is MTV's Jersey Shore so controversial?
The show depicts eight Italian Americans living on the Jersey Shore; however, it focuses solely on a particular segment known as "Guido." Guido men are working class Italian American men who pride themselves on their macho attitudes, big muscles, tight shirts, and lots of gel in their dark hair. They talk tough and they act tough. A Guidette is the female equivalent. She makes sure her hair is perfectly combed and gelled.
She never leaves the house without lots of makeup, nails done and sexy clothes. Guidettes stand by their men, but they can be tough as nails as well. Whether the lifestyle is a stereotype or a sense of pride is debatable. However, as reported at TMZ, MTV's Jersey Shore has angered Italians, such as UNICO which is the "Largest Italian American Service Organization in the USA." As one member of the group said, "Italian Americans are outraged and they are helping us reach out to sponsors to ask them to stop advertising with MTV until they agree to pull Jersey Shore."
Why would sponsors pull from a show that is popular among viewers?
Despite what is depicted on MTV's Jersey Shore, the show is popular with viewers. Advertisers could therefore get plenty of attention by working with the show. However, many advertisers have pulled from the show because of its controversial nature. Domino's Pizza pulled out, and one company that recently pulled out was American Family Insurance.
Others may follow. Does a show that is controversial, despite the fact that it is popular, hurt advertisers in the long run? Will people who are looking for insurance avoid American Family Insurance if they know it's affiliated with the Jersey Shore? More than likely, a company has an image to uphold, and they don't want to be aligned with a controversial show that can affect their image.
If the company is Been Verified, a criminal background checker that recently signed on as an advertiser with the show, due to the nature of their business they don't have to worry about their reputation. They are not seen as a family oriented company.
Fans wait to see what other companies will join in to fill vacant slots on MTV's Jersey Shore. Sponsors that would not be harmed by the show could be video game companies. Their spots could focus on their games for mature audiences. Beer commercials or even hair gels geared for an adult buyer would work.
Source:
Jersey Shore's Advertising Woes ... Fuggetaboutit, TMZ
Published by Jolie du Pre - Featured Arts & Entertainment Contributor; Featured Local Contributor
Jolie du Pre is a full-time freelance writer and a published author and editor of erotica. She focuses the bulk of her Associated Content writing on celebrities and is a Featured Arts & Entertainment Contri... View profile
Live Music Venues at the Jersey Shore
Live music is all the rage at the Jersey Shore, and some music superstars such as Bruce Springsteen even got their start here. Here are some of the best live music venues at t...
The New Jersey Shore: A Review of Several Beach Communities
The New Jersey shoreline is world famous with it's boardwalk, casino's and it's history vacationing at the Jersey shore is a tradition for many families.
Typical Traffic Delays Heading to the Jersey Shore This Summer
As a lifelong New Jersey resident and former traffic reporter, I know where you can expect the traffic to be tied up when heading to the Jersey Shore. Here's a handy guide for drivers.
On the Dial at the Jersey Shore: Radio Stations in Monmouth-Ocean County New Jersey
Monmouth-Ocean County New Jersey is one of the bigger radio markets in the United States. Here's a run down on some of the stations you can tune into when at the Jersey Shore.
And the Dead Rose from the Jersey Shore
A couple is taking a romantic stroll along the Jersey shore and something comes down from the sky. It causes a traumatic mutation on the occupants that want to destroy our heroes. Will they make it out of Jersey alive?
|
|
Partner Links from 
Partner Links from 
Partner Links from 
- MTV's "Jersey Shore" is a controversial show due to its depiction of Italian Americans
- The show is losing family oriented advertising
- Non-family oriented advertising can gain from the show's popularity
Type in Your Comments Below
Patricia Sicilia
12/11/2009
I don't watch reality TV, but I AM married to a first-generation Italian, and NO ONE in his family acts like these people do!
John Myers
12/11/2009
I never saw the show, but now I'm intrigued! Thanks!
J.C. Grant
12/10/2009
The show is hysterical. I used to know plenty of cartoons who fit this stereotype. In fact, I take credit for coining the word "Guidette" back in the mid-80s.
Jennifer Bove
12/10/2009
good write up, lol I haven't watched MTV sinceit played all videos, rock at that, guess I'm old now....lol
Valerie Ferrari
12/10/2009
LOL - my daughter turned on an episode of this to enlighten me on the controversy. Fuhgeddaboutit!
Peter Flom
12/10/2009
I never watch TV. This doesn't make me want to start! :-)
Comments 1 - 6 (of 6)