A Garden State of Mind

Before I begin, I would like to preface this entry with the following: Yes, I am from New Jersey, and no, I have never encountered (for better or for worse) the “Situation.”

I guess my obsession with the MTV hit “Jersey Shore” was a long time coming. Everywhere I went people were talking about the “shore” and these self proclaimed “guidos” and “guidettes.” Even my friends (both from New Jersey and elsewhere) were completely hooked. “Is that what Jersey is like,” my friends from Michigan would ask, to which I would have to calmly respond, “No. It’s not.” For my friends back home, the intrigue of the show was the fact that it presented them with a new perspective of their home state. The places, roads, and landmarks that are shown throughout the show were the backdrops of some of our fondest memories. In fact, most of my friends spent the weekend after prom frolicking about in what has now been made infamous by MTV, Seaside Heights, New Jersey.

For those of who have read thus far and still don’t know what the hell “Jersey Shore” is let me quickly explain. “Jersey Shore” follows the lives of eight twenty- somethings living and partying together for one summer on the shore. Part “Real World” and part “The Hills” (except instead of Dior we have to settle for DEB) “Jersey Shore” is truly a whirlwind of fake tans, big boobs, and even bigger hair.

 The fakery, however, is not exclusive to the outward appearance of the “cast.” In fact, the entire notion that this show is an authentic portrayal of the Jerseyites (yes, I just made up a word!) is truly ludicrous. The truth is that only one of the eight cast members is actually from New Jersey, while most of the cast hails from New York (while one guy is from the great state of Rhode Island)- oh the joys of “reality” television!

Ultimately, “Jersey Shore” is truly just another caricature of the Garden State, founded upon stereotypes rather than reality (an albeit addictive and “so bad that it’s good” type of caricature!). My only hope is that you, the viewer, will be able to discern the truth from the reality. Trust me, New Jersey is more than theTurnpike, malls, and annoying accents. Take a chance and find out… I can give you first hand accounts if you’d like 🙂

Have a great MLK day/ FOUR-day week and be sure to leave your comments below!