Berlusconi Down The Shore

On the MTV ‘reality’ show Jesery Shore, producers have decided that the punch female cast member Snookie took in the face from a random Jersey mook, is too graphic and they have removed it from the episode that will run this week. It is a bit too late though. The toothpaste is out of the tube and it won’t go back in. The clip, which they used to promote the show, has gone viral on the internet and anyone who would have been offended by it probably already has.
Jersey Shore has had Italian American groups up in arms even before the show aired because they thought that it reinforced Italian American stereotypes. Growing up as a little Italian American media critic in New York in the 80’s the word ‘guido’ was as pejorative as ‘nigger’ but apparently they have both come around to a point where the slur can be used lovingly by the respective minority group. (Note to reader: don’t try either of these unless you are watching a Knick’s game alone or trying to make your way thru the San Gennaro Feast). The characters in this show all call themselves guido or guidette and they wear it with a charming pride.

I personally take no offense to these caricatures that MTV is airing because I know that they actually exist. They exist in the same world that intellectual ex-governor Mario Cuomo walks around in. And father Guido Sarducci for that matter. I am more offended by the anti defamation groups that think if you offend one Italian American you have offended them all. These are the same exact people that wanted to take The Sopranos off the air. And today, the president of Italy was attacked and punched in the face several times by a man in the crowd. (probably husband of one of the many women he has had an affair with during his time in office. P.S. thanks for breaking that stereotype Berlusconi.

So are we violent and love women? Yes. Are we also kind family men and intellectuals? Fuggedaboutit!