Stereotyping in the Media

Controversy in the media is something that seems to never go away, whether it be issues relating to ethnicity, race, sex, violence, stereotypes, etc. It seems as though no matter what, someone is always going to have a conflict of interest. MTV launched it's career as a network geared towards music, but overtime has transformed into something way more than just that, adding award shows, animation, and reality television to its' list. But when MTV launched its latest reality hit The Jersey Shore this past year, controversy sparked. The show sets it's tone in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, where 8 twenty-something "Guidos" spent their summer together, showing off their tans, getting buff, using lots of hair gel, partying, and constantly causing a scene. As an audience we were able to sit back every Thursday night and watch these people form relationships and experience a summer on the boardwalk, with each episode stirring more and more drama to the pot.. LOVE IT!! But unfortunately, a stereotyping controversy sparked immediately when the cast members were labeled the hottest and tannest Guido's around by MTV.
Media stereotyping seems to be almost impossible when it comes to the entertainment business because really, it does allow audiences to have some sort of common ground of what the heck should be portrayed in a overly simplified way, and this is what the entertainment business wants, similarity and togetherness. The problem is, these stereotypes are way too simplified and leave way for prejudice talk and behavior. The term "Guido" is a stereotypical term that is usually marked offensive to some Italian Americans, often giving them the portrayal of an exaggeratedly muscular attitude, and with the Jersey Shore cast members instantly being labeled as "Guidos," the show, and almost all who watched, viewed them as just that.. tan, buff, and over the top personalities. While the show had many fans, there were also many people on the opposing side, and very displeased with the use of the derogatory term on the network, as well as the stereotyping going on. Many wanted the show removed from the air instantly. What really cracked me up was after reading several news articles online about the show, I was informed that even pizza company's, such as Domino's Pizza became offended and requested all their advertisements be removed from the network while the reality show was airing.
Despite all the "haters," the network succeeded at giving the show an entire season.. We can thank its' loyal audience for that one. Also, luckily enough for all those Mike "the Situation's" and "Snooki's" of the world that have been "created" after the airing of the show, the network seems to be hinting at a second one as well.. Not going to lie, pretty excited to see what's next!..