Defending the “Jersey Shore”

Last week, MTV’s hit new reality TV show, “Jersey Shore,” had its first season finale. While most of the Rowan community feel it is a show that negatively portrays the state that they live in, I personally was upset that MTV’s most entertaining show ended.

Maybe I am biased because I don’t live here in New Jersey year-round, but I honestly loved the show. I thought it did exactly what television is supposed to do: it entertained people. Yes, it was mindless and at times downright dumb, but those eight (or seven, seeing as Angelina “Jolie” Pivarnick was evicted from the house when she refused to work) guidos and guidettes made for some fantastically fun television.

Now, before the public starts complaining that the show “portrays the people of New Jersey in a negative light,” keep in mind that the show does a pretty good job of explaining that these people do not live on the Jersey Shore permanently, that they are visiting for a summer only. Think of the show as a season of “The Real World” being filmed in Jersey, and only casting Italians. The people of Washington, D.C. aren’t getting upset over the latest season of “The Real World” being shot there, with the housemates acting just as stupid as Pauly D and Snooki.

Am I saying that “Jersey Shore” is the best show on television? Obviously not. I can say that I find it very entertaining to watch and every episode is exciting. You want to see who Jenni “JWoww” is going to cheat on her boyfriend with this time, how many times Mike will refer to himself as “The Situation,” and if MTV is finally going to air the footage of Snooki getting decked in the bar (come on MTV, we all saw it online, you may as well give the people what they want and put it on TV as well).

My point is, do not take the show too seriously, because it’s really not meant to be. It’s an MTV reality show, for pete’s sake. It’s best enjoyed after a long day of hard classes by curling up with your snuggie and a bag of popcorn and letting your mind turn to mush.