Jersey Shore is a well known, popularized show that has a wide range of viewers in both US and Canada. A product of reality TV, Jersey Shore has been transformed into a movement, subculture of its own, with its own linguistic terms, behaviors and ways of thinking. From sticking to the code of "GTL" to avoiding grenades, Jersey Shore presents various objects (tan skin tone, gelled hair, masculinity, style) as a way of representation in order to maintain with the help of the subjects which happen to be the viewers. The viewers are certainly attracted by the entertainment that they receive from engaging in viewing the show. However, very few can actually relate or even consider themselves as part of such a subculture. Jersey Shore members are depicted both physically and socially superior. The three factors of Max Weber theory of social stratification are evident in the example of the Jersey Shore with class, status and power being uniquely distinct. The fact that majority of the cast members are from well off families of Italian heritage/background pertains to the class factor. As far as status, the social superiority that is associated with factors such as popularity and looks constantly remain present with the examples of less attractive, popular women being labeled as ‘grenades’. In terms of power, Jersey Shore cast members are shown being treated differently by the law based on the other two factors.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Urban Culture Through Jersey Shore
http://www.throng.ca/jersey-shore
Jersey Shore is a well known, popularized show that has a wide range of viewers in both US and Canada. A product of reality TV, Jersey Shore has been transformed into a movement, subculture of its own, with its own linguistic terms, behaviors and ways of thinking. From sticking to the code of "GTL" to avoiding grenades, Jersey Shore presents various objects (tan skin tone, gelled hair, masculinity, style) as a way of representation in order to maintain with the help of the subjects which happen to be the viewers. The viewers are certainly attracted by the entertainment that they receive from engaging in viewing the show. However, very few can actually relate or even consider themselves as part of such a subculture. Jersey Shore members are depicted both physically and socially superior. The three factors of Max Weber theory of social stratification are evident in the example of the Jersey Shore with class, status and power being uniquely distinct. The fact that majority of the cast members are from well off families of Italian heritage/background pertains to the class factor. As far as status, the social superiority that is associated with factors such as popularity and looks constantly remain present with the examples of less attractive, popular women being labeled as ‘grenades’. In terms of power, Jersey Shore cast members are shown being treated differently by the law based on the other two factors.
Jersey Shore is a well known, popularized show that has a wide range of viewers in both US and Canada. A product of reality TV, Jersey Shore has been transformed into a movement, subculture of its own, with its own linguistic terms, behaviors and ways of thinking. From sticking to the code of "GTL" to avoiding grenades, Jersey Shore presents various objects (tan skin tone, gelled hair, masculinity, style) as a way of representation in order to maintain with the help of the subjects which happen to be the viewers. The viewers are certainly attracted by the entertainment that they receive from engaging in viewing the show. However, very few can actually relate or even consider themselves as part of such a subculture. Jersey Shore members are depicted both physically and socially superior. The three factors of Max Weber theory of social stratification are evident in the example of the Jersey Shore with class, status and power being uniquely distinct. The fact that majority of the cast members are from well off families of Italian heritage/background pertains to the class factor. As far as status, the social superiority that is associated with factors such as popularity and looks constantly remain present with the examples of less attractive, popular women being labeled as ‘grenades’. In terms of power, Jersey Shore cast members are shown being treated differently by the law based on the other two factors.
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I agree that it's often forgotten that the people of Jersey Shore don't actually represent anything other than stereotypes. I've seen/heard members of the Jersey/Italian community outraged that this show is on TV giving them a bad name . We as viewers are sucked into this world that doesn't exist because it's our way of seeing how life could be without any of the social norms being followed. In a way it probably makes us to feel better about ourselves because someone else's life sucks more than ours and we can escape and enjoy the misery and craziness of others.
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