Thursday nights are for GTL, and a GFA. If you’re not a loyal “Jersey Shore” fan, GTL is short for gym, tanning, laundry, and GFA is short for Grenade Free America. The six words that the reality show cast lives by.
Facebook statuses, classroom conversations, and late night talk shows constantly discuss the quotes, the fights, and the fist pumping on reality MTV show “Jersey Shore.”
For those who are not fans of the show, you’re not alone. History teacher Jim Fendryk is in the same boat. “The only appeal is that normal people don’t act that way and it is designed to do what any other TV show does – escape from your own reality,” Fendryk said. There are opinions that people have towards the show. Senior Vinny Clough is someone that hates the show.
“People like Jersey Shore because they like a bunch of drunken idiots fighting each other,” Clough said “I don’t like it because it’s pointless and half of those people aren’t even Italian and they go around acting like they are in the mob.”
Some people like the show, Junior Kayla Stoots, who is an occasional viewer of the show, add, “I watch it sometimes because I think the drama is interesting and entertaining to watch, and because there is nothing better on TV.”
“People watch Jersey Shore to see Ronnie and Sammie’s disputes,” said Senior KJ Hockaday . Junior Elisa Rehak continues watching the show for several reasons. “It’s dumb, funny, and entertaining. Each show leaves you hanging, which always bring me back to watch the next episode,” said Rehak.
As far as the cast embracing their Italian culture, they refer to themselves and other Italians as guidos, guidettes, juiceheads, and gorillas. “You wouldn’t think the words are offensive because the way they use them makes it seem like a good thing,” said Stoots. “[The show] is not a bad label on Italians as an ethnic group, but the people on the TV show,” said Fendryk.
Rehak disagrees. “I do think that it’s offensive to Italian people. It’s unfair to make the show fully Italian and put a bad label on them. Everyone knows, though, that most Italians are not like the characters,” said Rehak.
But if you love high school drama and beautiful beaches, tune in to “Jersey Shore.” And if you’re not interested after the first ten minutes, take care of that “situation,” do some GTL, and make sure to promote a GFA.
Imani Love cna be reached for comment at [email protected]