I am sick. No not sick of dating. Not sick of work. I have the worst upper respiratory infection that I have ever had in my life. I think the last time I was this sick was when I quit smoking a few years ago. I am sick of being sick!
Josh wanted to go out, though I turned him down via text, as I thought my masculine voice would completely scare him away, long after I had recovered. Ruby had been working late and going out most nights. Nigella was ill with the same affliction, therefore decided to stay with me and have a sickly slumber party. Hey, misery does love company especially when company brings Duane Reade Grande Chunk cookies!
Staying home stinks. Not only will I not be paid for these two days off from work, as I am only a temporary employee still, though my entertainment options are extremely limited. My codeine cough syrup will not allow me to concentrate when attempting to read or absorb any substantial or educational programming, therefore I will not make an effort. My afternoons have been filled with Ellen, NY1, and commercials trying to convince me to send my unwanted gold jewelry to a place where it will be melted down. And my evenings...why Jersey Shore Baby!
This show has been receiving quite a bit of heat lately regarding its misrepresentation of Italian-Americans. I would never defend it as profound television programming or an accurate picture of Italian-Americans or New Jersey. It is, however, an accurate depiction of my favorite place...Staten Island. Three of the eight cast members hail from the landfill and, as a former resident, I am able to confirm that they represent the Island culture. This phenomenon, though most likened to guido culture, transcends cultural boundaries on the Island. Not only those who hail from Italian lineage, though also Filipino, Irish, Korean, Pakistani, Trinidadian, etc. embrace this culture. I understand that on Jersey Shore, much focus is given to the Italian flag, the act of making sauce (or gravy), and many other elements which are deemed Italian-American, though when actually living among them, I realized that guidos and guidettes are not necessarily Italian.
It has also caused quite a stir regarding their displayed or implied violence against women.
"What is the big deal?," asked Nigella, "it's a serious issue, though the only way serious issues may be tackled is if they gain notoriety. I am sure after seeing that idiot hauled away in hand cuffs more than a few men reexamined their behavior toward the women in their lives."
I agreed, "The public acts like it was much better to see Rihanna's beaten face rather than one punch in the face by some asshole. When I first saw Rihanna swollen, I truly thought it was a corpse; she was unrecognizable as a live human."
"The show is simply simple entertainment", continuted Nigella. "Some people, like you My Dear Frankie, are survivors who have defected from Staten Island or those who dream of defecting one day and revel in the mockery of that environment which you despise."
I reminded her, " Yes, Nigella, though others, live and breathe (without gagging) the Island life every day and partake in dating rituals such as kissing (as Pauly D would say "...with tha tongue...) multiple like minded party goers and then weighing their options before deciding who to take home and or taking body shots from tanned, hair gelled, pieces of...well...you know. Oh wait; isn't this what the New York City dating scene is like sans tanning beds and hair gel?"
"Hey Frankie check this out", Nigella pulled up a page on my laptop. "Even SNL's latest satire of Staten Island took place after the the premiere of Jersey Shore; coincidence?"
"Eh, probably, though again, great entertainment", I replied, laughing.
What makes Jersey Shore great is that is is not supposed to be taken seriously. If we could, for one moment stop being so sensitive, perhaps we could recognize the humor of such satire and appreciate the effort of MTV to address and take responsibility for the few serious issues which have arisen. One thing I do hope is that MTV chooses a new location for next season. Perhaps they will choose a little New Jersey Shore town called...Wildwood. As survivors of New York suburbs and summer weekends at the Jersey Shore Nigella and I agree: Point Pleasant may not be as classy as Seaside, though will be much more entertaining. --Frankie
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