 |
|
 |
|
|
By UNICO National
11/25/2009
|
|
Calling the show a "direct, deliberate and disgraceful attack" that slurs Italian Americans, UNICO National President Andre’ DiMino is demanding that MTV pull-the-plug on and withdraw its "Jersey Shore" reality show that is planned to debut in December.
MTV has already released two promotional pieces-- a 30-second promo and a two-minute trailer which highlight the exploits of eight young adults in a New Jersey shore home---featuring blatant Italian American stereotyping, violence, cursing and a number of derogatory references to Italians as "Guidos."
In the 30-second promotional piece, released on November 12th, an announcer begins the segment by noting that "MTV is taking you inside a shore house like you’ve never seen…full of the hottest, tannest craziest Guidos…they keep their hair high, their muscles juiced, and their fists pumping all Summer long…" The two-minute trailer features more violence, cursing, Italian American stereotyping, and several more references to "Guidos."
"MTV is resorting to trash television that panders for ratings at the expense of the Italian American community," DiMino said in a letter to MTV Network’s Chair and CEO Judy McGrath. "This type of programming represents a direct affront and attack by MTV on the character of Italian Americans, the fourth-largest ethnic group in America. Neither this attack, nor any similar attack on any other ethnic group, should ever be tolerated."
DiMino further added the program "sends the wrong message" to all as a whole by promoting and glamorizing poor behavior, the use of ethnic stereotypes, racial and ethnic slurs. "In the name of decency and fairness to millions of Italian Americans whose hard work helped build this Country, and provide a steady source of sponsorship, revenues, and support for your network, I am writing to your office to demand that you immediately pull this series before it airs," DiMino noted. "It is also hypocritical and shameful that MTV openly advocates against this type of discrimination and racism, (and offers a community program at http://think.mtv.com/Issues/discrimination) yet does the direct opposite in its programming toward Italian Americans. Why are we the exception?"
DiMino further called upon VIACOM, the American media conglomerate that owns MTV to pull-the-plug on this series. "If you are Italian American or a person of any race or ethnicity who does not stand for bigotry, please call, write, and email MTV and its parent company, VIACOM, and express your disgust and lack of support for negative stereotypes by demanding they pull "Jersey Shore" before it can air," DiMino stated.
UNICO National is the nation’s largest Italian American service organization with local chapters throughout the United States. It was founded in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1922. Its volunteer members work to support charitable, educational, and service projects while promoting Italian heritage and combating negative stereotyping. Those individuals that would like information on UNICO National and membership should call 973-808-0035, or visit the organization’s website at www.unico.org
|
|
9/2/2010
Springfield Y Offers Quality Youth Program This Fall
The Springfield Y believes in nurturing the potential of every child and teen in our community. At the Y, kids have the opportunity to make friends, have fun, get active and discover who they are and what they can achieve....
Continue
|
9/2/2010
Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy Class Graduates; Officers from Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth and Hillside Joined County Instructors
The Union County Sheriff’s Youth Academy graduated its third class recently after two fun-filled weeks learning about law enforcement up close.
More than thirty teens from across Union Coun....
Continue
|
9/2/2010
You’re Unemployed, Now What?, September 13th
The Scotch Plains Public Library presents Career Plans with Career Coach Donna Gerhauser on Monday, September 13 at 7:00pm.
It’s not enough to put together your resume and post like crazy ....
Continue
|
9/2/2010
Toast the New York Jets 2010 Season at Jets Uncorked Cabernet Sauvignon Release Party at Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, September 11th
Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, an established leader in the fine wine & spirits business will host a special wine tasting of Jets Uncorked, a 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made exclusively for the team. The New ....
Continue
|
9/2/2010
Brain Training Center in Warren Celebrates Grand Opening; Local Family Opens LearningRx to Help Struggling Learners
The new LearningRx "brain training" center in Warren, which provides student help proven to reduce or eliminate learning problems, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 28, 2010. ....
Continue
|
9/2/2010
Union County College Offers Seminars on Resume Writing and Interview Techniques
Take advantage of the post-Labor Day hiring tradition, which still promises to be fruitful despite a weakened economy. Traditionally, after people take summer vacations, they often move on to new employment, often leaving....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
SMTW Sings - September 11th
To celebrate the launch of SMTW SINGS!, a newly-established performing arts scholarship fund, South Mountain TheaterWorks proudly presents OUR TIME: An Evening Of Broadway Showstoppers. Proceeds from this one-night-only b....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
Union County Improvement Authority’s Solar Energy Plan Provides Bright Future
Seventeen local government entities have agreed to join the new Union County Solar Energy Program and join in embracing a safer, healthier energy future. Administered by the Union County Improvement Authority, the new sol....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
Judith G. Wharton Music Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary; Open House on September 12th
With the start of its Fall Semester, Judith G. Wharton Music Center, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, celebrates its 25th anniversary as a leading community arts provider in New Jersey. As the largest independent comm....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
United Way of Greater Union County Prepares for September 1st Campaign Kickoff
As summer draws to a close, United Way of Greater Union County is gearing up. On September 1st United Way will launch its 2010 annual campaign, at which time representatives announce this year’s campaign goal of $4.3 mill....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
Chabad Center Offers Jewish Photo Art Calendars to the Public for Upcoming New Year
Just in time for the upcoming Jewish New Year, Chabad of SE Morris County has published a new Jewish Photo Art Calendar for the upcoming Jewish year of 5771 (2010-11), and is offering complementary calendars to the genera....
Continue
|
9/1/2010
Arthouse Film Festival Coming to a Theater Near You
Imagine seeing a festival-winning gem before public release, then the lights come up, and there in front of you are the creators of the film, ready to answer questions and discuss their work.
Continue
|
9/1/2010
Hairspray’s Blowout Bash September 19th; Paper Mill Playhouse Presents a Free Community Event in Downtown Millburn to Celebrate the Opening of Hairspray
Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt, Managing Director) is proud to announce a free, community event celebrating the opening of Hairspray at the Millburn Theater. Hairspray’s Blo....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Non-Member Registration for Fall Classes at the Madison Area YMCA
The Madison Area YMCA has announced its Fall 2010 Session registration for Non-Members, which begins Tuesday, August 31, at 9:00 am, in person only.
You don’t have to be a member to enjoy a....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Garden Swap at Scotch Plains Public Library
Has summer’s bounty taken over your kitchen? Join us for a vegetable and recipe swap! On Thursday, September 16th at 7pm, bring your extra veggies to the library and trade with your neighbors. We’ll provide a selection of....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Morris County to Observe 9th Anniversary of 9/11
The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders will observe the 9th anniversary of 9/11 with a public Remembrance Service and Candlelight Vigil on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Morris County September 11th Memorial o....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Union County Arranges Funding to Save Historic Fireplace
In a race against time to save a unique treasure from the wrecking ball, the Union County Freeholder Board has secured the means to preserve a historic fireplace. The fireplace is located in the former Roosevelt School in....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Trivia Tuesdays Continues Today – All Throughout August on The Alternative Press!
Trivia Tuesdays – all throughout August! on The Alternative Press
Sponsored by The Theater Project, Union County College’s Professional Theater Company: Continue
|
8/31/2010
Tamara Tunie Featured in The Shakespeare Theatre’s All’s Well That Ends Well
William Shakespeare’s comedy All’s Well That Ends Well kicks-off the fall portion of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s 2010 Season beginning with performances on Se....
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Arrest made in Monday’s Homicide in Elizabeth
Members of the Union County Homicide Task Force arrested a Hillside, N.J. man earlier this morning and charged him with murdering his wife several hours earlier in Elizabeth, said Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.
Continue
|
8/31/2010
Archie Comics Expands to Serve Rising Worldwide Fanbase
Archie Comics—home to the Archie Wedding phenomenon, LIFE WITH ARCHIE magazine and lifelong fans—is expanding The Archie Comic Shop online at www.ArchieComics.com to include international shipping o....
Continue
|
8/30/2010
Fanwood Memorial Library Commemorates September 11th by Presenting the Picturing America Collection to the Community
Fanwood Memorial Library is pleased to present to the community the Picturing America Collection on September 11th 2010. These forty posters represent our nation’s artistic heritage — our paintings, sculpture, architectur....
Continue
|
8/30/2010
Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, September 11th
On Saturday, September 11th from 1 pm to 3 pm help celebrate Madison’s local Colonial Hero, Luke Miller’s Birthday during Family Fun Day at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts.
The Muse....
Continue
|
8/30/2010
Free Artists’ Reception and Exhibition Being Hosted by Local Adult School, September 11th
A wide variety of media will be featured at the free Artists’ Reception and Exhibition being hosted by the nonprofit Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park on September 11, 2010. The reception is being hel....
Continue
|
View Region past stories » |
|
|
|
|
|