The decision to choose the infamous MTV reality series Jersey Shore was easy. Although at this point this show has possibly run its course and its not necessarily my favorite show, this reality series seems to be quite interesting nonetheless.
Jersey Shore, which is in its 5th season, portrays "younger" people who do what younger people should. They party, do whatever necessary to have fun, and live life as carefree as possible (or at least they try their best). What is easy to emulate from the show, considering the age group, is the how the demographic wants a carefree lifestyle. Partying is not everything but the fact that the show portrays a summer, joyful, and rebellious lifestyle, persuades us to think that life would be so much easier if that was what we were to get paid or asked to do. To enjoy immaturity at its finest. What is easiest to reject is the get-up. You are your own person and no fake tan, Ed Hardy apparel, or gym-crazed ideals will change me. For some they work, but for others, they fail. Certain aspects of the show, many appreciate while others, are not their cup of tea. Maybe it is the thought of life passing by so quickly which attracts people to this lifestyle. However, when you consider the facts and discover the truth, this show, realistically, a is a buzz-kill (so to speak).
The Ritual Model, which can be defined as "how and why audience members (receivers) consume media messages", is a term used in class which can exemplify the correlation between media consumption and this shared ritual between family and friends.Many people continue to watch this reality series, making it a commonly consumed show, thus helping it be defined as a shared experience that "brings people together."
In reality, we all know its impossible to juggle a job and juggle partying the way the cast of Jersey Shore does which is why most people would find this lifestyle to people somewhat "out there". However, this is what the producers of MTV's Jersey Shore try to entice you to think. Being of a younger demographic, those producers want you to think "You can live this lifestyle. This lifestyle is feasible and to party and work is a plausible trend that anyone can have. Just look at this cast and how easy it is for them, right?" It's so taunting to think that "Hey it's what they do day in and day out, why can't you?". What this reality show does is make you want this lifestyle and although it is intriguing, it truly is not realistic nor, ultimately, accessible or achievable.
This show portrays ideals that many people agree and disagree upon. You learn from all things, no matter how idiotic or sophisticated they may be. You can appreciate the Jersey Shore for the simple fact that it helps us understand that reality is not actuality. We live in the real world and this is real life. Media has the power to create illusions which you, as your own person, must snoop out and understand. Take everything you hear, read and see with a grain of salt and you will find yourself in this media driven world.
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