Italian-American Group Calls On MTV To Cancel Jersey Shore

An Italian-American group is calling on MTV to cancel its coming reality show Jersey Shore over anti-Italian stereotyping and the usage of the term "Guido," which the network is using prominently in its promotions.

A national Italian-American organization based in New Jersey says an MTV reality show that depicts Italian-American beachgoers as the "hottest, tannest, craziest Guidos" is offensive and should be scrapped before it airs. UNICO National said Tuesday that "Jersey Shore" relies on crude stereotypes and highlights cursing, bad behavior and violence in depicting renters at a New Jersey beach house. An MTV promo says the participants "keep their hair high, their muscles juiced and their fists pumping all summer long!" UNICO President Andre DiMino calls the show "trash television." It's scheduled to debut Dec. 3.

MTV responds:

"The show continues MTV's history of documenting various subcultures, rites of passage of young people, and the ways they self-identify," an MTV spokesperson says in a statement. "The Italian-American cast takes pride in their ethnicity. We understand that this show is not intended for every audience and depicts just one aspect of youth culture."

Even though the show has yet to air, spoofs are springing up on YouTube.