Media+Paper

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The Assignment What I learned: This paper was a bit of a challenge for me. First, I learned that there is some really bad television out there. Unfortunately, my schedule only allowed me the time to watch one show on the Style network, and it was //Jerseylicious//. It was entertaining, but hard to watch because of the extreme drama and excessive snobby comments made by characters. However, it did give me a lot of material to work with for my media paper. In writing this paper I learned a lot about the subtle ways that the media influences or suggests certain ideas to the public.

Gatsby Catastrophe //Jerseylicious// is a reality television show that follows the lives of the Gatsby Hair Salon employees. It is aired on the Style Network, which advertises with the phrase, “before meets after.” This tagline suggests that on the Style Network, shows will portray people at a before stage, and end with a transformation into a new stage. This network also focuses on style, as the name would suggest, which may be interpreted as outward appearance or the manner in which we are perceived. In the episode “Friends with Benefits?” a new co-worker, Michelle, is introduced, Olivia films a make-up tutorial video, and Gigi and Frankie try to define their friendship. By setting examples of poor manners, loud fashion, and shallow relationships, //Jerseylicious// sends messages that contradict the very advice women look to the Style Network for.

The existing girls at the Gatsby do not welcome the new girl, Michelle, with open arms and they make it hard for her to feel comfortable at her new job. In her interview for the position at the beginning of the episode, Michelle seems to expect trouble, explaining her reason for leaving her last salon with the phrase “drama is everywhere.” This statement seems to hint that a trend of poor manners is common among the hair salons of New Jersey. Michelle portrays the typical “dumb blond” role by making several ditzy comments in her interview, saying that she got into hairdressing because her initial dream of becoming a princess did not come true. Additionally, Michelle claims to have life experience because she was married and divorced before age twenty-one. It was surprising that she would be so forthcoming with this personal information, and even more shocking when the store’s manager excitedly exclaims, “me too!” and proceeds to hire Michelle. While many would judge this as a negative reflection of one’s character (impulsive, lack of foresight, overly emotional), the boss uses this statement as a commonality between herself and Michelle. The act of revealing such personal history without asked is generally not seen as being polite, however it may have worked to Michelle’s advantage in this case.

On her first day of work, Michelle brings muffins and snacks in an attempt to bribe people to like her. While it is not out of the ordinary for the new girl to bring food for everyone on her first day, it is somewhat inconsiderate or rude for Michelle to state that she did so with the intent of bribery. The guys who work at the salon adore her for the baked goods. The young guy who sweeps the floors and shampoos immediately hits on Michelle, as she washes her own clients’ hair, and tells her that it’s a “turn off” how the other hairdressers have him shampoo for them. The male employees have a very different reaction to Michelle than the females do. The girls immediately express a strong dislike for Michelle, despite the fact that they have yet to meet her. One of these female hairdressers, Gigi, decides to tell Michelle about her status with her ex-boyfriend Frankie. The act of revealing of personal information upon first meeting someone is not a commonly accepted conversation starter in society. Gigi gets offended when Michelle tries to offer advice because it is not the advice she wants to hear.

Every female employee on the show has large breasts, long hair, long fake nails, unnatural looking make-up, and tight clothes. These women over sexualize their appearances, and almost seem to suggest that others should do the same. Women who get their hair done at the Gatsby compliment the hairdressers on their outfits, and even seek make-up advice. Olivia is the make up artist at the Gatsby and decides to make a video-tutorial on make up to showcase her talent. The video features her in wild costumes consisting of tight leather, wings, huge pieces of jewelry, and excessive make up. When women come into the salon and are not dressed in outfits that hug their figures or heavy make-up, they seem out of place and almost too plain, encouraging viewers to dress more like the employees of the salon. The loud fashion is an ironic aspect of the show, especially because it airs on the Style Network alongside shows like //What Not To Wear//.

The episode is titled “//Friends with Benefits?//” because as Gigi and Frankie try to maintain their friendship after their break up, they end up hooking up. Gigi calls Frankie to come to her apartment every time something breaks because, according to her, men are good at fixing things. The fact that Gigi views herself as being inferior to men, at least in this field, makes the shallowness of the relationships in the show expected. Frankie knows that Gigi is a princess and needs a man to do things like fix her refrigerator for her. Gigi goes to Tracy for advice after she kisses Frankie for the first time as friends, because she is not sure whether or not she is okay with being friends with benefits. Tracy states that being friends with benefits is great because it is the best of both worlds. Gigi warms up to the idea, as Tracy convinces her that it is fun to be physical with someone but not tied down. The only thing that keeps Gigi hesitant is her belief that guys won’t “buy the cow if they can get the milk for free.” This phrase is offensive in that it puts women on the same level as cows, and expresses that men are only interested in getting “milk” or sex. A relationship based on needing a personal handyman or sex is not what most would view as a deep and strong relationship. This shallowness provides a poor example for viewers. If those watching the show begin to see the women as style icons, they may also observe the examples these women set in their personal lives. However, Frankie goes to his father for advice about Gigi. His dad tells him that he can either go with his heart, or with his “other thing.” At first his dad says that the “other thing” will only get you in trouble, however he then adds that the heart can get you in trouble too. Although these aren’t exactly words of wisdom, they offer a more thoughtful point of view, and separate love from just physical attraction. It is reassuring to see Frankie valuing his father’s advice, and that there is an adult figure in the show that understands the potential and requirements of real relationships.

The fact that the Style Network airs this show may cause viewers to wonder why these women are special enough to have a television show based on their lives. Although everyone does not want their own television show, people generally see examples of happy and successful people on television, and therefore set the stars of shows as role models. This may be especially true in the case of the Style Network, because so many of its shows do offer advice. However, women who look to the Style Network for fashion tips may be confused by the mix of sensible advice, intended for every-day women, with the gaudy excess of the //Jerseylicious// girls.