Attention all young Jewish women:
Jenn Hoffmann (www.jennhoffman.com) and her company, Get Some Media (www.getsomemedia.com), are in the process of casting for a reality show about the so-called “Jewish American Princess”. The company, whose tagline seems to be “Are you ready to Get Some?”, sent out a casting notice asking “…for ‘Super Jappy’ groups of friends! Women ages 21 – 45 are able to apply for this reality show. Gone are the days where being a JAP is a bad thing – today Jewish American Princesses are proud.” The company claims to be creating a show that is “…Jersey Shore meets Real Housewives of New Jersey – but classier. We want beautiful, fun, outspoken groups of Jewish American Women.” They are particularly looking for Jewish women in the Long Island and New York areas.
The fact that they are looking for women who they call “Super Jappy” is insulting enough in itself. Why believe that this show will be classy? And why is “beautiful” the first characteristic of their ideal cast member? In addition, “JAP” was used as an inflammatory, derogatory term towards the Japanese during World War II; this ethnic slur should not be resurrected, no matter who it insults.
“Jersey Shore” also is a show that is insulting to a group of people, specifically Italian-Americans. They have been fighting the show for “blatantly as well as subliminally bashing Italian-Americans with every technique possible.” If this show is to be like “Jersey Shore”, it is reasonable to expect that Jewish women will be bashed.
The stereotype of the “Jewish American Princess” has probably been best described by self-declared “JAP” Hailey Glassman, most famous for involvement with the famous Jon Gosselin: “We JAPS have what I like to call entitlement syndrome... I only wear designer brands, I don't eat meat off the bone, I drink Fiji water or Pellegrino. I would rather die of dehydration than drink tap water. My signature outfit is black spandex, Uggs and white v-neck t-shirts. It's a different mentality."
She is interested in starring in the show and reportedly wanted to create a show called “JAPS in the Hamptons”, the implication being that “JAPS” are always in that posh area of New York. She states, “I’m the ultimate JAP,” said Hailey. "Besides Judaism, David Yurman is our religion! I could teach youngsters how to be good JAPS…”
The last thing we need is for someone to show our young women, particularly as they approach Bat Mitzvah, that one must have the best jewelry and designer clothes and fit into a certain mold, especially that of the woman who feels entitled to everything.
I and others fear that the public will see a new, distorted view of Jews that could lead to increased anti-Semitism: they are spoiled, arrogant people. We are particularly fearful of what the Jewish girl or young woman will see when they look in the mirror; they may believe that being a “JAP” is being a real Jewish girl or young woman. But this is simply not true. Real Jewish women are not spoiled or arrogant. They are each an eshet chayil. Some believe in sitting behind the mechitza; some believe in ordination and being “Ima on the Bima”, as a book I read as a young girl was entitled. Some are homemakers, and some work as executives. Some are healthier than others. Some go to synagogue and observe more than others. The issue of women’s rights and responsibilities as a religious Jew aside, a real Jewish woman is not the woman that Jenn Hoffman would like to show us on TV. It is irresponsible for her to produce this show, and her project must be stopped.
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/05/exclusive-casting-agents-looking-jewish-american-princesses
http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2009/12/04/Italian-Americans-slam-Jersey-Shore/UPI-85771259960979/
http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/Hailey-Glassman-for-Jewish-American-Princess-Show/44660.html
http://perezhilton.com/2010-05-13-homewrecking-hailey-begging-to-be-on-classy-reality-show
Please also see http://blogs.forward.com/sisterhood-blog/127949/ for another good article about this issue.
Shabbat Shalom!
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While no one wants increased anti-semitism or any type of racism, advocating to take the show off the air because it might be offensive is fascist. It's important to be able to make fun of yourself, whether its your race, religion, gender, or sex; that is the true way to be tolerant and respectful of other cultures.
ReplyDeleteSo get rid of the anti-Semitism issue. I don't want Jewish girls looking at this show and having a warped sense of self. We get enough of that with today's models on the runways. A true Jewish woman is not a so-called "Jewish American Princess". Like any human being should be, she should not feel overentitled to the luxuries of life, as Glassman seems to describe.
ReplyDeleteThis is completely absurd, misguided and insulting. I don't even find it specifically insulting towards Jews, or towards women, but towards self-respecting human beings. This is not harmless making-fun, but a disgusting level of degradation and lack of self-respect (at the very least).
ReplyDelete