UNICO Celebrates Removal of Italian Flag Mural from MTV 'Jersey Shore' Beach House in Seaside Heights

UNICO Celebrates Removal of Italian Flag Mural from MTV 'Jersey Shore' Beach House in Seaside Heights

Flag and outline of NJ used as unfortunate symbols for show

FAIRFIELD, N.J., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A mural of the Italian flag, which covered part of the front of MTV's "Jersey Shore" beach house at Seaside Heights and was used to unfortunately symbolize the show which stereotyped Italian Americans, has been removed, UNICO National President Andre' DiMino announced.

The mural of the Italian flag was painted over the garage door of the shore house, with a centered overlay of an outline of the State of New Jersey. The removal occurs after talks between Italian American leaders and MTV about derogatory Italian American references and imagery used in "Jersey Shore." Based on recent promos for the upcoming second season of "Jersey Shore," set to debut on July 29th, ironically the same date as UNICO's National Convention in Hershey, Pa., DiMino stated he is "cautiously optimistic" about the potential lack of derogatory Italian American references and imagery in the new season. Commenting on the promos, DiMino stated, "I still believe the cast acts reprehensibly and continue to appear dumb as rocks, but, at least, the Italian American emphasis is not apparent."

Removal of the Italian flag mural is being celebrated throughout UNICO. "We are pleased MTV has stopped this desecration of the Italian flag and the image of New Jersey," DiMino said. "For the Italian flag and the image of New Jersey to be associated with the poor behavior of the cast, including the first season's stereotypical portrayals and violence against women and others, was a denigration of both images and an affront to Italy, Italian Americans, New Jerseyans, and anyone with good sense." In the months following the show's airing, the mural became an iconic focal point for the misinformed who posed before it, or frequently defaced it with graffiti.

DiMino has made more than 40 major media appearances and been interviewed for dozens of print stories in leading UNICO National's crusade against "Jersey Shore" and other shows stereotyping and denigrating Italian Americans.

"Big networks see big profits in presenting negative images of Italian Americans to the rest of the world," DiMino said. "These networks send the wrong message by promoting and glamorizing poor behavior and using ethnic stereotypes, racial and ethnic slurs. Shame on them!"

DiMino, representing UNICO National, joined John Dabbene, National President Emeritus and Michael Santo, Counsel, of the NY Commission for Social Justice (CSJ) of the Order Sons of Italy in meeting and talks with MTV Executives at Viacom headquarters in NY.

UNICO and CSJ leaders were endorsed by three other prominent Italian American groups - National Italian American Foundation; National Organization of Italian American Women; and Columbus Citizens Foundation.

UNICO National, founded in 1922, is the largest Italian American service organization in America. Its volunteer members support charitable, educational & community service projects while promoting Italian heritage. http://www.unico.org/

Contact: Sebastian D'Elia - Communications Director - UNICO National - 908-770-3662

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: UNICO

CONTACT: Sebastian D'Elia, Communications Director, UNICO National,
+1-908-770-3662

Web Site: http://www.unico.org/

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