I watch Jersey Shore all the time with my 17 year old daughter. At first I thought it was stupid and couldn't believe I was watching it but then it becomes addicting. It's still stupid and it's mindless entertainment but most people I know who watch it are very aware that it's "reality TV" where the producers rile up the "actors" and show only the sensational stuff by editing the film to make it look like that 1 hour show is all they do all day long.
I watch alot of these shows with my daughter so we can discuss bad and unacceptable behavior and discuss what she would do if confronted with those same situations. In that sense it doesn't seem like I'm lecturing her about what I expect from her when she goes out or when she goes to college. We are discussing how Snooki got so drunk she embarrassed herself and her friends and had to call her dad - those kinds of things evoke discussions without being a big fuss.
I think most people will understand that the show is just for entertainment and not "real life" in your area. The fake tans, big boobs, muscle bound cute boys, drinking, sex with strangers, no job, etc isn't normal life and I think most people know that.
Teresa |