Rob Baranoff, 2010
Hugh Curnutt’s chapter in Film and Television Stardom, ‘“I Did Reality TV Before It Was Called Reality TV”: Navigating Generational Constraints in MTV’s Reality-Celebrity”, uses on and off-screen accounts of reality-actor Tim Beggy (of Real World, Road Rules, and Challenges fame) to describe key differences between first and second-generation MTV reality TV. Beggy, a first generation reality-actor, maintains that his motivation to submit a tape to the second season of the Real World (1994) was solely for the “experience and adventure”. These motives differ from what Curnutt describes as the second-generation MTV reality-actor, who is more concerned with the surrounding fame, monetary avenues, media exposure, and as Beggy states, the “Rock-Star appeal” of being on TV. However, there appears to be a somewhat common link between the separate generations of MTV reality TV. In the chapter, Curnutt states, “…One obvious way to couch reality TV’s structuring of fame … is to consider the various means by which MTV’s reality-actors attempt to gain notoriety for being ‘themselves’ on camera” (Curnutt 2008, pg. 253). Regardless of the generation, this is absolutely a key, perceptible element of a reality-actor’s aptitude. I will be taking Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi into consideration for the rest of this discussion, highlighting not only her hyper-awareness of being “herself”, but showing how she has continued the use of her constructed, reality-TV persona in her “off-screen” pursuits as well.
Reality-actors, from Beggy to Snookie, understand the basic concept of being used as a real-life celebrity or actor. Additionally, they both viewed their “breakthrough” roles as an opportunity to not only pursue related career avenues, but as a way to “approach their time shooting as a kind of paid vacation”. The major difference, however, stems from the notion that Beggy saw his opportunity as an untapped market to make a career out of being himself, whereas Snookie’s frame of reference allowed her to be aware of the possibilities, and therefore, having a better idea of how to project and construct herself on-screen. In the most simplistic of terms, reality-actors understand that, regardless of the “true-to-life” settings they are stationed, they are cast to become real-life caricatures of themselves. Whereas the first generation of MTV reality cast members had less exposure to this type of TV, the second-generation understands this concept with more clarity. Beggy goes on to state, “People aren’t going on these shows and forming lifelong bonds… It’s more of, ‘Hey, I’m famous’” (Beggy 2008, pg. 257). While Beggy slightly contradicts himself here (as he had previously mentioned that he was aware of the possible prospects of where a reality career could lead him), the statement reinforces the perception that second-generation reality-actors understand the immediate fame they will acquire, and thus act in accordance.
Snookie, Jersey Shore’s love-to-hate, controversial co-star, portrayed herself throughout the series – and off the series as well – as a raunchy, foul-mouthed Jersey girl with a “This is me, if you don’t like it, F*ck you” attitude in tact. From her first appearance on Jersey Shore, it was apparent that the personality traits Snookie would choose to highlight would be not only controversial, but marketable to MTV’s audience, “jaw-dropping”, and scandalous alike. For example; Snookie’s first night with the Jersey Shore cast saw her drinking herself into oblivion, stripping down to nearly nothing in a hot tub, passing out, and therefore vomiting and missing her first day of work the next morning. This was on the first day of shooting for an MTV reality show. Snookie was well aware of the picture she was painting for herself, and was eager to showcase this portrait from the get-go.
Since Jersey Shore has ended, Snookie has appeared on a variety of talk-show outlets, public events, and has been a featured Internet topic; her name has been riddled over a large assortment of online sources. It is important to note the persona that Snookie has maintained throughout her time as a post-reality show star. The character of herself that she has adapted is the person that publications, event holders, and most importantly, the media in general is interested to see put into various productions. Take the following examples into consideration:
Snookie’s recent Twitter account tweets: “Virginia police got snooked. :p http://tweetphoto.com/13199026”, “I think its impossible for me to be tired anymore. Going on an hour of sleep and aside from bein a lil grumpy ;) I'm pretty much set to go, Jersey shore theme party dressed up like @DJPaulyD and @Sn00ki for the night http://tweetphoto.com/13154655[1]
Documented Jersey Shore cast parties throughout the US
Appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, Jay Leno Show
Raised appearance fees after getting punched in the face on Jersey Shore[2]
Most important of all these examples is the price fee increase after the airing of “the punch” episode. Snookie’s awareness of her popularity, despite being famous for being a “real-life Jersey girl”, supports the notion that not only do reality-stars of today hold fame, fortune, and the “Rock-Star” lifestyle, but they do so by conceding to their perceived on-screen characters. Snookie’s use of her reality-star persona shows the reoccurring trend of second-generation reality stars. They are aware of the fame, notoriety, and possible money gain. However, and more importantly, reality-actors are aware of the constructs of reality-TV as a stage and themselves as television personalities. By holding true to these aesthetics, these personalities understand their heightened possibility of continued fame and relevance.
[1] Taken from Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s official Twitter account: http://twitter.com/Sn00ki
[2] OK Magazine, 2010, “Snooki’s Appearance Price Raises With Each Punch”:
http://www.okmagazine.com/2010/01/snookis-appearance-price-raises-with-each-punch/#more-1087541
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