to GTL or to not GTL?

Last but not least, let’s not forget the resounding impact MTV’s Jersey Shore has had on pop culture.  Ever since it aired it has not only been met with praise and passionate viewers, but also with criticism and disgust. My own mother (of Italian decent) went on for month about the negative image that this show was creating for those of our nationality. Who were these “juice head guidos” and why were they the new poster children for Italian-Americans?  If one were to do their research two of the more popular cast mates, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, and Jennifer “JWOWW” Farley, are not even of Italian heritage. Polizzi is Chilean, adopted by two Italians from New York, and Farley is Irish from New York. While the other cast mates are indeed Italian, I would never consider them the representatives for Italians across the United States. 

Above the Influence

Above the Influence is a youth-targeted campaign run by the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign created by Congress in 1998. Having national and local levels of effort, there are online, television, and print ads as a part of the campaign. The advertisements are designed to educate youth on the dangers of drugs and redirect their choices into something more positive. They are actively engaged in local level organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the YMCA. 

On their website, there are plenty tools and fact sheets for those interested in drug abuse and how to combat peer pressure. They have an interactive quiz on the effects marijuana have on the brain and a sheet of drug facts on all sorts of illegal narcotics.

Here are some of their television ad campaign commercials that are played regularly:

Learn more at:
Above The Influence