Outrage Over MTV's "Jersey Shore"
The second episode of MTV's controversial new reality show "Jersey Shore" airs Thursday night.
But if the episode is anything like the premiere, "Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith remarked, it's sure to make some viewers very upset.
The show has tons of hair gel, tanning and hooking up -- and Italian Americans.
"Jersey Shore," CBS News correspondent Bianca Solorzano explains, follows eight hormone-crazed young adults through a wild summer.
MTV, known for pioneering reality television with shows such as "The Real World," is no stranger to pushing the envelope, finding out what really happens when people stop being polite -- and start getting real.
However, this time, with the focus firmly set on 20-something Italian-Americans, some Italian-American heritage groups are angry over what they feel are offensive ethnic stereotypes portrayed in the show.
Solorzano says that includes the unchecked use of the term "Guido," still considered a negative name for many Italian-Americans.
André DiMino, president of UNICO National, an Italian service organization, says it's not fair for anyone to be portrayed in that way.
"I know it sells," he said, "but it's unfortunate that MTV has become 'empty TV.' What I would like to see is for them to pull the show."
The controversy has grown to include at least one advertiser pulling its ads from the program, Solorzano said.
Domino's Pizza said in a statement to CBS News, "We just have chosen not to be on that particular show," adding, "the content of the show wasn't right for Domino's."
Still, some members of the cast have defended it, including Michael Sorrentino, who says, "The word 'Guido,' when it comes to our show, I'm sure if you've watched the show, it's used as a loving term, or a celebratory term."
He added, "Oh, I don't think it's a bad image. I think I look pretty good on TV!"
For its part, MTV continues to stand by the program and cast, saying in a recent statement, "We understand that this show is not intended for every audience, and depicts just one aspect of youth culture. Our intention was never to stereotype, discriminate or offend."