South Jersey Is Worth It

Let’s all back away from politics for just a second. Take our minds off of the potential Rutgers-Rowan merger. Divert our attention from combusting crime in Camden. Look away from our laughable tax forms. Ignore that pothole that seemingly has been rooted in the middle of the busy highway forever. Again, just for a second.

Instead, let’s focus on trashy Jersey-centric television. After all, there’s a surplus of it—"Jersey Shore," "Jersey Couture," "Jerseylicious." Graciously, my eyes have only been blinded by commercials from the latter two programs, though "Jersey Shore" reels me in nearly every week.

Why?

While studying abroad in Europe in college, I became incredibly homesick and felt restless for a few weeks. I needed something to remind me of home on some vague, pointless level. I sat down with my Macbook, scrolled over to MTV.com, and began season one of "Jersey Shore."

No, I cannot claim to know a soul who reminds me of Snooki in real life, and, you’re right, that lifestyle is ridiculous, unhygienic, and a public health hazard in many ways. Yet there is something about the show—obviously, or else viewers would not continuously flock season after season to get lost in it for an hour.

"Jersey Shore," for many of us living here, is a reminder that our lives in New Jersey are not so bad after all. When we watch, we think of blueberries in Hammonton, vineyards across the state, and acres upon acres of preserved farmland. "Jersey Shore" reminds us that our state may have some horrific clichés tacked onto it, but in the end, it is home.

In a way, I believe it makes us appreciate our state even more by the need to defend it against naysayers. Yes, New Jersey has problems, but what state doesn't?

As I have been speaking with residents in the area for the past month or so, it has become apparent that many people stay in South Jersey because of our location—we’re close to major metropolitan areas, the beach, and lively nightspots.

There is too much negativity in the air. As we (very slowly) move into the warmer months of the year, we should rally together to find the beautiful spots that make South Jersey so special and unique.

Now I ask you this:

When you think of your town, what is the first place that enters your mind and relates to why you enjoy living there? Is it a restaurant? A business? A park? Tell us in the Comments section below. Share.