I want my Snooki: MTV's failed subjects and post-feminist ambivalence in and around the Jersey Shore. Issue 2 (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patrick, Stephanie
• Is Part Of: Feminist media studies. Volume 17:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: Post-feminism -- reality television -- Snooki -- Jersey Shore -- containment; Feminism -- Periodicals; Women in mass media -- Periodicals; Mass media and women -- Periodicals; Feminist criticism -- Periodicals; Mass media and sex -- Periodicals; 302.23082
• DOI: 10.1080/14680777.2016.1183139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-0777

Abstract

Abstract: As a sexually promiscuous and outrageously flamboyant young woman, Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi of MTV's Jersey Shore (2009–2012) could be said to be the ultimate example of Angela McRobbie's post-feminist subject. However, as pervasive as post-feminist narratives have become in popular culture, the figure of Snooki problematizes its ideal forms of femininity and meritocratic success. In this paper I argue that Snooki's potential challenges to post-feminist ideology were contained by news reporting on her at the height of her fame. This analysis posits a noteworthy divide in that those most inclined to watch/consume Snooki-as-text (the MTV audience) likely remained beyond the reach of the news media's attempt to re-inscribe hegemonic ideologies onto her star image/text. I examine the relation between Snooki-as-text (the Snooki presented on Jersey Shore ) and the extra-textual attempts to undermine her popularity and legitimacy. I frame this discussion along three axes of transgression and containment: the sexual empowerment/threat paradigm; the physical markings of class and ethnic subjectivity; and the textual boundaries of meritocratic success. Despite efforts to contain her, Snooki's short-lived success hints at an ambivalence toward post-feminism today that could help chart a revitalized form of feminist politics within youth-driven popular culture.