Born and bred in northeastern New Jersey, I've always had an issue with being branded a "Jersey Girl." Chances are, when someone calls you one, it is not in a complimentary fashion. To avoid fitting this stereotype, I've tried for years to be the antithesis of the Jersey Girl. And lucky for me, my tiny corner of Jersey is close enough to Manhattan (approximately one mile, to be exact) that I could easily avoid most Jerseyisms in favor of Manhattanisms. Such as my accent (this may mean I'm screwed either way, depending on how you look at it), love of real-not-mall-based department stores, and affinity for only the most authentic of ethnic cuisines.
Recently, a television phenomena has completely and utterly changed my view of my own Jerseyness. What would this be, you ask?
Why, yes. It is none other than the Real Housewives of New Jersey. At first, I was certain that this hot mess would be nothing more than an embarrassment to my state and a way for the rest of the U.S. to perpetuate negative Jersey stereotypes. After watching the entire season, I had to reevaluate my feeling on the Housewives. I was shocked at how much I related to them (with the exception of the sociopath and the pushover, that is). Scary, huh?
I have to admit, this revelation caused me to do a bit of soul searching. Was I more Jersey than even I knew? Have I been denying my roots and tri-state heritage all these years? Should I embrace my inner Jersey Girl? The answers are: yes, yes, and yes.
While I have no plans to run out and get acrylic tips and a spray tan, as some of my Jersey sisters do, I will embrace my Jerseyness proudly and wear it like a badge of honor. My recent acquisition of a patent leather leopard print Marc Jacobs wallet is my first step in embracing my inner Jersey Girl. Deep down, she loves animal prints. (In small doses, obvs. I'm not quite that Jersey yet.) I've even given up my normally sleek do in favor of hair that's a little messier, and yes, a little bigger. After all, it is summer and I am a Jersey Girl, with a newfound acceptance of herself and her Jersey.
Thank you Real Housewives, for making me realize that I should be both feircely protective and immensely proud of my state. After all, we've given the world so much to make it a better place: taylor ham, the light bulb, DSL, baseball, FM radio, The Boss, Bon Jovi, and Frank Sinatra.
I'll leave you with words of wisdom from my favorite table-flipping Jersey Girl: "People make fun of Jersey girls, but I think they're just jealous." I dare think she's spot on.
