MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’ has exceeded all expectations for the cable network and remains one of its highest rated shows ever. With a crew of highly tanned misfits who drink, curse, and party it up 24/7, for the young adult crowd, it’s reality television nirvana. And from the program, the Jersey crew has been able to spin-off other careers and opportunities that have made them all rich.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Rutgers in New Jersey paid its homegirl turned celebrity ‘Jersey Shore’ star, Nicole “Snooki’ Polizzi $32k to speak recently at the college. While celebrities like Snooki receive payments for their time and name recognition, many people think that $32k is a lot to spend on someone who doesn’t have any “scholarly” value.
Many pundits are up in arms about this—novelist Toni Morrison was given $30k to speak at Rutgers commencement ceremony, while Snooki, someone who has “written” a book but who isn’t the smartest cookie in the jar was given $32k, two thousand more than Morrison. While that is not a lot, some people feel that Snooki shouldn’t even be in the same ballpark as a literary giant like Morrison.
To be fair, Snooki’s price tag is not uncommon—many reality stars have had a second life in their 15 minutes of fame speaking at colleges and events. It’s a great way to capitalize on their image and their time on television, which is a great business move.
Teen mom Bristol Palin earned over $260k working as a spokesperson for The Candie’s Foundation which raises awareness around teen pregnancy prevention. A lot of that money went towards speaking fees that Bristol was paid for lending her voice to various events.
I don’t have a problem with Snooki being paid $32k by Rutgers—if the college wants to pay that inflated fee (which is negotiated by handlers, managers, and brokers), more power to them. If the college’s body feels that she lends value to their students, then I don’t have a problem with it.
Would I be upset as someone who paid tuition to the school for my child or sent money in as an alumni— probably. That $32k could be better spent somewhere else I am sure.
So it’s time for you to weigh in. Do you think $32k is too much for Snooki’s speaking “presentation”? Or are people making a mountain out of a molehill?
Weigh in please.
32K?! What in the heezy is SHE talking about? Well, if she’s saying anything like, “Don’t turn out like me.”, then it’s well deserved… Ijs…
Nena, I have no idea what her topic is or what she is speaking on, but I hardly believe it’s a cautionary tale, LOL. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
It’s really sad that our society rewards foolishness. That’s just like Bristol Palin getting over $200k for speaking on teenage pregnancy. I’m trying to figure out what kind of presentation she could have besides how to gulp the most jello shots in an hour:) Who knows!
Dionne, who knows. I am sure Rutgers felt that Snooki could lend a “valuable voice” to their students, but I am not sure if that was a wise decision. But of course she is on one of the most popular shows on TV right now, so they wanted to strike while the iron is hot. Poor use of spending…
Mountains out of molehills! Bwahahahaha!!
The larger picture, where people make tons of money because they can hit or catch a ball or have become famous for notoriety or have a famous political parent, only bothers me when I think about things like poverty & illiteracy and other problems all that money could solve. I don’t know, for sure, if her speech was worth being paid the same fee as Toni Morrison, but w/ the amount of info I have at this point, I doubt it.
Jeanine, we could both probably write a book and get paid more than a teacher or community activist. Our society gives “greatness” to names and clout, not to people doing really good things. It’s so backwards. Thanks for commenting.
Yeah, I think she’s cute but I’m not really certain what value she brings to the table. Also, with the wealth inequality being a huge issue in our nation lately- that wasn’t the most intelligent move, I think. Personally? If they wanted her, they should have low-balled her, or maybe donated the money to something. Also, I was reading that they actually PAID Bristol more money than she raised. Did you see that piece on Jezebel?
Tori, I have never seen a full episode of Jersey Shore. I tried to watch once and couldn’t get through 10 minutes. I am a reality show whore but Jersey Shore does nothing for me. I didn’t see the piece on Jezebel. Please link me if you can. Thanks for commenting.
This whole thing really baffles me (and wasn’t WashU or SLU offering up big bucks for Bristol Palin to come speak this past year, before it was shot down by students?)
I’m on the a committee for a speakers series at Mizzou and I so I KNOW what we are paying our speakers… And it is not 32K. Usually not even close. And we have had BIG speakers like Lisa Ling, Jeff Corwin, The Tuohy family from The Blind Side, Christopher Gardner from Pursuit of Happiness, Sally Ride, Jerry of Ben and Jerry’s…. Granted, our speakers series is on Values and Ethics so celebrities like Snooki don’t really qualify….
And when schools offer activites like this to students (like comics, bands, speakers) they are usually free to students of something cheap… probably not more that $25. There’s no way they are doing to for profit. They aren’t getting anything out of this (except publicity… and mostly not the good kind).
Danielle, thanks for informing us that that price tag was steep for a college speaking fee, especially for someone of Snooki’s caliber. Rutgers has their share of issues (with the suicide of one of their gay students last year), so I am not sure why having Snooki come to speak to students is a “good” thing. It’s their money, I guess…
Danyelle, Since I really value a dollar, I think its ridiculous to spend this kind of money on someone who adds no scholarly value.
We see this type of activity a lot. Out here they are actually closing schools ad colleges down due to ‘lack of funds’ but on the other hand they would pull something like this off and try to justify it.
I think if they spent this on someone like Tony Robbins or Zig Ziglar, or the likes, it would have a better effect on each individual student and a far more personal level… not just get some ‘ditz’ to baffle them with you know what.
Thanks for the post.
Jayne
What exactly did she speak about? Really…And she got PAID to speak? Whoever put this thing together, have they ever watched the show? Chick runs through random dudes like nothing…All they do is go out, get drunk and “mush”…Goodness gracious I’m so mad I know what MUSH means…No more Jersey Shore…This has got to stop…All the fist pumping, spray tans, extensions, etc…But really, i’m curious what she talked about…
You know, I have to say “more power to her!” I’m a capitalist by nature and if she can get it, I say go for it! Believe me, she’s not gonna turn it down! LOL
It’s way too much. I don’t blame her of course, just the university for making such a dumb headed decision
I should stop teaching and become a Snooki eh? She makes more money than many of us in one moment than we do in 180 days shaping the lives of children. Only the U.S. 🙁
Well, from what I can tell, the parents and some of the students were outraged. I would be, too, if someone told me a gem of advice that I should study hard and party harder and that if I’m tan I would feel better.
http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2011/04/03/rutgers-parents-outraged-snooki-speech/
Oh, and there is now Geordie Shore, the Jersey Shore equivalent in the UK.