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.
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