The cast and ideas of MTV’s crazy Jersey Shore seem to have ended up in Shawnee. Exhibit A: Homecoming dance 2011.

After initially deciding upon a blog centered on pointing out the flops of some peoples’ dance attire, I then realized my analogies formed between Homecoming and the Jersey Shore were much too strong. An apparent idea was the popular concept of spray tans and other forms of self-tanners. The Jersey girls’ obsession with near orange skin noticeably rubbed off on some dance attendees (at least their fake tans didn’t rub off on anything).

Aside from the Oompa Loompa coloring, attire inspired by the show seems to be a must as well. Short dresses, strapless dresses, you name it. The hot thing now appears to be showing as much skin as possible, which I find rather strange. Who are these skimpy dressers trying to impress? The only people who attended the dance were the administration along with other students who most likely already had dates. This problem mainly grew apparent during the points in the dance that took place on the dance floor.

On a personal level, the dancing part of the night was a blast. My adrenaline was flowing while the loud atmosphere settled in my ears. This excitement was only to be ruined when I shifted my head to find couples executing the infamous “grind.” Power to them for executing such a bold move, but the continuous practice of this style of dancing continued throughout the night. Without a doubt I felt as if I was viewing a rerun of last week’s Jersey Shore. Another visible showing of Jersey’s influence was my irresistible urge to fist pump. For its appropriateness this form of Jersey Shore inspired dancing I appreciate much more.

Homecoming this year was definitely a success. Noticeable trends, seemingly derived from the hit MTV show, demonstrate the fact that pop culture is ever influential.