Politics & Government

Israel No Fan Of Princesses: Long Island

Congressman feels Bravo reality show depicts Long Island and Jewish women in a negative light.

Rep. Steve Israel is a fan of reality television, just not of Princesses: Long Island.

In his blog on Huffington Post, the Dix Hills congressman voiced his displeasure over the show now airing on Bravo.

“The characters do not shy away from any Jewish stereotypes and portray both Jews and Long Islanders in the most unflattering light possible,” Israel wrote. “Yes, I know this is reality TV, but it's still unacceptable.”

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He took particular exception to a recent episode where the main characters gathered for a Shabbat dinner. Noting the importance of this tradition in the Jewish faith and culture, Israel said the episode showed excessive drinking and fighting by the main characters. 

"As a Jew, I can say with confidence that this dinner was exactly the opposite of what the sacred Sabbath dinner is supposed to be," he said.

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According to Bravo’s website, Princesses: Long Island documents the lives of six college-educated young women from affluent areas of “Longuyland” who live pampered lifestyles in the comfort of their parents’ homes and at the expense of their bank accounts. The series offers a window into their family dynamics and personal lives filled with labels, luxury and love trials.

But Israel, who admits to being a fan of Storage Wars and Pawn Stars, felt the need to speak out against the show.

“I've worked my whole life to combat this type of hatred,” he said. “Therefore, I will not silently tolerate a show that paints Jewish women on Long Island with all-too-familiar and painful stereotypes — money-hungry, superficial, Jewish-American Princesses.”



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