PersonalPersia

Persia on Lakeshore Reality Show

On April 10th 2010, Perez Hilton announced on his website that media execs were in talks to produce an LA version of Jersey Shore. But rather than featuring a group of young pseudo Italian Americans this new reality show was to be about a group of young Persians.

Following the announcement, one could hear an echo of, “Vowwww,” which quickly changed to “OMG NO VAY, VOWWWW!” Among those was a young lady from Toronto, affectionately known as Persia among her friends and inner circles. She immediately responded by posting her comedic YouTube video where she openly talks about why a Persian version of Jersey Shore could potentially be a very bad thing for the Persian community //www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWZEVWVJcOQ.

Just as Italian Americans received a questionable reputation because of the stereotypes featured on Jersey Shore, Persia was worried that Persians would be misrepresented and portrayed as superficial, promiscuous, shameless, spoiled brats; too busy with their fake tans, make-up, parties and cars to have time to contemplate the issues of their culture, and of real things affecting their communities.

“No one can tell me that Persians don’t care.” – Persia.

Although nothing concrete was reached in terms of an LA version of Jersey Shore, the ripple effects of these talks in LA reached Toronto’s lakeshore where producers, directors, and Toronto media personalities decided to spawn their own Persian version of the reality television show, tentatively titled ‘Lakeshore’.

However, in June it was posted that auditions would be open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 30 for a reality television show taking place on Toronto’s lakeshore. The show’s concept is to feature eight different people representing a mix of different cultures and backgrounds. In the Toronto version of Jersey Shore Persians would be represented by only a single person on the show.

“Persians have an opinion; we have a voice and I want to be heard. We are more than just, a ridiculous stereotype and it’s about time we prove that.” – Persia

Thanks to an inside source, Persia found out about ‘Lakeshore’ and immediately took matters into her own hands (as per usual). Rather than sit and watch a young and impressionable Persian make a joke out an entire culture just for a few minutes of fame, Persia decided that the only person she could trust with the responsibility of showing a real and respectable version of Persian was herself.

Persia is twenty years old and is currently studying criminology at York University. She believes in the positive effects of change and in the power behind coming together as a community. This is why since the age of fifteen Persia has been involved in many charities, including a not-for-profit dedicated to educating those experiencing financial difficulties In addition, in 2008 and 2009 she and a group of Persian teens organized a charity events benefitting Sick Kids Hospital, in memory of her friends younger brother, Jalal Rafinejad who died of Leukemia.

After auditions were held in July, Lakeshore judges chose twenty-five finalists that will be voted into the top eight by the general public. People can vote by going to the show’s website: //www.lake-shore.ca/cast.html or by going directly to the poles to vote by clicking here "TEAM PERSIA", where they can learn about each finalist, read their bios, and then vote for the person they would like to see on Lakeshore. Although judges will have a final say, the top eight who receive the most votes will be strongly considered as the people who will appear on the show.

Persia has been selected by the judges as one of the twenty-five finalists, but she needs the votes of her community to make it to the final eight. Persians have been given a podium; it’s now our responsibility to choose the voice. Voting started Saturday August 21 2010 and ends September 3rd 2010.

The direct and faster link to the poles is : //www.acepolls.com/polls/1147458-who-would-yo...