Category Archives: Pop Culture

The A&E network will roll-out a new reality show later this month that supposedly shows viewers “real life” in Southie; one of Boston’s working class, Irish enclaves that in recent years has seen an influx of young professionals.

I have no doubt many in the area will beam with pride because a cable network channel will broadcast what I assume will be stereotypical “characters” to scripted dramas manufactured more for ratings than any concern for reality. Funny, I thought shows like Real Housewives and Jersey Shore were waning in popularity – perhaps not.

My lack of interest in this latest un-reality program turned to disdain when I saw The Boston Globe had listed a series of promo ads from A&E. One of the promos meant to be a put-down to NYC “Nobody tells us how big our soda should be” sounds as if it came directly from a NYC advertising agency. Anyone who has lived their life in Southie will tell you Soda, Pop, Coke… is all called one thing in Boston — Tonic. Get your colloquialisms correct or “Póg Mo Thón”.