They say any publicity is good publicity, but a new MTV special focused on the Greek youths of Tarpon Springs will test that theory. Growing Up Greek debuts tonight at 11 p.m. EDT and presents a town much different from the one we know for its sponge docks and awe-inspiring crucifix divers.
A trailer for the program shows clips of Tarpon Springs Police and a whole lot of drinking and dancing. If it weren’t for the plate breaking, you’d think it was Every Other Town, U.S.A.. The television network also calls the town “an idyllic and picturesque all-Greek town,” but some residents are concerned.
A Change.org petition is calling for MTV to “cancel the show or rewrite it with true representation.” The campaign has garnered over 5,300 signatures as of Wednesday morning and adds that “this show lessens us to look like Jersey Shore!”
“Everybody has their own drama whether you’re Greek, Italian, Asian,” is what cast member Demi King recently told WFTS. King and her friends are central to the shows story, and they add that the trailer is just 55 seconds long imploring critics to see that the show also focuses on the Greek community's strong family values.
“Of course they’re going to pull the most dramatic parts,” they said, “I think they need to see the whole 30 minutes and then they can have their opinion.” You can read more reactions — which range from curiously to outrage — on Twitter, and then catch the trailer below.
