Today, there are many styles and subcultures known in society, from punk to hip-hop, and from hipster to gangster. However, there is one that has become widely recognized and popularized in recent years. This is the “Guido” lifestyle. Made popular by the hit MTV television show "Jersey Shore," the term Guido has not always been accepted in the positive tone it is given today in popular media. Some consider it to be an inappropriate slur and a racist term (Cohen 1-2). While this may have been the case in the past, today, "Jersey Shore" and other mass media have most certainly contributed to the acceptance and popularity of the Guido style and changed the direction of the term , going from a racial slur to a term. representing a subcultural identity. As subcultures are characterized by symbolism and expression ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6), the Guido style does much to become a youth subculture through its hairstyle, cars and his music, and more through his attitudes and behaviors ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6). The term Guido is associated with Italian-Americans living in the northeastern United States ("Fashioning an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6). Guido's Identity Politics" 1-53). Its story originates from a working-class urban youth known as "greasers", applied with derogatory intent (Brooks). The earliest origins of the term Guido were associated with gangs, graffiti, and turf wars ("Shaping an Italian-American Youth Style" 1-6) This would explain why many are still offended by this term. However, today there are many different signs associated with it. term guidos are identified by the large number of signs and symbols that they integrate into their identity. The social codes of...... middle of paper ...... Shore's 'Guido' controversy - TIME." Latest news, analysis, politics, blogs, news photos, video, tech reviews - TIME. com. Time Inc., December 12, 2009. Web. November 16, 2011. .Cohen, Patricia. “Discussing That Word That Causes Either a Fist Pump or a Scowl” 2. .Tricarico, Donald. “GUIDO: CREATING AN ITALIAN-AMERICAN YOUTH STYLE.” The Journal of Ethic Studies 19.1: 1-6. Queensborough Community College Web. and Guido's Identity Politics" (2005): 1-53. The National Italian American Foundation. Web. November 13. 2011. .