Photos: The rise of Jersey culture
By Matea Gold, Times Staff Writer
We are in the Age of Jersey.
The recent glut Jersey-themed reality shows (such as Oxygen reality show “Jersey Couture,” above) is just the latest example of the state’s prominent place in popular culture, a role that has sometimes brought unflattering depictions of its residents. But Jerseyans have come to take pride in their reputation for in-your-face bluntness.
Here are some of our favorite Jersey moments in pop culture.
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The Boss -- arguably New Jersey’s favorite son -- lifted the state’s image with his paeans to the working class and ballads about Jersey shore towns. (Bill Kostroun / Associated Press)
The “Blaze of Glory” musician also hails from the Garden State and did a two-year world tour dubbed “The New Jersey Syndicate Tour” to support his 1988 album “New Jersey.” (Johannes Simon / Getty Images)