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About the movement |
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Founded in 2004 by a small group of Jersey Shore visionaries, BennyGoHome emerged as a reaction to the adverse effects of summer tourism and common misconceptions of the Jersey Shore community.
From the rolling waters of the Great Bay, to the highway side diners of the mainland, to the beaches and boardwalks of the sandbar, there is plenty to love about the Jersey Shore. For residents up and down the coast, and people far and wide, the New Jersey shoreline is not only a beautiful place to pass the time, hang out with friends, or just enjoy the breeze; it's a place to call home. However, there are those who view the shore in a far different light. Millions flock to the coast during the warm seasons, seeking out a carefree, boisterous vacation popularized in the media. It is to this group that the infamous "benny" belongs. They are often quick to relegate the local population to being nothing more than subserviant peons, eager to accept their disrespect in exchange for a few tourist dollars. This behavior is further reenforced by the attitudes of politicians and business elites, who often preach of how beneficial such tourism is as excuse for the actions and opinions of certain vacationers. BGH began as a means by which local people could express their displeasure with these aspects of the summer season. While the traditional stance taken by business and government was of acceptance and gratitude towards summer vacationers, BGH was far from the first group to tell a benny to go home. Going as far back as most can remember, locals have always had a mixed relationship with summer visitors. This is certainly true today, but surging development along the coast and a growing demand by local and state governments for additional revenue gave way to an economic shift towards increased reliance on tourism throughout the shore. In turn, the burden placed on the local population rose dramatically and while the government and tourist enterprises benefitted, average citizens saw little return, through direct financial gain, tax reduction, or otherwise. BGH started to take shape as a voice for those already frustrated with the tourist season. The phrases "Locals Unite" and "Defend the Shore" quickly became the rallying cries of BGH supporters and the developing alliance immediately began working to dispel the concept that disrespect towards the shore and its people is acceptable so long as financial compensation is made to certain local benefactors. As the movement grew, BGH solidified and began to look beyond the immediate effects of tourism, to the larger, broader repercussions throughout the region. With continued tourist related development, public beaches began to fall victim to privatization and entire neighborhoods were bulldozed to make way for summer rentals. With respect for the shore and the culture being at the heart of the BGH movement, these upsets became cornerstone issues for the organization. Today, the BGH movement and organization continue to grow and fight against disrespect and injustice, whether at the hands of individual visitors or vast corporations, and will keep fighting until respect and fair treatment need not be demanded. |
The BGH adopt-a-highway sign. Two stood tall on either side of the Brielle Rt. 70 bridge until the state government ended the program. One of our finest displays nonetheless. |
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Some grafitti in support of BGH on an abandoned bridge. Centered in neon pink (a fine color) is the Jersey Star logo - original and current symbol of the BGH movement. |
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Frank, of the BGH crew, posing for a photo with a big tiger who was wearing one of the shirts at the Saints and Sinner show in 2007. |
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An anti-eminent domain poster on a now abandoned building in Asbury Park, with new construction permits just visible. Our stance on issues like these is made clear in the stated principles of the BGH movement. |
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