i found the whole premise disturbing. what does it prove if the black or caucasians tribes win in the artificial scenarios presented by this "reality" show? nothing.
likewise, what is revealed if the opposite results hold?
nothing.

yet many people will apply the results to reinforce many stereotypes that they already hold. i am not against politically incorrect queries or artistic endeavors so long as they are intellectually honest. clearly, the latest survivor is all shock value, providing no redeeming social or intellectual value to justify these racial contests. in the end, it can only cause dissension.

I agree with "the watcher." The premise is a bit disturbing, and there's a less than subtle implication that each team's results should be generalized to the rest of "the race." Thus, every team has the "lose, and you'll confirm or racial stereotypes." It seems unfair, especially for a relatively randomly selected group.

On the other hand, to play devil's advocate, this may reflect reality more than many of us care to admit. Jesse Owens had to compete against stereotypes in the Olympics. Black quarterbacks in the NFL are often asked about stereotypes and are held up as test cases to confirm or disprove the validity of the notion that black people can't be effective quarterbacks in the NFL. Maybe this show will make more people aware that many minorities are asked to "represent their race" instead of being evaluated as individuals, and maybe more people will think about what sort of a burden that puts on people and whether it's fair.

That said, however, Survivor has never struck me as a show that makes people think--especially not the people who most need to do some thinking.

I also found the premise a little disturbing. I thought about it for a long while and came to the conclusion that I was afraid that certain stereotypes may be reinforced by the groupings. I was shocked when Sekou actually took a nap in the middle of his tribe trying to build a fire (lazy black man stereotype). I must admit I also smiled to myself when the senior white male "stole" a chicken from the asian group (Oppressive colonialist white male sterotype). I'm sure this will stir a lot of crap up for me and those in the country who watch. I wonder what the native americans thought of that move. I also wondered why they weren't invited as a group. We've already seen a good number of white folk participate on this show.

Interesting how these white supremist tv producers can put on a show and get Black people arguing about its social impact. In case you haven't figured it out yet: it is just entertainment. How about some of you Black intellects getting together to create a tv show which can demonstrate Black people's determination to be self-sufficient and empowered.

Black schools and colleges to educate Black students, Black businesses supported by Black people, a Black political party addressing the needs and wants of Black people.

Or are you content to continue waiting for these white supremist to display you in the most negative ways possible and you arguing about it? white supremist rely on you reacting the way you do when you see something you find controversial. Let's show ourselves that we can be proactive and disciplined: a Black first agenda. (Black = all descendants of Black Africans)

Well just goes to show....Latinos can build rafts.. Asian are good at the puzzles. the whities did ok.. and the blacks can't solve puzzles or do well in the water.. Maybe next week's challenge will be easier!!!

What team do George Allen's macacas get to be on?

There is forensic software available that can provide the mix of continental ancestry and eye color of a perp or an unidentifiable corpse. It has been instrumental in tracking down a serial killer. And it is rarely used.

Think about it: our society would prefer to allow the violent murders of more innocents rather than use a politically incorrect hint about the looks and ancestry of the killers.

BTW Allen's maccacas are, of course, predominantly caucasian. That would, no doubt, be disturbing news to George.

Best, Terry

Bracey says, "I’m anxious to see if [cultural difference] gets explored more deeply in subsequent episodes." Um. Have you watched Survivor? It's a game show. Nothing much gets "explored deeply" ... except maybe petty annoyances. I mean, watching the fire burn down is "island TV" and bowel obstructions are major plot points.

A few seasons back the tribes were segregated by sex and there was much overconfidence on the part of the young males. The boy team ended up losing challenge after challenge because they couldn't work together. Does that say something about the sexes? Something, I suppose.

I get a kick out of Survivor. You can't predict who is going to get to the final circle. Last season pudgy black city girl Cirie (doing the ew-icky dance over the dustiness of leaves while setting up camp) ended up in the final few because she was smart about people (and got over her squeamishness over the environment) and because she wasn't the shrinking violet she seemed. If she'd had one more day to practice making fire I'd have bet on her winning the whole thing. Does that say something about race? Something, maybe, but what?

Last season pudgy black city girl Cirie (doing the ew-icky dance over the dustiness of leaves while setting up camp) ended up in the final few because she was smart about people ...Does that say something about race?

Don't know. You haven't told us what her race is.

Presumably the "girl" is an African-American but that only describes her cultural affiliation. Skin color is indicative of ancestry but so are many other things.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could use the language of science rather than the language of prejudice with its tribal connotations?

The difference between what the DNA tells us and what bigots claim can be the difference between life and death in medicine and in other aspects of our culture.

Best, Terry

I'm way late on this, but I made an interesting notation. They already put tribes together with men and women. I noticed that the two teams that came in last both had three women and two men, whereas the two teams that came in first had three men and two women. Further, the 'Asian' team that won had three athletic men and two athletic women, while the Latino team had that one big, really slow guy. And, no offense to the three black ladies, but none of them seemed that athletic at all (they refered to themselves as city girls I think), and the dude who was voted off who tried to make himself 'the leader' was as out of shape as that hefty latino guy. Those two are clearly the deadest weight, and I'd hazard a guess that that other guy is voted off ASAP by his team (they previewed the complaints about this guy already anyways).

I have to agree with what many people have said on this post- Survivor is nothing more than a game show, therefore NOTHING can be learned from it.

Yes, it is true; survivor is just a game show. However, let's not be naive about this. In the perfect world that is what all viewers will think. In the real world people are sitting at home waiting for stereotypes to be fulfilled. They expect to see the black team struggle with tasks and everyday living. This will only reinforce how other races feel about blacks being inferior. Therefore, I think the black tribe should prove that we are a race to be reckoned with an prove to be the superior tribe on the island, not the weakest link.

"In the real world people are sitting at home waiting for stereotypes to be fulfilled. They expect to see the black team struggle with tasks and everyday living. This will only reinforce how other races feel about blacks being inferior. Therefore, I think the black tribe should prove that we are a race to be reckoned with an prove to be the superior tribe on the island, not the weakest link."

Yes Chrissy you're right about this. But tell what's the point of trying to educate ignorant people? Do you really believe that if the black tribe won that these people would think any differently of blacks?

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