2008 Woodie Awards
Social experiment simple ratings ploy for Survivor fans
Dawud Ingram
After two straight seasons of 'Survivor' flops, the producers probably figured they nailed it this season. They had come up with a concept that would ensnare viewers across the country. Unfortunately for the producers and many viewers, this is not the case.
The 13th season of 'Survivor,' entitled 'Survivor: Cook Island,' started off by separating the tribes by race. This means that there is a tribe for African Americans, a tribe for Latinos, a tribe for Asian Americans and a tribe for Caucasians.
This 'social experiment,' as it is called by 'Survivor' host Jeff Probst, is causing outrage in all four of these communities. Mark Burnett, a reporter for The Hollywood Reporter, stated that '[CBS is] tapping a raw segregationist nerve and exploiting America's obsession with race for personal gain.'
According to eonline.com, an Asian-American councilman for New York went on to ask, 'How could anybody be so desperate for ratings?'
However, many people decided that it would be a good idea to reserve their opinion until they saw the actual season air. 'Concerning the new season of 'Survivor,' whether we like the concept or not--and for the record, we do not it is premature to judge the show purely on conjecture, "The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)" stated on reuters.com
This season has not only hurt television station CBS by cutting viewers but it also cuts them in their wallets. Companies like Procter & Gamble Co. have decided to pull three ads from the station because the new season of 'Survivor' draws too much controversy.
It seems that there are many views to what CBS is doing with their new season of 'Survivor,' but one could gamble and say that this will be one of the most watched seasons in 'Survivor's history.
After the season premiere, 'Survivor' was among the top 10 shows watched during the week of Sept. 22, pulling in 16.85 million viewers according to Nielson ratings. Tonight at 8 p.m. in the Space, KUUMBA, the Pan-African Student Organization at Drew University, will be having their monthly Fireside Chat discussion.
Each month, topics are discussed that are current and relevant to the Pan-African community. This month's topic will be on the 13th season of 'Survivor.' All are welcome to come and enjoy healthy discussion of an issue that affects so many.