LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Why is America afraid of “Survivor’s” new plot twist? This is the same country that conceived… Why is America afraid of “Survivor’s” new plot twist? This is the same country that conceived and promoted the ‘separate but equal’ concept.

True, it rarely practiced its equal opportunity – resources and respect – ideals, because somewhere deep within the American fabric is the ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality, which is often accompanied with the competitive ‘by any means necessary’ mentality.

These two underlying mentalities undermined the equality of all of this nation’s citizens.

Many black communities were repeatedly undersupplied and attacked by white dominated institutions and haters, therefore they could not build upon the foundation for which they can stand solidly today.

This example is given only to emphasize the most distinguishable occurrence of the discrimination of the ‘separate but equal’ ideology, which rendered it corrupt and preposterous.

Check your complete, unfiltered American history.

Back to “Survivor.” Comparatively there was very little outrage, attention or concern, when for years over 70 percent of its cast were ‘white’ contestants with a few minorities sprinkled in for flavoring.

“Survivor” producers have claimed that “there is such a low number of minority applicants.”

How many do you need to fill a cast of 20-something? Some may also claim that “the casting was based on personalities, not race.”

So, were these white contestants’ personalities so unique and varied that a minority with a similar personality couldn’t be cast?

As a matter of fact, race is far too often the worse and a false indicator of cultural identity ever conceived. It blinds the minds and hearts of the world from true cultural uniqueness and common shared humanity.

Unfortunately, it is still one of most significant ways individuals perceive, prejudge and choose to interact with one another.

I know more races that have very little of the same values, language and lifestyle as their respective racially stereotyped categorizations.

Conversely, there are races that share values, language and lifestyles with some other race. It’s not your race that defines you; it’s your culture, which is an ever-changing combination of factors – parental rearing, social environment, education and interpersonal experiences, just to name a few.

However, ratings influenced the producers of “Survivor,” and CBS’s decision was to go with this plot setup.

They have at least heard and attempted to respect the criticism of the minority population who have been speaking out.

The choice to begin the competition with ‘equal’ representation of these races is in an honorable and appropriate step.

The choice to separate them by race is risky and not totally agreeable, yet true to the American heritage.

I think it was a bold move to stir the pot. The producers must be careful on how they plan and play this out, but remember these ‘tribes’ do not stay separate throughout the entire show.

They come together in an attempt to ‘survive,’ almost a true test of the American present day ideals.

At least ideals that we say we embrace, though, we have yet to practice with the same fervor.

“Survivor” was always intended to be a social experiment.

Now they are adding new variables and conditions to the experiment.

Let’s all just sit back with popcorn, pen, pad and watch, learn and discuss.

Maybe this will give us an opportunity to have more genuine, meaningful and influential dialogue and affective actions toward an equal and integrated society.

Or maybe this is just all smoke of a false flame of concern that will allow us to continue with the way things are.

Time will tell, and America will see.

Benjamin Walker, graduate student School of Education blwalker79@yahoo.com