The National Multicultural Institute Denounces CBS' Refusal to Cancel 'Sur

[Judi Lynn]

The National Multicultural Institute Denounces CBS' Refusal to Cancel 'Survivor: Cook Islands'

9/11/2006 3:00:00 PM

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI) joins the growing number of organizations condemning CBS' intention to air its upcoming season of "Survivor: Cook Islands." NMCI has grave concerns about the social impact of the show's divisive ploy of categorizing "tribes" of contestants along racial and ethnic lines.

CBS executives have publicly given "Survivor" producer Mark Burnett the green light to pit African Americans, Asian Americans, Whites and Hispanics against one another in what Burnett refers to as a "social experiment." In response to Burnett's and CBS' attempted justification for this programming, NMCI executive director Gwendolyn K. Crider issued the following statement:

"This 'social experiment' is one which today, decades after the legal demise of segregation, negatively impacts the lives of millions -- not only in the United States but around the globe. At a time when the world is besieged with racial, ethnic and religious conflicts that dredge up stereotype and prejudice, it is unconscionable that CBS would appeal to such base sentiments and foster a 'we vs. them' mentality -- all in the name of entertainment.

"The program will only amplify racial and ethnic tensions -- not by addressing them in a responsible and accountable environment, but by rigidly defining its contestants by those differences as they compete for financial rewards. If allowed to air, other programs using the same theme won't be far behind.

"By airing 'Survivor: Cook Islands,' CBS is not living up to its professed commitment as a trustee of the public's airwaves to deliver responsible programming and support diversity."
(snip/...)

http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=72125

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. Boycott it...and all its sponsors.

The only language these dingbats understand is money.

[MrPrax]

2. Out on a limb, I know...

but I don't see the problem -- at least they are on the show, which is more than you can say for the hundreds and hundreds of hours of other programming...save when need a criminal or terrorist or Morgan Freeman.

This might backfire -- we'll assume the bulk of the audience is white...what happens to the ratings when the tribes combine and gosh darn, none of the white folks make it.

LOL That will do more damage to the show than any boycott. :evilgrin:

[jacklambert]

4. Isn't the separation by races just going to happen in the beginning.

I, for one, have never even watched a full episode of Survivor. I certainly can't believe that everyone is feeding into their publicity stunt. They must be laughing their hindquarters off.

If we are to blame Mark Burnett for this, then maybe we should rip on the Blacks, Hispanics and Asians that are participating also. It's not like they are puppets. They are choosing to be a part of this.

Actually, I'm sure I won't be watching this time either.

[agio]

5. I agree

Honestly I don't think this is such a huge deal.

[VegasWolf]

7. You nailed my thoughts. I agree 100%. nt

[Tellurian]

3. I'm surprised Mark Burnett could be bought off so easily..

This is no doubt a self serving Republican experiment that has no intrinsic value whatsoever to mankind.


I agree, Boycott the show and sponsors!

[Lydia Leftcoast]

6. I just don't "get" Survivor in the first place

It sounded like a stupid premise when I first read about it, and nothing I've heard since has made me think that it's anything but a bunch of empty-headed publicity hounds conspiring against one another.

I had high school for that, thank you.