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August 25, 2000/24 Av 5760, Vol. 52, No.50
'Survivor': Who's the real casualty?
BARRY COHEN
Community Editor
If the combination of hype and through-the-roof ratings of CBS' "Survivor" is an indication of where our nation's moral compass is pointing, then we should begin to worry, and fast.
Over the past few months, millions of Americans have watched the adventures of eight men and eight women stranded on the island of Pulau Tiga, 20 miles off the coast of Borneo.
Once every three days, they voted one member off the island. The one person who "survived" when the 13-episode series ended earlier this week, won $1 million.
The show's contestants faced a series of challenges, such as eating live bugs and throwing spears at life-size targets.
As an added treat, some of the cast members, responding to hunger, chose to eat island rats.
But the real message of "Survivor" is that everybody has a price. The rationale contestants used for voting each other off the island was a frightening indicator of what people will do for fame and fortune: They would reject a member for being too weak, too religious, too smart, too talented or too likely to win. They would be grateful for individual efforts in the near term, only to turn on each other later when one member or another was no longer 'useful' or was viewed as a threat. They would make an agreement with one party and then attempt a back-door deal with someone else to serve their interests.
"Survivor's" massive popularity sadly reveals the state of our society. The show illustrates that too many of us in the quest for money and celebrity, become selfish and amoral and will do whatever is necessary.
Each week, the viewing audience soaked up every plot twist and turn.
"Survivor" is voyeurism to the highest degree. It is the next step of a progression that started with soap operas, led to talk shows, spawned "Jerry Springer," "Rikki Lake" and "Cops," and then went on to MTV's "Real World."
We should shudder to think what is next. But without a doubt, network executives are working at this moment, preparing a pitch, locating a target audience and lining up the sponsors.
"Survivor" is a barometer showing how far we have to go to construct a healthy society, built on a sturdy sense of community. We sit on our couches, more engaged with the fate of strangers on an island than with the fate of our neighbors, our community, and our elected officials.
Think of what we could have accomplished in the time wasted watching that program.
If we watched two episodes, we could have gone to the library and recorded magazine articles for the blind.
If we watched four episodes, we could have spent productive time volunteering for a nonprofit organization.
If we watched six episodes, we could have researched candidates and issues to become knowledgeable voters. (The fall elections will determine our nation's character for a generation through policies adopted and legislation passed).
If we watched eight episodes, we could have babysat for our neighbors' kids for one evening and enjoyed a dinner party with friends on another.
If we watched 10 episodes, we could have planned a get-away for our family, discussing options, planning an itinerary and booking plane tickets and hotel rooms.
And if we watched every episode of "Survivor," including the two-hour finale this week, we will have to look to our conscience for a way to make up for time lost.
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