Essay 1028

A recent episode of “Mind of Mencia” presented a sketch titled, “The Stereotype Olympics.” Contestants of different ethnicities competed in politically-incorrect challenges that included looting televisions and eating watermelons. In typical Carlos Mencia fashion, the event was crude, obscene and hilarious.

Which calls to mind the CBS “Survivor” fiasco, with the reality program’s intention to segregate players by race. Criticism has been fast and furious, with organized protests and advertisers abandoning sponsorships (although the advertisers insist their decisions were not based on the show’s provocative format).


But maybe the “Survivor” deal isn’t so crazy. After all, one could argue that race has always been present in arenas of competition. On abstract and literal levels, the true Olympic Games have many race-based components. Few American professional sports succeed in dodging issues of race. Things are even more intense with international sporting duels — see World Cup Soccer for plenty of examples. Race repeatedly surfaces in political elections. Hell, the race factor even comes up during every installment of “American Idol.”

It’s interesting to note that “Survivor” has traditionally referred to its teams as tribes. Let’s be honest. People tend to be clannish, congregating with their own kind. Yes, we all try to get along on professional and societal planes. But the country — and perhaps the entire planet — leans towards tribalism. “Survivor” isn’t resorting to desperate attempts at boosting ratings. This upcoming season is the natural and inevitable progression.


The only true controversy involves Jeff Probst, the current host of “Survivor.” Probst may not be qualified to oversee the new dynamics of segregated tribes. Perhaps Carlos Mencia or Dave Chappelle should be considered as replacements. Either comic is better suited to mediate the potential conflicts — plus provide some sorely needed entertainment value.