Survivor

Are people watching the new Survivor? I haven't watched it since college, but since my friend's ex is on it, of course my interest is piqued.

In case you don't know, it's all controversial this season due to separating tribes by races. There's the Hispanic, Caucasian, African American, and Asian American. I think it's interesting that the Hispanic tribe isn't called Hispanic American. Like, why is it OK to be just plain Hispanic, but to be called just plain Asian is slightly racist? Jieun? Hmm...

I can't tell if people are just falling into the stereotypes or if the producers are hamming them up. Probably a little of both, I'm sure. I was about to list some examples, but some are just so darn racist that I feel bad writing them down. The African Americans are very sensitive to the labeling, it seems. They feel a lot of pressure to "represent", as they keep saying. In addition to winning challenges and whatever, they say that they have to present themselves well, for the sake of their race, more so than the others. That's kind of interesting.

The Asians are certainly "representing", having won both challenges so far. Despite the annoying old guy (who's only 6 years older than the Filipino girl), they've come up with good strategies and work together well.

I wonder if any of the non-Caucasians are white washed and feel uncomfortable in this grouping. I feel like amongst Asians, each nationality can get clique-y. If you hang out with Asians, it's almost always just those that are the same nationality as you, you know? I guess there are two Koreans and two Filipinos. I wonder if the Filipinos have bonded like the Koreans have.

I sort of think Yul could win this thing! He already found the immunity idol. To be honest, I'm not sure what that even means, but I'm fairly certain it's a good thing. The Hispanic tribe decided he was the strongest player in the game and sent him to Exile Island (which I don't fully understand, either). Why is Exile Island bad, aside from the seclusion? He got a chance to find the idol, so that's good. Besides, there are cameras on him all the time, so he's not exactly alone, right? I wonder if the crew is forbidden to talk to him or anything like that.

The show keeps referring to this as a social experiment. Just seems stereotypical so far. Not so much racist, but cliche. Interesting, though. Another reality show to add to my DVR list.