OCA - Orange County Chapter

Washington, DC - OCA expresses grave concerns regarding CBS’s proposed format for the upcoming fall season of, Survivor: Cook Island, where the show is planning to divide the competing tribes by race. The tribes will be separated into African Americans, Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Caucasians.

The racial discrimination that has existed in this country has devastated communities of color and divided this nation. While the United States has made great strides in overcoming this racial divide, it is by no means over. Racial slurs, stereotyping of ethnic groups, acts of violence against individuals because of their race, continue to occur, states Ginny Gong, National President.

Dorothy Wong, Executive Director, adds, TV shows have a tremendous influence in shaping how we perceive others and how we conduct ourselves. Fueling viewers’ competitive nature by having them root for one race over the other does little to promote greater understanding among an increasingly diverse citizenry, at a time when greater understanding is needed. To use such a polarizing tactic as pitting one race against another in order to boost ratings is a sad commentary on the judgment of the producers. In light of the racial tension associated with the immigration debate in today’s social climate, it is critical that we not add fuel to the fire. We should join hands in the name of diversity. OCA believes in diversity and inclusiveness; this show will accomplish the opposite.