An evaluation of the Survivor T.V Show within the context of Attitude Change/Prejudice in A Social Psychological Framework - Essay Example

1). So that discourse appears to be shifting from integration to separatism. It is argued in this paper that greater social cohesion requires less social divisions within and across nations, so as to contribute to richer international understandings. Firstly, Survivor: Cook Island will be reviewed with regard to its “unique” challenge for this, its 13th series. As well, issues of individualism and collectivism within cultures will be touched on. Secondly, theories of attitudinal change and prejudice will be discussed in relation to Survivor.

Finally, a conclusion shall synthesize the main points of the paper, to support the view that reality shows (alongside other media) take the opportunity to promote inclusiveness and integration to achieve greater social cohesion. The controversy over CBSs Survivor: Cook Islands, to premier in the USA in six months, is due to its decision to divide teams initially according to their ethnic group. The reasoning papers to be that previous shows have differentiated groups’ dependant on age and gender, setting a precedent for ethnicity (realityblurred.com). This year’s 13th episode of Survivor will host the most ethnically diverse set of players to date: The 20 players will initially be divided into four groups based on their race - Hispanic-American, African-American, Asian-American and Anglo-American.

The tribes will merge at some point later in the game. In the last seven seasons, out of 122 contestants; 106 were White (86.9%), 9 Black (7.4%), 3 Hispanic/Latino (2.5%), 3 Asian/Pacific Islander (2.5%), and 1 Native American (0.8%) (asianmedia.net). Jeff Probst, the compare for the show says the decision for ethnic groups was based on audience feedback that the program was lacking in ethnic diversity. So, the decision was the chosen strategy to remedy a gap as perceived by a target market. However, Probst does not comment on what other alternatives