The National Multicultural Institute Denounces CBS’ Refusal to Cancel ‘Survivor: Cook Islands

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11 /U.S. Newswire/ — The National MultiCultural Institute (NMCI) joins the
growing number of organizations condemning CBS’ intention to air its upcoming season of “Survivor: Cook Islands.” NMCI has grave concerns about the social impact of the show’s divisive ploy of categorizing “tribes” of contestants along racial and ethnic lines.

CBS executives have publicly given “Survivor” producer Mark Burnett the green light to pit African Americans, Asian Americans, Whites and Hispanics against one another in what Burnett refers to as a “social experiment.” In response to Burnett’s and CBS’ attempted justification for this programming, NMCI executive director Gwendolyn K. Crider issued the following statement:“This ‘social experiment’ is one which today, decades after the legal demise of segregation, negatively impacts the lives of millions — not only in the United States but around the globe. At a time when the world is besieged with racial, ethnic and religious conflicts that dredge up stereotype and prejudice, it is unconscionable that CBS would appeal to such base sentiments and foster a ‘we vs. them’ mentality — all in the name of entertainment.

“The program will only amplify racial and ethnic tensions — not by addressing them in a responsible
and accountable environment, but by rigidly defining its contestants by those differences as they compete
for financial rewards. If allowed to air, other programs using the same theme won’t be far behind.

“By airing ‘Survivor: Cook Islands,’ CBS is not living up to its professed commitment as a trustee of the
public’s airwaves to deliver responsible programming and support diversity.”

NMCI applauds the actions of major sponsors who have declined to advertise on “Survivor: Cook Islands” and calls upon potential sponsors, advertisers and the general public to boycott “Survivor” until such time as CBS fulfills its commitment to responsible programming. The National MultiCultural Institute is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to lead efforts to increase communication, understanding and respect among diverse groups and to address important issues of multiculturalism facing our society.