“Survivor” has seen its fair share of cultural and racial conversations brought to the forefront in recent seasons. Last night, the first real discussion of racial identity and subconscious biases on “Survivor 42” took place in episode 9, when black contestants Drea Wheeler and Maryanne Oketch boldly vocalized their fears of this season becoming yet another example of several black people being elimination in quick succession.
Although talk of race and cultural identity on the show has caused some discomfort to a (largely white) portion of the show’s fanbase, Maryanne and Drea have taken to social media to clarify their opinions on the matter and address the audience about everything that went down.
Here’s what you need to know:
Maryanne Praises ‘Allyship’ Shown by Lindsay & Tori
In an Instagram post shortly after the episode aired, Maryanne posted an image of herself, Drea, Jonathan Young, Lindsay Dolashewich, and Tori Meehan at Tribal, which includes a memorable shot of Drea cuddling with Jonathan. In the caption, she reiterated her points about how “Survivor,” at its core, is a social game, and hence a “microcosm of society.” “We all bring parts of our outside life into the game,” she said, “and it affects the way that we may navigate scenarios that occur.”
She went on to praise the “allyship” shown by Lindsay and Tori, which she described as “so powerful, as they had every right to fight for their safety in the game once both idols were played, but instead, they chose to take a step back to actively listen to where I was coming from.”
“I have so much love for everyone at that tribal,” she concluded, “and I am so thankful that I was able to speak about something that I wish I heard when I was just a fan watching the show that I love.”
She followed this post up with a tweet saying that the support she has received from the fanbase regarding the episode has been “overwhelming.” “THANK YOU so much for paving the way for me,” she told her followers.
Drea & Lindsay Stress Importance of Empathy Among Viewers & Cast
Though she did not address the conversation held at last night’s Tribal specifically, Drea tweeted a message Thursday morning pleading with fans to be kind to her fellow contestants, despite the strong feelings they may hold. “I respect everyone’s thoughts and opinions,” she wrote. “All I ask is that you respect my fellow [‘Survivor 42’] family. Be kind.”
A week earlier, Drea posted a picture of herself and Lindsay on the island on both her Twitter and Instagram, captioning it: “These moments are the ones I cherish the most on Island … this is so much fun, ALL OF IT.” Chanelle Howell, who wasn’t directly involved in the conversation but was very engaged in the conversation nonetheless from the jury bench, also said recently that she was rooting for Lindsay to win the game.
For her part, Lindsay also weighed in on the discussion that the audience got to see last night, posting the same picture Thursday afternoon that Maryanne did. On Instagram, she wrote:
Survivor is a game – yes. But Survivor has also historically been able to prove this social experiment is a microcosm of society. This is a major factor of why this game is so iconic.
Drea and Maryanne spoke beautifully about a very real issue that unfortunately still happens today. Equality should be a right, not a privilege.
I hope everyone watching was able to hear the truths of what still goes on today. We can use more compassion and empathy in this world ?
“Survivor 42” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern on CBS. The three-hour finale will air Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
I highly disagree with what happened at tribal council. Drea made Survivor game racist. Drea and Mayann have as much of a chance to win as any other player. Why race has to be a part of a great program I will never understand. Equality, every player has the same chance to be a winner. I knew when the tribe arrived at tribal council the look on Drea’s face told the story. What do the producers of Survivor supposed to do, grantee that a black person will win, or make sure all the contestants are black.
I agree with Richards comment. Drea made the elimination about race makes the situation racist. Chanelle was untrustworthy and that why she was voted out, Rox roy was controlling and that’s why he was voted out. They wanted to flush idols and it just so happened that Drea and Marianne, the 2 black women had idols. Survivor can’t be strategic anymore if the people being targeted are black? What about all the people voted out before Chanelle that weren’t black? Just because the first 2 people sitting on the jury happened to be black (that are visibly seen during elimination) we are just gonna forget about the previous multi race players that were voted out prior? I am a black women, my husband is black and my children are black and we do not agree with calling racism when clearly it is strategy. I do not require more sympathy because of my race. Treat everyone normal for equality, any type of special privileges or lack of privileges can fall into racism. I did not see any evidence of racism in this episode, it is coincidence, and the players shouldn’t avoid strategy because multiple same race players have been voted out consecutively.
Wednesday’s Survivor upset me, the game is based on Outwit, Outplay, Outlast not affirmative action Outwit, Outplay, Outlast, outblack,, it’s about talent and skill not skin color. I have been watching this show since season 1 and it has never been about anything else than Outwit, Outplay, Outlast, groups that have a target on them were the people that could win immunity at challenges or were overly strategic and aggressive no matter their race or lifestyle. this happened last season also when Shantel Smith was going to have an all black alliance ( which technically is no different than a all girls, all guys all alternative alliance ) however when that happens I will quit watching.. Playing the race card is wrong in my opinion and we will see how this plays out in the future.. I have always liked the diversity of the players, BUT when one group demands special rules just for them then it is no longer a fair game, it’s rigged…
Survivor is becoming a racist game not because of social norms, it’s because of the races themselves. It seems the only label that is considered racist is white. Do away with any description other than male or female. Period. I don’t care what color skin, sexual preference, surgeries etc that you have had, religion, etc. Just play the game. I swore I wouldn’t watch after last season and then see the same scenario on Big Brother. I don’t want or need to be lectured on what’s it’s like to “look like me”. I want to know what kind of person and player you are.
I find it so interesting that we have seen black women say they want to ally themselves because they are black. I have never seen that with any of the white players (just imagine the outrage). Yet, as soon as black players are voted out, it becomes an issue of race!