Tribal Warfare: Survivor and the Political Unconscious of Reality Television

(Paperback)

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Tribal Warfare thoroughly investigates a central element of the hit reality television show Survivor that the existing literature on reality television has overlooked: class politics. Christopher J. Wright combines textual analysis and survey research to demonstrate that Survivor operates and resonates as a political allegory. Using the work of Fredric Jameson, this book reveals how Survivor frames its "characters" as "haves" and "have-nots." For those new to Jameson, Wright breaks down the theorist's complex notion of the political unconscious into easily understandable language. Furthermore, using the results of a survey of Survivor viewers, Tribal Warfare demonstrates that viewers divide along gender, racial, age, andmost significantlyclass-related lines in their consumption of, and reaction to, the program. The first book to explore the premise of "Survivor as society," this unique work serves as both an engaging analysis of a popular television program and a highly readable primer for those new to critical theory.

Reviews

Tribal Warfare offers a fascinating political analysis of a television and cultural phenomenon. Wright reveals the meaning behind Survivor's alliances, challenges and torch-snuffingsdemonstrating that the program's tribes have spoken in more ways than one. -- Dan Bollinger and Louise Wezzie Craven, Survivor Maps
Wright's fascinating in-depth analysis adds a cultural relevance to Survivor beyond its entertainment value. You do not need to have seen the show to appreciate his research into the political and racial undertones and sociological impact of reality television. Tribal Warfare legitimizes discussion of Survivor as a literary topic. -- Brian Corridan, Survivor: Guatemala
This is a delightful and thorough study of the politics and ideologyof the reality TV show Survivor. * The Journal of Popular Culture *
The writing is dynamic and the ideas compelling. * Communication Booknotes Quarterly *
This work takes reality television seriously and examines the underlying messages of the popular Survivor series deliberately, consequently shedding light over the social dynamics within the series and among the viewers. Everyone studying reality television should read this book. -- Matthew J. Smith, Wittenberg University

Author Bio

Christopher J. Wright began writing about political and cultural implications of Survivor in 2001 for PopPolitics.com. He works in the political media in Washington, D.C.