We have BBQ's on the back patio, summer Rib Cook-Off Competitions and celebrate events like the Oscars and Superbowl together. We've even installed a portable television on the back wall so that we can watch the Stanley Cup Finals outside over burgers and beers.
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| Yes, that's a duck in the window - very popular with late night University revellers returning from the bars. |
So, in January of 2001, we were watching the Super Bowl (a bit of a blow out as the Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants soundly). At the end of the game, the second season of Survivor premiered and we hastily put a pool together. This was the beginning of a Survivor watching tradition that has continued for nearly 20 years. We PVR it now and only my wife and my retired neighbour Art watch it weekly (on Thursdays because I have hockey on Wednesday nights).
I've always wanted to get on the show - but as a Canadian, that is an impossibility. When I was younger and fitter, I thought I would have a chance at some of the physical challenges. Now that I am older, I'd have to rely on mental agility and hone a successful social game. There is so much to overcome in order to win this game. The hunger, the boredom, the physical toll, the unexpected twists, the social strategy - playing hard and deceptively enough to get to the end while still gaining the respect of a jury of eliminated participants who will eventually determine the winner.
When I watch each episode I can't help but envision myself in each scenario. Invariably, I know that my role as an educator would have to come into play.
That's the thing about being an educator - you have to be in professional teacher mode whenever you are in the public eye. Even on Twitter, I am cautious. I don't get overly-political, I am careful which tweets I "like" - even though a "like" isn't an endorsement. Posting a picture of a craft beer on a Friday night is the extent to which I expose my celebratory side.
This year on Survivor, there is an educator. Not just any educator, Ron Clark. The guy who...
- Left his small town to teach in New York City Public Schools,
- Founded the Ron Clark Academy,
- Wrote 4 New York Times Best Selling Education Texts,
- Built a 90K Twitter following,
- Was named Oprah's first "Phenomenal Man",
- Had a biopic with Matthew Perry made about him,
...that Ron Clark.
So, I was keen to see how this would play out.
- Would he need to stay in professional teacher mode?
- How deceitful could he be?
- Is all forgiven if he takes on the role of villian in order to Outplay, Outwit and Outlast?
- Is it "just a game" or are there real world consequences?
This week he was eliminated and, potentially, became the 10th member of the jury. However, it was the way in which he was eliminated that has me reading articles and blogs this weekend.
After lying to fan favourite contestant Rick Devins on multiple ocassions, Ron made a devilish choice. Privately, he offered Rick an olive branch in the form of a parchment that offered an immunity reward - ostensibly making the possesser safe from elimination at Tribal Council. However, here is the deception. The immunity scroll was expired - something Ron knew and Rick didn't.
Granted, deceit is part of the game. But, Ron made a decision that, ultimately, was revealed to be mean-spirited - particularly when Ron and his ally Julie reinforced the veracity of the parchment later in the day.
That evening, when Rick tried to play it at Tribal Council - the ruse was revealed. Seemingly defeated, he turned to the remaining survivors and, in front of the jury and television audience said:
"Ron and Julie, you are villains! I was already going home! You just wanted to make me look stupid? Why? So my kids think I'm an idiot?"
In a brilliant twist of fate and what is bound to become a legendary Survivor moment, Rick reached into his bag and produced an authentic immunity idol and Ron, not Rick, was sent packing.
Again, I put myself in the scenario...could I have made the choices Ron made? What would the fallout among my friends, student and colleagues be if I made that choice?
What about you?
- Have you ever wanted to participate on Survivor?
- Would you be able to play the role of villain to win?
- Would there be fallout in your professional life?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
