Resolution Calling for Action on “Survivor: Cook Islands”

Whereas the National Latino Congreso is the most comprehensive gathering of Latino leaders and community members since 1977;

Whereas the Latino Congreso seeks to establish a new agenda for today and the next generation;

Whereas the CBS Corporation reality television series “Survivor: Cook Islands” will group contestants by race/ethnicity and have them compete against each other;

Whereas we believe that the “Survivor Cook Island” presentation of ethnic tribes, including an “Hispanic Tribe”, fails to recognize and acknowledge the diversity within ethnic groups generally and among Hispanics specifically;

Whereas “Survivor: Cook Islands” is a reckless and irresponsible ploy that appeals to a “we vs. them” mentality in the guise of entertainment and stands to become a conduit for racial and ethnic tensions by rigidly defining contestants by the tones of their skin;

Whereas “Survivor Cook Islands” runs counter to the professed CBS commitment to responsible programming and diversity, and ignores the network’s obligation, as a public trust, to responsibly serve its audience and the larger, global society;

Therefore be it resolved that the National Latino Congreso calls upon CBS to cancel “Survivor: Cook Islands” in its current format; and be it

Further resolved that we call upon CBS to produce and air, immediately before and after each Survivor episode, public service messages that counterbalance racial stereotypes and promote cross-cultural collaboration; and be it

Further resolved that we applaud the actions of General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Campbell Soup, UPS and others who have declined to advertise on “Survivor: Cook Islands”; and be it

Further resolved that we call upon potential advertisers, sponsors and the general public to boycott the “Survivor” series until such time as CBS fulfills its commitment to responsible programming.