the new face of our race

by W.Watkins Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM

the new face of our race



Three episodes deep into "Survivor: Nicaragua," one thing is painfully clear--castaway NaOnka is the most hated contestant amongst the show's viewers. Go onto any Internet forum or the comments section of YouTube and you'll notice that NaOnka, the sole African American female competing on the show, is being called "ghetto trash" and a "hood rat."

In just three episodes of "Survivor: Nicaragua," viewers have seen NaOnka accuse her tribemates of stealing her socks (prompting her to steal another player's socks), attempt to create an "all minorities alliance" with a man who is half-black and a woman who is Asian, and attacks a grown woman (who plays the game with one prosthetic leg) to the ground in an effort to exclusively have the latest Immunity Idol clue.

So, is Nonkey-Donk yet another black stereotype seen in television and film entertainment for decades, perpetuated by the media and often witnessed on reality television? her bahavior was Shameful and an embarisment to all minorities.

The thing with stereotypes is that they're just that--types. Types of people like NaOnka do exist in the world, and if we deem reality television as the ultimate melting pot, it would be unfair to suggest that she shouldn't be allowed to display her crazy on camera for the world to see.

But admit it, you cringe a bit when she's on screen. Her lack of charm makes her come across more bitter than brilliant and her people skills, as evidenced by both the sock and Immunity Idol incidents, are clearly non-existent.

The problem with NaOnka may have less to do with her and more to do with casting. On a show that features one black female out of twenty contestants, Na Onka was likely stereotyped as crazy before she even opened her mouth.

Is NaOnka a black stereotype on "Survivor: Nicaragua?" Probably so. Nonkey-Donk as her friends call her

has a long history of problematic behavior and questionable psychiatric stability

But when she did open her mouth? Oooh boy.