Get Free Shipping on orders over $79
Tribal Warfare : Survivor and the Political Unconscious of Reality Television - Christopher J. Wright

Tribal Warfare

Survivor and the Political Unconscious of Reality Television

By: Christopher J. Wright

Hardcover | 15 June 2006

At a Glance

Hardcover


RRP $220.00

$192.99

12%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $48.25 with

 or 

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

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, andâ"most significantlyâ"class-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.
Industry 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-snuffings-demonstrating 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, March 2009 *
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

Other Editions and Formats

Paperback

Published: 1st June 2006

More in Media Studies

The Kids' Guide to Speaking Your Mind Without Losing Your Cool - Matt Agnew
Careless People : A story of where I used to work - Sarah Wynn-Williams

RRP $24.99

$21.75

13%
OFF
Manufacturing Consent : The Political Economy of the Mass Media - Noam Chomsky
The Surge : The Race Against the Most Destructive Force in Nature - Jeevan Vasagar
Manufacturing Consent : The Political Economy of the Mass Media - Noam Chomsky
Black Witness : Shortlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize - Amy McQuire
Speak Up : How to be a successful presenter and media spokesperson - Theresa Miller
The Year's Best Sports Writing 2025 : Year's Best Sports Writing - Hanif Abdurraqib
The Ends of Art Studies : Time, Transcendence and Boundaries - Fan Baiding