Survivor Blog Post #4

In the fourth episode of Survivor, group diversity and personality dimensions became more clear. At the beginning of the episode, Baylor alludes to how certain personality types can cause destructive conflict within a team. As she reflected on how John had been voted off, she felt it was necessary for him to leave in order for the team to move forward. She revealed that with his removal, the team could attain more positivity as a whole. It becomes apparent that John’s aggression as well as the hostility he projected during his stay on the island, were results of the disagreeableness of his personality. He lacked the cooperative and trusting nature that the team needed, and therefore the team resolved to get rid of him entirely.

In this episode, we also began to see real issues arise within the Hunahpuh tribe for the very first time. After returning from Exile Island and receiving the clue for a hidden idol located at camp, Keith began to make assumptions that because he could not locate it himself, that Jeremy who had been their previously had obtained it. Although he was not correct in his assumptions, he began to share this information with other members within the tribe who then later addressed Jeremy about it. Jeremy, who had previously formed an alliance with Keith, became extremely upset about his accusation and felt betrayed by someone he trusted. His reaction to the conflict reveals that Jeremy is somewhat of a “feeler” within the group. Because he is is very friendly and people-oriented, he values his relationships with his teammates so much, that it angered him deeply that Keith had shared his false assumptions with the rest of the group. Keith’s statement could have possibly placed Jeremy in some unnecessary conflict with other group members. Jeremy took Keith’s actions as a personal attack on him, revealing that perhaps he “thinks with his heart” rather than his head.

More obviously, Drew’s personality traits began to unfold but in a very negative way. In prior episodes, Drew’s carelessness in the group became apparent as he wouldn’t contribute to getting basic tasks done at camp. However, it isn’t until the fourth episode that his lack of conscientiousness and consideration of others truly becomes evident. Despite his inability to hold his own, he had the illusion that he was responsible for the tribe’s success. In his personal interview, he made comments claiming that “without [him] these people would be nothing.” He acted as if he is carrying the team through the entire process, however he clearly lacks an accurate view of reality. His over-confidence is also identifiable with his extroverted personality. Although he does communicate his feelings with others, he lacks the consideration of thinking before speaks. His personality gets him into trouble because he easily offends the other tribe members and he draws people against him rather than for him. Drew also revealed that he purposely lost in the challenge so that he could start voting people off from tribe that he did not trust, which ultimately reveals the presence of a hidden agenda. However, in the end his plan ultimately backfires when his team turned against him and he was the one sent home.