Survivor star discusses affirmative action, ‘beef jerky’ incident

by Laura Blankemeyer
For the Post

Two years ago, Kel Gleason turned on a camcorder and talked about who he was, why he would win “Survivor,” and the plans he had for the money coming his way.

After laughing with his army buddy at struggling “Survivor I” contestants, he realized that with his army training he could outwit, outplay and outlast other Survivors.

Today, Gleason travels around North America to give two-part lectures entitled “Surviving the Outback and the Aftermath” and “Where Native Americans Stand in the 21^st Century.” Last night, Gleason spoke in Baker University Center Ballroom to talk about how affirmative action has benefited him as an American Indian.

WAS THIS PART OF AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE WEEK? IF SO, WE SHOULD MENTION IT. IF NOT, WE MIGHT WANT TO MENTION THAT IT IS AMERICAN INDIAN HERITAGE WEEK, ANYWAY.

“I always wondered if I would get jobs because of my potential or because I’m American Indian,” Gleason said.

Gleason does not support affirmative action, although he said it helped get him get his job as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army and a job right out of college with the Canadian Broadcasting Company. He even contributed his ethnicity as a big reason for his selection from 65,000 candidates for “Survivor II.”

“I was immediately hired by the CBC so long as I signed a document saying that I was a visible minority,” Gleason said.

Gleason said he appreciated the opportunities he got, but would rather have seen the advantages given to someone more in need.

“Affirmative action should be for people not of a certain race, but should be for people in disadvantaged groups, such as the poor,” Gleason said.

During the second part of his speech, Gleason showed embarrassing clips from “Survivor” and talked about his behind-the-scenes experiences. He also talked about his infamous “beef jerky” incident, which fans will recognize as Gleason’s supposed conspiracy to sneak beef jerky onto the island.

The University Program Council sponsored this event and members said they were excited to present a new perspective to OU students.

“We wanted someone with differing views that haven’t been represented here yet,” said Dick Dusthimer, who is in charge of arts and culture for UPC.

Other members of UPC saw Gleason’s speech as a chance for students to hear about affirmative action and his experience as a Native American.

“It’s interesting when we can bring in speakers who have topics to discuss and also have the appeal of being on TV,” said Sarah Bramblette, the graduate associate for University Programming.

When asked about Athens compared to the other exotic lands he has visited, Gleason smiled.

“This is the classic college town. The city and campus blend into one another,” Gleason said. “This is like a resort.”