Archive through November 07, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: General Discussions: WHO DOES NOT LOVE RUPERT?: Archive through November 07, 2003

Bcandscott

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 02:35 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Good point, Maris. You may be right and knowing that my fave ALWAYS goes home before I want them to, it may well be that he overplayed his hand. On the other hand, we don't know for certain how Sandra and Christa felt about it and the other tribe doesn't know about it so it's hard to say how it will effect him in the long run. I know, I know, I'm putting the BC curse on him, I just know it.

HE'S LEAVING, HE WON'T STAY, HE'S GONE!!! (Maybe this will help.)

Woodpecke®

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 04:37 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
When the game started, I thought Rupert was cool and quirky. Now, he's weird, manipulative and obnoxious. I'm sorry it changed, but he's blown his chance to win this game. The other players would be foolish not to make him their primary target.

Bcandscott

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 05:14 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Woodp said: The other players would be foolish not to make him their primary target.


To which I reply: Oh good, then there's hope for him then!!! Hahah.

Sorry couldn't resist that one. I've seen people on these reality shows do some pretty foolish stuff, so it's not that big of a stretch to imagine them messing up this time, is it?

Duckie

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 05:18 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
This incident will have nothing to do with Rupert leaving. Yes I agree he is leaving, but it will be because of Trish's reasoning, that he is the biggest threat to win all the individual immunity challenges. We did learn from BB4 and watching the live feeds that editing can make people think one way, when in reality it was totally different. I am still a Rupert fan, and I learned from my son's therapy group that it is better to vent your anger than hold it in.
(Just my 2 cents)

Pamy

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 06:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Good point Maris, I forgot how he let those guys belittle him and kept quiet. I wonder if Jon and Rupert are in a secret alliance and Rupert whispered something to him like just go with what I about to do.

I also wonder if the producers told him to really go off, keeping with the pirate theme.

Sunshyne4u

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 06:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
It is all about perspective. Lorry thx for your response as it was the ONE AND ONLY response I had to my questions.
**
Someone in an earlier post really did say it best....We are just seeing such a small part of day to day life in the tribes. We cant REALLY know what went down at different times.
OH WELL, at least we know the editors have been busy at keeping us entertained!!

Catfat

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 09:25 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Enigma, I beg to differ, but you are wrong about people giving their anger an outlet and then everyone making up afterward. It is not possible to return to whatever relationship you had before just because someone apologizes for their screaming anger. Ask any victim of this kind of verbal abuse.
Letting someone vent like this is giving them permission to be on the verge of violence and to take it out on a victim who is not able to fight back. (Rupert would never have screamed like this at Big Ted.)
Trust me, a relationship NEVER goes back to being the same as it was before. And if a person is so angy that they scream and rant like that, you can be sure the anger is not over, just somewhat under control for now. It will return again and again until the victim is gone one way or another.
Been there, done that.
Civilized people control their anger, they don't take it out on someone else.
I am no longer on Rupert's side.

Catfat

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 09:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh, Enigma, I didn't mean to blast you personally. I was speaking in general terms about the situation of 'someone' I know.

Sia

Sunday, November 02, 2003 - 10:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Woodpecker, I re-read your post with your viewpoint in mind, and I see how I interpreted your remark the way I did. I read it as, "If Rupert had yelled at me, I'd have waited until it was dark after a Tribal Council and I'd have punched him in the mouth hard enough to knock his teeth out, then I'd have crammed his face into some fish entrails."

LOL, that's paraphrased and that is how I read your post!!

Your comma is what threw me. You were saying, I guess, "If after a Tribal Council Rupert had hollered at me, I'd have knocked his teeth out and shoved his face into fish guts." Am I right?

Spear

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 12:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Actually, Burton said he stopped teasing Rupert about his skirt when Rupert got angry and said he would wring Burton's neck. (I think this was in an Insider clip or a post-boot interview.)

I think Rupert really was angry at Jon about the vote (although that anger didn't last that long). He just seems to be the kind of guy who goes over the top when he expresses his anger.

Meridian

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 05:10 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Just a thought re: Rupert's anger... The way we seem to react and respond to this incident has largely depended on our socialisation and past experience with anger. Those of us who came from situations where anger was expressed negatively (verbal abuse, physical abuse, uncontrolled rage) come to the immediate conclusion that Rupert is a horrific bully with "issues" that warrant his instant removal from the Game. Others of us who are accustomed to loud outbursts or gruff personalities seemed to find nothing out of the ordinary with Rupert's behaviour. Still, there are some who further seek an appropriate context to explain the situation (prompting by MB, editing, prior unseen conversation[s]). What I find fascinating is the perspective that Jon "deserved" Rupert's vitriol, in effect, absolving him of any personal responsibility.
Isn't that attitude alone indicative of the condition of our society? Blame the victim. Remove fault from the aggressor by attributing the action to a host of conditions.
Regardless of the reasons behind his tirade, Rupert must be held accountable for his behaviour.

Bcandscott

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 06:16 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm sorry, but I think turning this incident into a "verbal abuse" thing that is symtomatic of the social ills of society, etc. is making much more out of it than anyone who was there participating in the event would ever make of it. People do sometimes get angry and yell. It's not the end of the world, the end of a relationship, the destruction of society as a whole. Sometimes it's NOTHING. Sometimes it clears the air so a relationship can GROW. I do not excuse Rupert and say he's a perfect gentleman at all times and worthy of sainthood, but I'm not going to say, Oh my, he's a hideous bully because he got mad and yelled at someone who is annoying. Someone who made up with him moments later. Someone who does his own style of abuse involving the display of his middle finger and calling people names.

If I wanted to play the Rupert is a saint game, I would stretch it way out and say that Rupert performed in just this way at Jon in order to make it clear to Jon that even though Shawn was gone, Jon did not now have a license to express himself in a vulgar and demeaning way to the women. I realize that is a huge stretch but I don't find it as big of a stretch as the ones that paint Rupert as a powder keg ready to blow, an abusive person with no regard for others, etc. because of ONE CLIP from the show where he (as my family would say)pitched a hissy.

I will add one last thing, and believe me, I do have respect for enigma, maris, woodpeck and others who have expressed dismay at the "incident" and realize MY take on this is biased and stubborn. Heck, most opinions are 10 percent fact and 90 percent stubbornness...at least in my case. Anyway, the one thing I would add...I HATE itching. I would rather be in pain than itch. I have lanacaine with me at all times, and bug bites make me crazy. I would never try out for survivor because unless it was Survivor Antartica, the heat and bugs would make me itch until I would be a raving lunatic. Having seen the condition of Rupert's skin and watching him, with that big piece of fabric he uses to constantly try to scratch his back....I have to say, he's hanging in there more politely than I could under those conditions. I know, I know. I'm just rationalizing, but hey, can't help it.

Llkoolaid

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 04:14 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Wow this topic is hot.

As usual, I can see both sides of it.

Yes Rupert was over the top and very threatening and I did feel a little bit sorry for Jon.

Yes I loved it, for entertainment value, creepy I know, and very glad I wasn't at the recieving end of it.

I love Rupert but I think Jon was totally justified in trying to get rid of him, he is a big threat for winning immunity and he got to know the other tribe so he is a big threat.

Do I think Rupert should have acted the way he did, absolutely not, he should have been quiet, tried to cultivate an aliance with Jon and then got rid of him at the first available opportunity.

Do I think it hurt Rupert, no not at all, I think the women are quite happy to sit there and have other do the fighting, it keeps them safe and anyway I think Rupert is toast the first time he doesn't win immunity after the merge.

Do I think it is a big deal, not really, I am used to people like that, although I do agree without whoever said things don't go back to the way they were before, but I don't think it matters to Rupert, he isn't here for friendship and he doesn't trust Jon anyway.

Woodpecke®

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 04:33 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I am more firm in my disdain for Rupert's behavior than others have expressed here in this thread. That being said, it doesn't make my opinion any more reliable than someone who passes off the Rupert/Jon incident as a conflict without consequence and nothing more. Jon has personality traits that would drive me crazy, but I'm certain I'd never resort to the boorish reaction that Rupert displayed for all to see on national television. From the beginning, I hoped that Rupert was a special player in a game normally lacking contestants with moral standards. I sensed he had a true respect for all his tribe members, all the while exhibiting a selfless nature and kind heart. I was positive a flea like Jon would not phase a strong competitor like Rupert. I was wrong. I think he's a selfish bully and I've lost any unique feelings I had earlier in the game. Just another guy trying to win a million bucks. Oh well. It's still the best Survivor we've seen in quite a while.

Llkoolaid

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 05:03 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Woodpecker, would I be right in saying that Rupert let you down, not personally but your expectations of him.

I think that is why I am not disappointed in him, I didn't expect him to act any different.

When I say I love a person on a reality what I should really be saying is I love how they stir things up and keep me interested. I don't think of them as real people but just charactors on a show.

I wouldn't want to know him but I love watching him play the game, and I have to agree that I am amazed that he let Jon get under his skin, I really thought he could have controlled the situation better for himself.

You are right he is just another guy trying to win a million buck and it is still the best survivor ever.

Woodpecke®

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 05:09 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Reply to Llkoolaid: Yes. It's not a big deal, but it was refreshing to see a guy that didn't fit the usual mold display behavior I found appealing. I'm not disappointed really, just surprised and stunned that I allowed myself to openly root for a player on a reality show.

Llkoolaid

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 05:28 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
ah, I understand what you are saying.

I always get hooked into rooting for a player but I usually end up changing who I am rooting for halfway through the game. I was all Rupert and I still would like to see him do well, but I am really starting to like Andrew and Sandra a lot so who knows who I will be rooting for next week.

Maris

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 05:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Before the show started, the few clips I saw of Rupert disgusted me. I knew this was a guy I could not root for. Then the first show rolls around and he is stealing shoes and selling them for goods, he is catching the fish, he is winning the competitions and he is a team player. He looks like he is going to be the best survivor ever. He knows how to play the game and doesnt have to compromise his principles. He manages to get along with everyone including help the other tribe when they are being raided. This guy was too perfect. As they say, if it looks too good to be true.......

My view of Rupert's outburst was that it was staged and controlled. It doesn't change the fact that he "lost it" with a weak player for no reason. It was an exhibition of bullying and a means of threatening the rest of his tribe to get in line behind him. It dawned on me that this guy believes that he alone is entitled to win the grand prize and nobody has the right to follow their own self interests. His message to the tribe of don't get in my way had me rooting for anyone other than Rupert.

I have always been a Sandra fan and, I am liking Andrew more and more.

So I am not disappointed in Rupert, I just like him less.

Chance

Monday, November 03, 2003 - 09:16 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
RUPERT ALERT
It has been reported on SS that Rupert and Sandra will join other past players for ALL STAR Survivor. They've arranged the timing of S7 finalle to be after ASS ends filming and say that is why the last show of S7 will be in Pananma near where ASS8 is filled.
I say BACK TO BACK Ruppies ROCKS !!!! I can't wait !

Starshine40

Wednesday, November 05, 2003 - 10:30 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
From a link on Survivor Fever

Survivor: Pearl Islands – In Defense of Rupert
by Bruce Barker -- 11/05/2003


Rupert-bashing has been on the rise as we progress through Survivor: Pearl Islands, especially since his shouting match with Jon last episode. Bruce takes a look at what that was all about and provides many reasons why he is still firmly in Rupert’s corner.

View Printable version of this article


The Rupert-bashing machine seems to be picking up speed every day and it's beginning to look like I'll be among the last dissenting voices. While I fully believe that Rupert is a long shot to actually win Survivor, here are my reasons why I believe Rupert is a lot smarter than many people give him credit for and why he is the best thing to happen to Survivor since Hatch wore his birthday suit:

1. His "day job." I spent over three years working with troubled and psychiatrically disadvantaged teenaged boys myself and can tell you that the most essential skill needed is the ability to do whatever it takes to manipulate the motivations of people. You manipulate school administrators to give the kid more chances, you manipulate the family to get them to do things that are in the child's best interest, and you manipulate the child himself – doing whatever is necessary to get them moving in the right direction.

While everyone viewed Rupert’s explosion after tribal council at face value, I saw it as something entirely different. I saw a technique being employed. First, you confront the person strongly and before they have the chance to assemble their argument. The more you can seem on the verge of losing control, the better this technique will work. You then let the person stumble through their first line defenses (which is all they have had a chance to muster) until they begin to repeat themselves. In this case it was a lot of, "Yes I voted against you because so & so said this, blah blah blah." First line excuses are invariably simple and easily discredited. This is why people invariably have backups they assemble when opportunity arises. The next step is to change the volume and tempo of things BEFORE the person gains composure and starts using their backup rationales. If you notice, once Peter Panic began to repeat himself, Rupert got very quiet. He became very conversational. The standard phrases used in this situation are things like, "But can't you see how that view is incorrect?" and, "But surely you can see now that you were making a mistake, right?" Rupert used variations of both of these. End result, the person is incredibly relieved, thinking they narrowly dodged a bullet (or a fist to the chops) and quietly vows to himself to be more cautious and think things through better in the future. They ALSO think twice about crossing the "angry" person again. From a clinical perspective, what you are doing is activating a Fight or Flight response from the person and then, while the adrenaline is really pumping, removing any cause for fear. In the hyperadrenalated state, the person is VERY susceptible to the power of suggestion because they will do almost anything to avoid feeling this way again. In effect, Rupert was attempting to neutralize an enemy. In future situations, Rupert need only throw a cautionary look and Jonny Truefart will recall the main event and have a visceral reaction much stronger than he normally would have. What many saw as a blown temper, I saw as a stroke of manipulation.

2. As I write this, he is the pick of almost 50% of respondents at the Survivor website to win the whole shebang. Now this poll isn't so much an accurate barometer for picking the actual winner as it is a popularity contest. It shows that Rupert is more popular than virtually all the others combined. People STILL love him to death.

3. I don't know what's happening where others live, but on Fridays the topic of conversation at the hospital I work at is Rupert. They are still talking about that brief shot of him sewing his own clothes on the beach. Each week there are new participants in the conversation – people who overheard the week before and got curious enough to start watching. This isn't just a local phenomenon to my neck of the woods though, because Survivor is regularly beating Friends for the first time. Name another show more than five seasons old that is still in a GROWTH phase. Rupert is most definitely one of the reasons for this growth.

4. More than any other contestant, Rupert bought into the "fantasy" aspect of the adventure. As a result more viewers are not only more aware of the backstory this season, but participating in it as well. Think about it. I hear people talking about this season and saying things like, "well, if they were REAL pirates they would..." Yet not once during Survivor: The Australian Outback did I hear a single person say, "Well, the original settlers were convicts you see, and that's why the contestants should..."

5. He's a big lovable teddy bear who wears his heart on his sleeve. This didn't happen overnight and I'm quite certain that he's more than a little aware of how to use this to his advantage. I'm certain of this because I'm built very much like old Rupert and I've learned how to be cuddly and endearing OR intimidating and dangerous, depending on the circumstances. Men my size all do it. It keeps us out of trouble and it keeps us from scaring a lot of the women we meet who might be made nervous by a deep booming voice from a man who looks like a football linebacker. Rupert knows how to go from Pooh Bear to pissed polar bear and back in a matter of moments.

6. Right out of the famous RNO rulebook on how to survive Survivor: If you feed them, they will keep you around. There are a lot of hungry Morgans left. They keep talking about how they miss Rupert's fishing skills. After the merge – and there will be one sooner or later – those Morgans will be easy alliance fodder for the man who fills their bellies.

7. Rupert has created an alliance that right now has a majority in Drake. Any attempt by Johnny Lonewolf to break that alliance is going to wind up with him dealing with reason #1 again. So Rupert is going nowhere until the merge hits.

8. As far as everyone in the game knows, Rupert has been the most honest player to ever appear on the show. While we all watched him sell Shawn down the river three days after promising they would be together, none of the others are aware of this turn of events. It was a secret alliance made by Rupert to save his own sizeable butt when his back was against the wall. For as long as he can hold the sham together, Rupert's word is still the biggest stash of gold on the island. A big factor of Survivor is not how well you lie, it's how well your lies remain concealed, and thus far Rupert has shown a mastery of the art.

So there you have it. I'm sure I missed a few things, but Rupert is the sole reason I'm still watching this season and I look forward to Thursday night television now in a way I haven't for a long time. I know that in many eyes, Rupert has become a liability, and I respect that. But I'm still firmly in Rupert's corner and doubt I'll be vacating the turf anytime soon.

Kep421

Thursday, November 06, 2003 - 08:48 am EditMoveDeleteIP
*walks over and quietly shares starshine's turf...smiles up at him*

Sunshyne4u

Thursday, November 06, 2003 - 11:45 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
YES Moderators, could you please move the I LOVE RUPERT comment to the correct thread. Pls and thx.
****
mind you, If the Mods move the previous post, no one will understand my next point.
THERE IS NO WAY that someone who works with abused kids screams in their faces, threatening them and MAKING PHYSICAL contact with them would keep their job. Whomever wrote that article is full of beans(as my dad would say!) I am just surprised that some people are gullible enough to believe it is true.
**

Spygirl

Friday, November 07, 2003 - 07:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Sunshyne, I'm a therapist and know all the things of what not to do in a plethora of situations, and yet I still find myself doing them at times. Cognitively "knowing better" does not mean we'll never do them. Emotion overrides all of us at times and we regrettably do exactly what we (in a non-emotional state) know is not healthy.

Just because he works with abused kids does not mean he'll never scream and yell and make physical contact. One's job or training for a job does not make one perfect and exempt from falling victim to the very things we supposed to combat. He's not perfect.

Jami

Friday, November 07, 2003 - 08:21 am EditMoveDeleteIP
With the kids that Rupert works with in mind, I don't think that they are abused,,,at least what I had read makes me think that they are way-ward kids, on the wrong track. And thinking about the shows where the kids get sent to "boot camp" the instructors do scream and seem terribly imposing. I would assume that they are trained and know what they are doing.

Leafsgirl

Friday, November 07, 2003 - 10:01 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Military School is an option some parents' take when their kids are on the wrong path. There they face a lot of yelling in their faces, especially if they don't do what they're told.

"DROP AND GIVE ME 50!"