The Love of Money is the root of all evil

I've been a bigger Survivor fan than I was this season. The personalities this season weren't as vibrant as in the past, and I've also been more busy so I haven't been able to watch as much as I wanted to this season. However the past several episodes I've been more excited about it. My favorite guy this season was Yao-man. He is funny, is a software developer, an avid table tennis player, has a strong work ethic, and isn't a complete liar like many of the other players.

One thing he did this season that was interesting was a public deal he made with another player. Dreemz comes from a lower income state and there was a challenge in which Yao Man won a brand new super truck. Dreemz wanted the truck badly. Yao-Man made a public deal with Dreemz so that he could have the truck if he could give him the immunity necklace if down to the final four. Dreemz said in a private interview later with the camera man how he would honor his word and how important it was to follow through on his promise.

When the time came, he did NOT keep his promise. He kept saying how he planned to not keep his promise the whole time. He blames his dishonor on the "game" and that it was about being deceitful and outwitting his opponent. That excuse has been played many times, and in fact those people who have done the most deceiving have rarely won. Another game participant, Boo, challenged Dreams to come out with the truth. Dreemz failed then. He denied that he turned from his original plan to give up the immunity neclace and planned to betray Yao man the whole time.

I was pretty angry at Dreemz, but was shocked when Yao man said that Dreemz should not feel guilty and should keep the truck and enjoy it. Yao man forgave him for the lie and didn't seek vengeance. The guy who won did so by unanimous decision. He won the game without being outright dishonest and won with honor. Dreemz on the other hand, hoped to win (with dishonor), and didn't even get a single vote. It goes to show that those who use deceit and backstabbing to win the prize rarely do so. Their methods don't naturally lead to positive results. Congratulations to Yao man for being an example for good, and forgiving the misdeed despite not winning the game.