Math Anxiety and Shame Exemplified on the Reality Show Survivor

In an episode of season 45 of the reality show Survivor, three contestants competed in a challenge involving mathematics. In their reflections and responses to the challenge, the contestants discussed feelings of anxiety, fear, and shame. In this article, we describe (a) the challenge, (b) the three contestants’ attempts to complete the challenge and their responses to the challenge, (c) responses to the challenge in the media, and (d) relevant details of our personal experiences and related backgrounds. We then discuss themes of math anxiety, shame, and virtues, and encourage leaders in mathematical spaces to place a higher value on mathematical virtues. Finally, we conclude the paper by offering two poems—written by the second author—as objects of reflection in hopes of stretching the imaginations of readers.