Move over grizzly bears. Mama Palin intends to deliver a huge roar.

‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ debuted Sunday night on TLC, and if my reaction holds any indicative weight, she surely confused, surprised and polarized the nation.

If her only goal is to become a media force, then she’s ahead of the game. But if she thinks this reality show will broaden her appeal as a 2012 presidential candidate, she’s surely mistaken.

Some might see the new eight-week series that portrays the former Alaska governor and Republican vice presidential nominee fishing, hunting and rock climbing as a killer political statement. She exposes a human side Americans can relate to and appreciate. Others might see it as political suicide — if political liveliness was even in the cards for her.

I lean toward the latter. There’s no doubt Palin is a kind-hearted, charming woman with a lot of political individuality. There’s no doubt she fulfills her duties as Mama Grizzly, evident in the way she guides her family through the majestic Alaskan wilderness. There is also no doubt she’s making a big splash with this publicity stunt.

Palin has a significant following with the Tea Party and strong political influence, apparent in her role in recently endorsing 61 candidates in the Nov. 2 elections. Her fan base is supportive, and the phrase ‘Team Sarah’ is a frequent rally cry of the loyal. Yet she’s been criticized, mocked and demeaned like no other since former President George W. Bush, a fellow Republican. Her general approval ratings are low, and this show could potentially sink them even lower.

We must ask ourselves: What does America need and want from a politician or, more importantly, a presidential candidate?

Her commentary pushes her back instead of launching her forward. In the first preview clip of the show, Palin says she prefers the freedom of the outdoors in her home state to being in ‘some stuffy political office.’

After a disappointing fishing trip, Palin says to the camera: ‘You know what they say, a poor day of fishing beats even a great day of work.’ This comes from the governor who quit her job with more than a year left to her term.

‘Sarah Palin’s Alaska’ might be clean, wholesome fun, but what America really needs is a serious politician.

As a country that’s neck deep in debt, facing environmental devastation and the ever present risk of terrorist attacks, we need a person in the political office getting things done.

Executives at TLC, the cable channel airing the reality show, claim the docu-travelogue has no political agenda. Yeah, right. By broadcasting her family members in their majestic Alaskan landscape on national television, Palin has taken her untraditional campaign to the next level. She got a little taste of fame and is now milking it for all it’s worth.

More so than any other public official, Palin has relied heavily on social media to gain the public’s attention, which she so clearly values. She’s been able to connect directly with her audience, dodging the mainstream media as the middleman, making it obvious she’s no ordinary politician. She embraces the spotlight and doesn’t let criticism discourage her.

‘You know, having every word, every action scrutinized, and in some cases mocked — I can handle it. You know, I kind of asked for it, right?’ Palin said of fame in the first episode.

She deserves props for that. However, the show might be taking it a little too far. It’s hard to take a politician seriously when leisure seems to be his or her main priority. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for appreciating the great outdoors. But frolicking around in the wilderness only solidifies Palin’s image as a partially dedicated political figure. Wouldn’t it have been a better political move to stay in the office the people elected you to?

‘I don’t think anyone is on the fence about Palin anymore,’ said Bob Thompson, professor of television and popular culture at Syracuse University. ‘If you think that she’s a joke, you’re going to watch this show and see it as confirmation.’

It seems like Palin is far more suited for the world of ‘Kate Plus 8’ as opposed to a world of the highest office in the country. The fact that those two worlds could collide is utterly terrifying.

We’ll just have to wait and see whether the series will miraculously boost her appeal for the presidential run or become the focal point of her full-time media career. Riding the high of public attention and fame could be Palin’s escape from political office, which she so often whines about.

Maybe once the eight-week Alaskan series runs its course, Palin will realize she belongs in the wilderness. Where she’ll be among the blue-collar workers earning an honest living, among the nostalgic American landscape and among Palin’s favorite — the mama grizzly bears.

Yelena Galstyan is a junior magazine journalism major. She is a guest columnist and can be reached at ygalstya@syr.edu.

Published on November 15, 2010 at 12:00 pm