Benefits Street
 

A thread to discuss the TV show that sparked so much controversy last week. Episode 2 airs on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight.

Please note, this is for discussion of the TV show, how it has been made and the people featured in it. We have a current affairs thread for discussing welfare policy, please try not to confuse the two.

---------- Post added at 21:22 ---------- Previous post was at 20:41 ----------

20 minutes in and I'm giving up.

Re: Benefits Street
 

I watched one last week and just got mad ,I decided that putting cretins like those on TV was not a good idea

Re: Benefits Street
 

It was mildly annoying seeing people living their lives in such ignorance but it was mostly annoying for the complete lack of any analysis or context. I have better things to do than simply gawp at unemployed people like some sort of Victorian freak show.

Re: Benefits Street
 

If I wanted to watch the unemployed I'd just look in a mirror lol.

Failing that I am in the East End of Glasgow, plenty of areas like that around here.

Re: Benefits Street
 

It reminded me of a previous area I worked in. Same piles of rubbish, same cast of characters from the local junkies to the 'ill' whose ailments and crutches vanished if they needed to run from the Police.

It's all just a bit depressing. For every one trying to better the area or themselves there are plenty more who just take, take, take with no thought to anyone else.

Re: Benefits Street
 

This is just another example of a media hatchet job. These days a lot of people think this is how it is everywhere. I'm sure there good AND bad examples of people. Of course shows like this get far more viewers / publicity by showing the bad ones.

But what still gets me is whey the people in it allow the cameras / 'documentary' makers to do such a hatchet job on them. Surely they have a little common sense and know what's coming?

Anyway I'm sure it'll continue to be a good ratings show and will be back for another series.

Re: Benefits Street
 

exactly you can almost see Cameron in a Burns esq pose cackling to himself thinking this is what I want them to believe

Re: Benefits Street
 

Only the uneducated and ignorant will think this is representative of the vast majority of people who are unemployed as l know or have known quite a few people who get benefits and they are nothing like the portrayel's depicted on rubbish like this.

Re: Benefits Street
 

You'd think so - but many and I include a lot of posters on here just don't think that way.

Re: Benefits Street
 

They wanted to make a show that got people talking. Job done.

Re: Benefits Street
 

The trouble is with some of the media in this country is that many have certain agenda's at misrepresenting certain groups and suffice to say this is just one of them as yes there is a small minority who abuse things but the vast majority do not but alas if you shout loud enough people will believe it and regard it as the truth sadly.

Re: Benefits Street
 

An awful show that belongs in the Daily Mail.

Re: Benefits Street
 

Found it quite upsetting and really depressing tbh, will not be watching it again so sad those little ones really don't stand a chance God Love Them...

Re: Benefits Street
 

Watched the first 2 episodes today. Didn't find it upsetting, in fact found it to be quite interesting and educational. I didn't know that lining your bag with tin foil should/could evade rfid tags.

Re: Benefits Street
 

What are you planning to do with that information then? :scratch: :D