Filthy, Rich and Homeless

[citydreams]

A few days pretending to be homeless for the cameras doesn't even come remotely close to the real desperation of being homeless and broke.

I agree, but it's as close as ony of them are ever likely to get. But similiarly, is homelessness too big an issue for TV anyway?

I watched the first episode and I think that there was a genuine sense of realisation by all five of them that they had completely misjudged the problems faced by homelessness.

I think 10 days is a long time to be without your personal support system, (not matter what your social status) and possibly long enough to adjust psychologically. I'd be suprised if these people can go back to living the way they were.

 

[foo]

so a few toffs had a few realisations.

whoopiefuckindoo, basically.

the programme did squat in addressing real homeless issues imo. it was entertainment, pure and simple.

i found it revolting.

 

[citydreams]

Was the second episode worst than the first foo? (I didn't see it)

I would have thought one of the biggest issues of being homeless is how you are betrayed by the public. This tackled that particular issue head on. Shouldn't it be congratulated for doing so?

How can homelessness be tackled by the television media?

 

[citydreams]

feck it, I know I'm going to get flamed for my view, but how is this worse than sending comedians out to Africa for comic relief?

 

[tommers]

so a few toffs had a few realisations.

whoopiefuckindoo, basically.

the programme did squat in addressing real homeless issues imo. it was entertainment, pure and simple.

i found it revolting.

really? I thought it highlighted things such as powerlessness, lack of self worth, humiliation and also showed up preconceptions such as "they're lazy", "it's their fault", "they could get out if they tried".

I also thought it interesting that Billy had her preconceptions and assumptions challenged too. It was a two way thing.

what, exactly, did you hope for?

 

[AnnO'Neemus]

if anyone wants to see a much better non gimicky documentary on homelessness in the UK you might want to try and get hold of this which just won a BAFTA the other day:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nohome/tvandradio/evicted.shtml

it's an excellent portrayal of families that have just been evicted and get shunted round temporary accomodation for months on end...

I can do a DVD copy of it for any interested parties - not sure where else you can see it as it was aired last nov/dec and not on any torrent sites as far as I can tell...

That programme made me cry. It was absolutely heart-rending.

Not meaning to put anyone off watching it, it was an excellent document. It well deserved a BAFTA.

 

[beeboo]

feck it, I know I'm going to get flamed for my view, but how is this worse than sending comedians out to Africa for comic relief?

I think it's the idea that these well-to-do can go out and 'mimic' the experience of being homeless (it's not like they send comedians out to live in refugee camp and live off rice rations).

But broadly I agree that if it's handled with a reasonable degree of sensitivity it's not the worst idea ever.

Haven't seen the progs, just responding to what I've read here and the concept.