Benefit Street Channel 4 9pm Mondays (for 5 weeks): So we are meant to believe that Channel 4 wanted to show that all those living in James Turner Street, who are poor and mostly on Benefits, have a community spirit. Let’s be honest the fact that it is set in Birmingham, with the occupants are seen to be in walking distance of the City Centre but are unable to get work, always going to focus more on the Benefits and less on the community. However, it is a documentary and it does show how Benefits have become something that some rely on. It is a way of life and showed how it is clear to see that actually committing crime does pay, because it meant that they did not have to worry about the bills and would be fed. The show briefly touched on how some of these people had ended up in this situation and I think it was far from mocking the poor but tried to educate those who do not know what it is like to live with so little money what it is like, and why people end up like this. No the show did not say everyone on benefits is like this, nor did they show this is the way to live.
They did show that the street came together as a community, from helping with finances to making calls to sort out benefit issues. I think it was really touching when the “50p man” gave the family who had their benefits cut off things for free – because he knew what it was like. For the media to drag up these people’s crimes and splash them all over the media this is where the mocking is. I am looking forward to tonight’s episode where we will see an issue with immigration I believe, and a community coming together where money is tight.
On the flip side, I do not think the media have helped what can be an already negative image of those from Birmingham. Plus I feel it was really stupid to show “how to shoplift” even if the consequences were shown as prison (especially as prison was pretty much laughed off). I think instead of criticism people should come up with what they think can be done – and just shouting “get a job” isn’t really helpful.
Did you watch it? What did you think? Will you be watching again? Did the show make you feel angry or did you have some compassion for the residents of James Turner Street?
I too have blogged about this today. To me it is all propaganda trying to split society even more. Lets turn our attention away from those let down by society and blaming the victims and instead start asking why the government wants the social classes fighting amongst themselves rather than directing their contempt at those in positions of power.
It is just awful isn’t it – and to see how people just judge people without knowing the facts, or having any life experience to know what that is like.
Oh good golly Miss Molly where to start? I glanced at the title the other day while surfing the blogosphere, and thought I would come back and comment when I was less likely to run my mouth off. Just a disclaimer: my seething anger is absolutely nothing to do with you Joy, but at the Daily Mail style scaremongering that comes with this type of program. I didn’t watch it as I feel I may have lost the will to live. It was however a hot topic on question time yesterday, which reminded me to return. You can give this type of program any slant you want, and it will still end up as a freak show to look at ‘pikey benefit scroungers’. I have many info-graphics on twitter which accurately reflect the extent of said ‘scroungers’ impact on the economy compared to the billions lost through tax avoidance, and it’s like comparing a tennis ball to the moon. Unfortunately we currently reside in a Tory led country which cares not for the most vulnerable in our society. Heaven forbid some chinless wonder should have to forgo another Saville Row suit or shop at Fortnam and Masons so that someone in genuine need can eat. I am being rather facetious, and I do concede that there is a problem, however small in comparison to other financial black holes in our Country, with people relying on the state to support them. The way to tackle this however, is not to marginalize those who are truly in need. I have read back and hope my comment is not to fiery – but this is something I feel very strongly about x
I guess you are right in that it probably was meant to make them look like scroungers but I’d still like to think that those who were willing to open their hearts could see just how hard it is, and what a great community spirit there is. It was very sad this last week with the slave labour too.
Totally Joy, and it’s a mark of what a kind and generous person you are that you saw it that way. I really hope I didn’t offend. I am actually going to watch on catch up, as I wouldn’t usually base my opinions on 3rd hand information (what the media were saying about the programme). I prefer to make informed decisions and opinions, and don’t usually let this sort of thing rile me, certainly without checking the facts. I’m still blaming the full moon. See you tomorrow for MM xxx love Vicky xxx
I didn’t watch it – and then I didn’t want to after reading some of the commentary. What worried me the most was that it sounded like a street of normal people – a cross-section – for whom life had not gone well. They reacted in different ways, yet certain sections of society reacted by branding them all as scroungers (again). Do those people not realise that we are all just one illness/job loss/other disaster from being in a similar situation?
Yes I think by calling it Benefits Street it did make it seem a bit like it was an “abnormal” place – when really it is just a section of a population trying to live by the best means that they can.
I have finally watched it last night and remembered your post so came back to comment. It was hard to watch I have to admit, and really stayed with me. I don’t think the people living in James Turner st. were portrayed accurately or totally fairly, and I think the program wanted to focus more on shoplifting and less on the backstory, or the reasons for needing benefits. Benefits is not a bad thing, and it shouldn’t be portrayed as such, but the system is far from perfect and some of its imperfections can create situations where people lose their benefits when they do find jobs and are no better off (or sometimes less better off). I wish I had the answers, I don’t. I wish I knew how to fix the system. I don’t. What I do know, is that it needs fixing, and cutting more and more money and benefits is not the way.
Benefits are there to help people live honourably and be able to better themselves and their children. Even of it isn’t the way it seems from this program. And we are all one step away from needing it. All it takes is one wrong turn of fate.
Yes I would have liked to know more about why they happened to be on benefits (not that it matters) as opposed tot he shoplifting.