Admittedly episode two of Benefits Street was substantially more tame than episode one which does highlight was the first episode edited to just sensationalise the series in order to boost ratings at the expense of those less fortunate than others, that have spent a week under siege by the press outside their front doors, receiving death threats and their children being bullied at School.
A whole Street being labelled and stereotyped, as a benefit oasis of drunken smokers; who have nothing else better to do all day, but sit around and swear.
Why are these people still being condemned, is it not a product of government policy of attacking the poor and vulnerable, has Channel 4, in their editing not compounded this?
Indeed Frank Skinner has backed the resident’s claim that the programme was about ‘Community Spirit’, but he did smell a rat.
The other concern for me is that there is a Neighbourhood Forum and why did the Chair, which we saw last night not during the Bloom Judging not set some ground rules with the filmmakers.
This episode for me highlighted issues that meander to some oppressive Government Policies at present namely benefits, immigration along with factors of neglect being the rubbish issue that exists in that area along with the attempts with brighten it up with Britain in Bloom, with some great efforts from some of the residents.
One could also see the Community Spirit that exists there coming through, however, to some it is of no importance, but, is that not what it’s all about. How do communities pull together in order to get through these time of oppressive social and economic pressures?
The issue of benefits are still being attacked, but, who are worse, the people getting £50.00 per week in some cases or the Banker’s getting six figure bonuses after fuelling our economic decline with their greed. The divide between those more ell off is not just economic but also social to the degree that people feel they must continue to attack them.
Ask yourself one question, would you want someone to help you or condemn you, should you find yourself in that position.
The residents have told me that they do not really know their elected members, being Councillors and MP. Why is this?
The issue of immigration is interesting, my parents and many other faced the same criticism when they arrived here in the 50’s and 60’s. Many had to live in multi occupied houses and had a bed sharing rota. In some cases 20 in one house, so things have improved as there were only 14.
I am yet to see a sign that reflected those of the 50’s & 60’s “No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs”, but we still have time.
It is quite apparent that people have come here to seek a better life and some have been misled as it is a complete crime to pay an individual no matter who they are £10.00 per day for 17 hours work. This is what needs to be tackled as this is slave labour. The type of immigration is no different to those of the past as people are here to earn so they can make better provision for their families.
The rubbish issue in that area has always been a problem and requires attention. One has to question the City Council and elected members, who appear to be quite busy at present.
I was asked last night why do I say it’s neglected?
Simply, we know there’s a problem, we should assist in sorting it out and not ignoring it.
This has created a continued debate about where is British society heading and by creating a wider divided full of hate and condemnation just will not take us anywhere.
Does anyone know why the man chased the Camera with a hammer?
Maybe he just did not want his privacy invaded and the filmmakers would not listen, as they apparently haven’t taken the concerns of the residents into consideration with the excuses being made.
Clearly, this is pointing towards exploitation of the people of James turner Street, however I do, what would the response be if this was an equally unbalanced programme about MP's or the Rich Bankers.
Open your eyes and ask yourself one question, is there an area similar to James Turner Street near you.
Desmond Jaddoo
A whole Street being labelled and stereotyped, as a benefit oasis of drunken smokers; who have nothing else better to do all day, but sit around and swear.
Why are these people still being condemned, is it not a product of government policy of attacking the poor and vulnerable, has Channel 4, in their editing not compounded this?
Indeed Frank Skinner has backed the resident’s claim that the programme was about ‘Community Spirit’, but he did smell a rat.
The other concern for me is that there is a Neighbourhood Forum and why did the Chair, which we saw last night not during the Bloom Judging not set some ground rules with the filmmakers.
This episode for me highlighted issues that meander to some oppressive Government Policies at present namely benefits, immigration along with factors of neglect being the rubbish issue that exists in that area along with the attempts with brighten it up with Britain in Bloom, with some great efforts from some of the residents.
One could also see the Community Spirit that exists there coming through, however, to some it is of no importance, but, is that not what it’s all about. How do communities pull together in order to get through these time of oppressive social and economic pressures?
The issue of benefits are still being attacked, but, who are worse, the people getting £50.00 per week in some cases or the Banker’s getting six figure bonuses after fuelling our economic decline with their greed. The divide between those more ell off is not just economic but also social to the degree that people feel they must continue to attack them.
Ask yourself one question, would you want someone to help you or condemn you, should you find yourself in that position.
The residents have told me that they do not really know their elected members, being Councillors and MP. Why is this?
The issue of immigration is interesting, my parents and many other faced the same criticism when they arrived here in the 50’s and 60’s. Many had to live in multi occupied houses and had a bed sharing rota. In some cases 20 in one house, so things have improved as there were only 14.
I am yet to see a sign that reflected those of the 50’s & 60’s “No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs”, but we still have time.
It is quite apparent that people have come here to seek a better life and some have been misled as it is a complete crime to pay an individual no matter who they are £10.00 per day for 17 hours work. This is what needs to be tackled as this is slave labour. The type of immigration is no different to those of the past as people are here to earn so they can make better provision for their families.
The rubbish issue in that area has always been a problem and requires attention. One has to question the City Council and elected members, who appear to be quite busy at present.
I was asked last night why do I say it’s neglected?
Simply, we know there’s a problem, we should assist in sorting it out and not ignoring it.
This has created a continued debate about where is British society heading and by creating a wider divided full of hate and condemnation just will not take us anywhere.
Does anyone know why the man chased the Camera with a hammer?
Maybe he just did not want his privacy invaded and the filmmakers would not listen, as they apparently haven’t taken the concerns of the residents into consideration with the excuses being made.
Clearly, this is pointing towards exploitation of the people of James turner Street, however I do, what would the response be if this was an equally unbalanced programme about MP's or the Rich Bankers.
Open your eyes and ask yourself one question, is there an area similar to James Turner Street near you.
Desmond Jaddoo