..to think that benefit programmes are here to stay?

[Tweezertastic]

Just caught some programme about life on benefits. What's the appeal? I really don't get the appeal. I switched off but I think they are here to stay. Unfortunately.

LumpySpacedPrincess

They will be around for a while because they are serving a purpose.

What purpose is that Lumpy?

Bread and circuses .

The thing these programmes show is how utterly depressing it is

I watched an episode of the last series (Benefits Street) and all it did was to confirm to me how vulnerable people on benefits are and how far from 'scrounging' they are barely surviving.

As for JK, I can't believe that he can sleep at night after making that program. Exploiting the most vulnerable in our society for entertainment, the odious little man.

I also hate that they make characters out of people the drunk man drinking his breakfast superbrew or the mothery1 who has half the street traipsing in and out of her house

The OP is assuming that benefits are here to stay.

I do admire the toughness of these people. They don't seem to care how much trouble they get into with the police and council. I wish I could shake off my worries like they do.

You could say the same thing about any junk TV or junk newspapers. Junk sells.

It's more sinister than that Dora, it's a way of de humanising people.