“The point I was making, which was obviously lost on many people amongst all the obscenities, as backed up by many a scholar throughout history is that in many ways the people I met contribute to their own downfall. If you still don’t believe this then I invite you to spend 6 weeks out there living and working alongside these people after which any criticism you want to point at me I will accept with open arms. ”

a) These scholars tend to be rich like yourself and have to justify their own privileges. Prime example is Ayn Rand. Problem here is that you aren’t a scholar and referencing these as if it justifies your own broken ideas is a complete miss.
b) Your arrogance that you reprise here is what people object to. In the very show you fail to work yourself up given the same premise as the office workers.

I’m glad that you in the end of episode two at least show some development, but on the issue of global poverty you shouldn’t point out “laziness” as even being close to the main reason.

Open your mind and eyes you effing a**-hole!

He is a [bleep] who deserves to be shot!

[Editor's note: Swear words moderated]

To the people of India. I apologize.

Am I right?”

NO YOU ARE WRONG !!

WE AS WESTERNERS ARE AFFIRMING THE LARGE BUSINESSES IN THE PRICES THEY PAY THESE PEOPLE. WE ARE AFFIRMING SLAVE LABOUR…..LETS AFFIRM MORE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS THAT VALUE THERE EMPLOYEES AND THEIR WORKING CONDITIONS. LETS BE PUTTING OUR MONEY IN ACTION BY BUYING MORE THOUGHTFULLY.

WHERE IS IT FROM?
WHO MADE IT?
HOW MUCH DID THEY GET PAID?
WHAT ARE THERE WORKING CONDITIONS LIKE?
HOW MUCH CHEMICALS HAVE GONE INTO THIS GARMENT AND MATERIAL?
WHO BENEFITS AND WHO DOESNT?

WE NEED TO THINK WHOLISTICALLY.

Think about it, every time you buy a t shirt an Indian child gets fed and ok albeit not a lot but it’s better than nothing.

Am I right?

I have since researched and found a beautiful organisation – War On Want. WOW take real initiatives in respecting and funding those who produce such garments, taking real issues not with the workers or the consumers, rather the conglomerates that decide “Yes, £1.50 a day is a wage I am comfortable paying my workers”. I avoid Primark, I squint my eyes at TopShop fashions every now and then, and I try actively to find stylish yet fairly produced garments.

This programme has just echoed my personal beliefs, and I think the participants of the show deserve respect. They physically endured the temperatures, smells, attitudes, comfort or lack of, lack of sleep, constant psychological revelations and torments etc. They gradually transformed from being part of many varying ‘Typical Consumers’ to a minimal proportion of the population of consumers – the ‘Educated’ ones.

Well done chaps and ladies, I would have loved to have endured the experience myself, but having watched the programme I feel I’ve gained a substantial amount even from the comfort of my front room. Kudos especially to Stacey whom I can relate with being so taken back by the children’s optimistic outlook. I also respect Richard for his conclusions – it’s true, what Jamie Oliver has done for chickens someone can do for 3rd world labour. Ooh also, Tara’s (I think?) initiative to combine current trends with Fair Trade organisations is something no one dares to approach it seems in major stores. The potential there is enormous!

Basically, I’ve got food for thought here, and I’m quite proud of how the participants came out of the experience. Love to all, and to the BBC – please get this on Prime Time BBC1 one day! What a difference it could do.

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