While flipping though the channels this evening, I came across a show called “Downsized,” and ironically to me, it was on the We channel. So here is what the show is about;
The Bruce family is strapped for cash and $300 short on rent. Fearing eviction, they spring into action. Dad Todd tries to collect on a debt, while mom Laura secretly asks her parents for money. Meanwhile the triplets decide to go dumpster diving in search of bottles to trade for cash. Bailey is humiliated at the grocery store when a purchase with food stamps goes awry, while Heather gets a gift that fuels a growing rift between her and step sister Bailey. (Description taken from another Website).
So, the truth is I am not a fan of reality shows, especially those “Jersey Shore” type of shows. That said, I watched this with some interest to try to understand others in economic disarray. There were some points where I noticed subtle things about demeanor, clothing, jewelery, etc. that were a little out of sorts for a family 300.00 short on rent, but I try not to judge. I want to understand what others are going through, and this show seemed to offer some of that. But what it also did, was give me a glimpse of the pain many families may be experiencing.
All I will say, is that this show struck me. Below is the preview if you are interested.
I saw the commerical for the show but didn’t get to see it. My thoughts too about the people and their apparent life style.
I like the dumpster diving for bottles part. At $.05 per bottle they would need to collect 2,000 bottles just to get $100!
But I can’t throw stones. Nowadays I too keep my bottles and cans for returns (as oppose to putting them out for recycling or just tossing them). Even when I’m out and I buy a can or bottle I bring it home for later return. I even take the cans and bottles out of the trash bins at work for the returns (I tell people it’s for recylcing to be ‘green’).
NTL I’m a realist. The amount I get for the cans and bottles is a token gesture at best. It doesn’t change my life style. Probably costing me more in time to stand at the returns machine. But I feel I’m trying something. Better then giving the $$$ to the state at least.
There is a possiblity that it is fake/staged, but at the same time there is equally the opportunity that they were affluent-class people that still live somewhat in denial that they lost their home and business, and its usually those in denial who fair the worse during an economic upheaval. Mom with her jewelry and super-tan seems to me to be in the greatest denial.
L.S. — That is exactly what I was thinking.