On Benefits and Proud

Did anyone see last night's Channel 5 programme called On Benefits and Proud? Well, if you did, you may understand what I am about to say, which is that the people who were supposedly proud, were, in reality, anything but proud. Of course they blustered and said they didn't care about what anyone said and f*** 'em all' was one woman's attitude, but they didn't really think this. As they blustered and claimed that they couldn't get a job and they were definitely not going to work in McDonald's, KFC, Burger King or any other fast food joint, their lack of self-worth and their vulnerability became fully exposed.

A couple, neither of whom had worked for at least six years, had the look of real poverty about them. I am certain that people will rail against what I think about this and accuse me of being on the loony side of left wing; nevertheless it holds true. They looked unkempt, clearly took no pride in their appearance or the condition of their home. Obviously, it doesn't cost much to buy some soap and with places like Primark, Tesco and George at Asda, clothes can be bought cheaply. But it isn't about soap and cheap clothes, it's about a huge lack of self-belief brought about by a poor education, neglectful parenting and a lack of personal resourcefulness. In other words, many benefit claimants have a mountain to climb. They see people smartly dressed, driving reliable cars, going to restaurants and the cinema, children attending good schools and they realise that those people are at the top of the mountain - a summit that for them is impossible to reach.

Next time you hear people moaning about benefit scroungers, and admittedly there are some, don't believe the bluster and bravado; look closely and see the fear inside.