SBS’s new insight program, Struggle Street, has dominated talk this week – with a lot of the public split on whether it should have aired. The show, which looks into the lives of residents from Mount Druitt, debuted last night to an expected outpoor of social media chat. This is what people had to say!
The truth isn’t meant to be inoffensive. This was an honest look at a community of people who need help. Well done @SBS #strugglestreet
— Courtney Taylor (@courtz238) May 7, 2015
I think the Blacktown mayor is negligent for not wanting to have his community's problems given national attention #StruggleStreet
— Bevan Shields (@BevanShields) May 6, 2015
I'm a Mt Druitt resident and #StruggleStreet is truth about what's life like in here.
— Kristoffer R Barton (@KURISU_X) May 7, 2015
Keep in mind you will find similar stories throughout the inner city. Not specific to Mt Druitt or the outer west. #StruggleStreet
— Gavin Fernando (@GavinDFernando) May 6, 2015
I see bad decisions more than I see bad people. #strugglestreet
— Merrick Watts (@MerrickWatts) May 6, 2015
There was quite a bit of sympathy going around as well, with a bunch of Tweeters noting that they felt for the residents.
I'm thinking #StruggleStreet is a warm and sympathetic portrayal of people doing it tough. VO is a bit ott, though.
— Mike Carlton (@MikeCarlton01) May 6, 2015
I'm pretty certain most of us are just one or two bad turns away from ending up on somewhere like #StruggleStreet.
— Jeremy Fernandez (@JezNews) May 6, 2015
#StruggleStreet I used to run programs in Mt Druitt. Kids & families like that all over Sydney. Judging doesn't help. Practical policies do — Rev. Bill Crews (@RevBillCrews) May 6, 2015
Perhaps the biggest news though came in numbers, with the show pulling a bumper audience.
Huge launch for Struggle Street outrating #houserules and #RenoRumble http://t.co/MhIvMVUcq0 via @MumbrellaNews — Alex Hayes (@adnh103) May 6, 2015
Incredible ratings for #strugglestreet: 935,000 viewers. 7th spot, just behind MasterChef on 1.02m!
— amanda meade (@meadea) May 6, 2015
There did seem to be a pretty widespread view though, one of compassion and that change is required.
#StruggleStreet: Moving, sad and disturbing - but tells stories of people who love each other. Watch it before you knock it.
— Paul Terry (@pault_prime7) May 7, 2015
Hoping #strugglestreet sparks policy talk about better education, services and not punitive 'intervention'.
— Heidi Norman (@heidi_norman) May 6, 2015
What did you think of Struggle Street? Let us know in the comments or Tweet us @5WhyAU.