Who Wants to be a Secret Slumdog Millionaire?

Uh oh. As we’ve noted, there’s been a slow-building anti-“Slumdog Millionaire” backlash—and the latest news should bring it into full bloom. According to E! Online, there’s a new, “Slumdog”-inspired reality TV series in the works. Tentatively titled “Secret Slumdog Millionaire,” the show will feature real, live rich folks going “undercover” in Mumbai’s slums, befriending the impoverished residents, and eventually—ta-da!—revealing their true identities before handing out wads of cash. Said a show insider: “The millionaires who sign up will see real poverty in Mumbai and it is going to be very moving when they reveal their identity and offer these people help.”

Right. Because nothing inspires gratitude in the desperately poor like hidden cameras, secret millionaires slumming in their midst, and advertising revenues that they’ll see only a fraction of. I’ve been inclined to defend the movie against charges of exploitation and voyeurism thus far—and it’s worth noting that the show and the movie are not affiliated in any way—but in this case, I’d say those labels fit the bill. (Via Get the Big Picture)

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