It's Been a Minute 'Poverty porn' in the digital age
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Aug 25, 2025 Leah Goodridge, a New York City attorney and tenant advocate, discusses the alarming rise of 'poverty porn' in digital media, where the portrayal of unhoused individuals often serves to provoke anger or laughter rather than empathy. She challenges listeners to rethink societal narratives around homelessness and emphasizes the urgent need for compassionate solutions over punitive measures. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding homelessness, revealing systemic issues and the personal stories that highlight the necessity for understanding and support for those in crisis.
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Poverty Porn Became Rage Bait
- Leah Goodridge argues social media transformed traditional poverty porn into rage bait targeting unhoused people.
- These viral clips prioritize entertainment and outrage over empathy or solutions.
Viral Pranks Exploit The Unhoused
- Leah Goodridge recounts viral pranks where creators humiliate or harm homeless people for views.
- She cites a YouTuber who snatched a burger back and another who fed toothpaste-filled Oreos causing vomiting.
Dehumanization Erodes Support For Housing
- Goodridge says these videos normalize dehumanization and make viewers accept that homeless people 'shouldn't exist.'
- That normalization reduces public pressure for housing-based solutions.