Morgan Spurlock's 30 Days

Tue, 05/28/2013 - 4:27pm by PattySmith

If the fish out of water scenario appeals to you, check out Morgan Spurlock’s television show 30 Days. In this reality TV series Spurlock, or some person or people, spend 30 days immersing themselves in a lifestyle that is completely different from their own. In the pilot episode, Spurlock and his fiancé attempt to live 30 days on minimum wage. (At the time of filming minimum wage was $5.15 an hour.) They allow themselves one week of pay as a cushion (approximately $300), and are not allowed to use any form of credit. What unfolds is a window into the life of living paycheck to paycheck, without health insurance or reliable transportation, all while battling hunger. The concept for the show stemmed from Spurlock’s documentary Super Size Me where he goes on a McDonald's only diet for 30 days straight. The film documents the physical and mental toll this lifestyle change makes on him and explores the world of the fast food industry. The documentary series 30 Days touches on issues in American life that ranges from poverty, outsourcing and binge drinking. This is a great experiment on walking in other people’s shoes as a way to understand who they are and why they have their beliefs and ideas.