MovieChat Forums > Secret Millionaire (2008) Discussion > Does this show not bother anyone else?

Does this show not bother anyone else?

posted 15 years ago by sassychica
60 replies | jump to latest

So these people give away $300,000 of their 60 million. Thats like the average person giving $250, except that its even harder for the average person to give because they have far less the get by on.
On top of this these people get tons of glory by doing this on television. Oh and all the free advertising for their chicken fast food chain.
It was so sad for me to watch such amazing selfless people thank filthy rich people for giving them money that is really just a drop in the bucket for them.
Not surprising that crap like this is on Fox.

Don't bother telling me not to watch it if I don't like it. I was curious once and will not be watching it again.

Just wanted to share this thought with you because I read other posts saying that they want to support this guys fast food joint....but think about it first. Is he really that selfless to go on TV, get free advertising (or 300,000 worth of it) and a whole lota glory on top of it all?

[–] kodos84 15 years ago

I agree. I thought it was a pukefest.

[–] cseguin-967-776401 13 years ago

Yes it made me so angry. I watched it for the first time tonight - what a joke! This guy has millions (like cars and houses on the beach, lots and lots of money) and he gives the person in trouble 10,000$. Are you kidding me? How about 100,000 or more? For a guy that rich, 10 grand is nothing, he makes interest that that in a single day with his millions in the bank. And he's all happy with himself, shedding a little tear. So much b***sh**! I am never watching again.

[–] colorexplosion 15 years ago

That particular point bothered me as well. It seemed very off.

The show is a great idea. I appreciate the concept, but like you said the amounts given were chump change. The father and son could have given that sick girl's family a lot more than $50k. It's their money and their choice, I get that. But if I had tens of millions of dollars, I would have given much more.

But at least the people in need got something. They'll be taxed on it though.

[–] Jennsouthwest 13 years ago

Not all of it, no... They can be gifted a certain amount, several thousand before
they are taxed, and especially if they are minors. And even more especially if it's to cover crisis or illness.

http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanat ion-of-the-end/

[–] souixana 15 years ago

I agree with you but also have other reasons it bothered me. It's a good premise for a show but I felt TOTALLY manipulated only it didn't even work. It was SO LAME I just couldn't bear it. Totally rehearsed complete with fake tears. It just sucked. SUCKED I tell ya.

[–] milkyway1 15 years ago

Anytime someone gives you money, and I mean give, you should be grateful even if it is chump change to them.

"Am you Bizarro's mommy?"

[–] colorexplosion 15 years ago

Absolutely. I agree. And the recipients were moved to tears so they were grateful.

My point is why such a low amount when they could have just as easily given more? I make a certain amount and I also give a certain amount to several good causes I support. If I had tens of millions of dollars, I would have given much more.

[–] bryan110875 15 years ago

How much would you have them give?

I am just curious here. Are they jerks because they don't just give away half of their fortunes?

That is the problem with being rich, no matter what you do or how much you give, some schmuck is always off to one side saying, "you should have done more, you imperialistic jerk."

[–] cseguin-967-776401 13 years ago

I respectfully don't agree with you. If you are going to be on tv as a multi millionnaire giving money then give money. 10 thousand for someone who has that much is like if you and me gave 100$ People with millions in the bank make thousands and thousands in interest every day and sometimes don't even pay taxes. It was a great thing that he gave money, but it was disrespectful to give so little when the show is about you giving money. If he just gave that's one thing. But he had A TV SHOW about him giving. That is different and I felt like I was taken for a ride, as I sat there and listen for an hour (half of it commercials) Come on people! The girl he was helping tonight had no kidneys, her daughter had a colostomy at birth and was living with the grandparents, she didn't have enough for education or car or whatever and had to go to the hospital 4 times a week. I would have bought her a little house near her parents so she could have visited with her daughter, and a car so she could have gone to the hospital and a vacation. What ever, He gave her 20 thousand. I think if you are going to be on TV, showing the world you are this great guy giving to the poor then...give! And giving her 200 thousands would have not even made a dent in his fortune....believe me.

[–] modelajb 12 years ago

ita. they do not owe it to anyone to give any amount of money. i think any genuine donation is wonderful. besides, who is to say these people don't donate to all kinds of other charities off-screen?

[–] lassitude 15 years ago

...how were you manipulated?

also, would it have been better if these people gave nothing at all?

http://jenkcentral.myminicity.com/

[–] DeadlySinner 15 years ago

"...how were you manipulated?"

He said the show was insincere.

"also, would it have been better if these people gave nothing at all?"

No one here has said they wouldn't be grateful for the money, but from our perspective, we can see that they're getting free advertising and much glory, not to mention tax writeoffs for giving a comparative pittance.

Besides, they could have given this money without going on a TV show.

"My name is Buck, and I'm here to party!"
-Kill Bill Television edit

[–] souixana 15 years ago

first of all, I am delighted that the needy people got money. Make no mistake about that! My problem with the show has to do with the way they try to hurry and and get you sucked in emotionally, on a very strict schedule before the first commercial break. I felt like I would see a guy holding up a sign directing the audience at home to get teary eyed NOW! It was just too scripted for me. It just didn't work for me. I won't be watching again.

[–] SquirrelBot3000 15 years ago

I never understand why people call shows like this "scripted". The only thing that's formulaic is the delivery through editing, which can't be helped-- that's how you tell a story. It's not like they jab these people in their eyes or tell them "begin crying". These aren't actors. I'm sure they're asked to repeat a line, but they're certainly not told "sorry, we had a bad angle-- can you cry on cue again?"

Of course the show's gonna have tears and it's going to be exploited-- because it's changing people's lives and it raises the audience's emotions.

[–] TerryThomasPhotos 15 years ago

I'm sure the person who received the check was grateful for any amount of aid.

One thing that bothered me was when each of the rich folks admitted they were a millionaire and then told the person "Oh, here's a check for $25,000" or whatever amount. I thought to myself, "Why so little?" but then read later that Fox wanted them to limit their charity to only $100,000.

Now, if you were the person receiving the money and got to thinking about it later would you not have said to yourself, "What? Only $25,000 from someone worth millions?"

Yes it was good for them to give the money away. But in the long run it was indeed chicken feed. (No pun intended.)

BTW, read the Raising Cain website's story about the show. The show requested they give away only $100,000 but he says he gave away a lot more plus he, his wife and his workers have become involved in helping to rebuild that community. Now, that is a terrific and better long-term benefit for all involved.

***

As someone else wrote, you just *know* the hospital is going to go after that $50,000 the cancer girl's family received. Plus if they were on any sort of relief or poverty program they will be thrown off because their annual income exceeded some set amount for that year which means they will be screwed worse than ever. Unintended consequences...

Terry Thomas
Character Actor and Film Unit Stills Photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA
www.TerryThomasPhotos.com
www.imdb.com/name/nm1669504/

[–] SquirrelBot3000 15 years ago

It was my understanding that the millionaires had to give away a MINIMUM 100K. If they decided to go over that amount, that was their choice and were not prohibited from doing so.

[–] Jennsouthwest 13 years ago

Money given for anyone's medical care, or education, isn't subject to gift tax or welfare limits.

http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanat ion-of-the-end/

[–] OddBallin 15 years ago

I had the same problem with it last night, until my mom reminded me that they can't just go and give a million dollars to every person they personally meet. I'm sure this experience has inspired the affluent who participated on the show to give more back to the community. Those who personally recieved $100,000 are getting way more than the others who are going to be helped by their future charital actions. Think about it. Todd Graves said he gave over 27% of Raising Cane's earnings back to its communities. 27% of his own net worth is $16,200,000, and no doubt his restaurant makes more than that. But even a great amount of money such as that isn't nearly enough to get every single person in America who really needs help and money back on their feet and living with as little problems as those fortunate enough to be able to waste money on expensive, useless things.

I'd have liked to see a bigger amount on their checks but I think $100,000 is a great head start for everyone who recieved it.

Deirdre + Artie = http://i37.tinypic.com/2cwweqa.jpg

[–] photoseller 15 years ago

The Couple gave out 300k and they were not worth nearly as much as the father and son who only gave out 125k total, those 2 could have done better, especially with the child who has cancer, but 50k should help the family. this show is a wonderful idea and concept and i hope that those who are in need and receive help will give forward and help others as well., if only more of the rich would help others who are in need what a better world we would have, I mean how many cars, boats, airplanes, etc. does one person need. the people that the couple gave to were in position to help others with the money they received, there is nothing wrong to extend a hand up to those who are down. i hope this show has much success.

"You using the whole fist Doc?" - Fletch

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] andlaw99 15 years ago

I'm shocked by the pettiness I see in some of these posts. This is part of what's wrong with this country. These people, whether they started out with nothing or inherited their wealth from ancestors who worked hard, have a right to do what they want to with their money. It's THEIRS. Anything they give to anyone else should be credited as kindness to them. We're assuming first of all that if people are "worth 60 million" (which is the exact wording of the episode in the Cane's case) that they actually have 60 million in the bank in cash. I'd imagine that figure included the value of their business and home. And even if they had $60 mil, $300,000 is a pretty good chunk of change.

Even if it wasn't, you're also assuming that this is the ONLY charitable contribution they ever make. I'd be willing to bet that the Cane's at least give a good portion of their money to charitable organizations and their church (in the form of tithe, 10%.... I'm just guessing they're religious from some things they said), and probably also give to homeless shelters, food banks, United Way, etc. Rich people get hounded for charitable donations (not to mention they foot about 85% of the tax bill in this country).

As for his motivation (free advertising, and gasp... "glory") who the h*** cares? For pete's sake, people, let's keep our eyes on the big picture. These millionaires affected people's lives (to the tune of three times what they were asked to give... wait... stop... I'm just amazed at that... they gave three times what they were asked to give and you people are bitching that it wasn't enough... Good god, how much WOULD be enough for you guys?). More importantly, this show has inspired me and I'm sure countless others to find ways to serve my fellow man. This show isn't and SHOULDN'T be about the millionaires, but about the unsung, anonymous servants who run these homeless shelters, food kitchens, etc. The message, like the lady in California who feeds everybody and their brother, is that "anybody can do this" (i.e. feed people, not give away $100,000). Focusing on whether or not the millionaires gave what YOU in your infinite and nosy wisdom think is "enough" of their available cash (which you can't possibly know because you aren't in their situation, and hey, guess what, it's none of your d*** business) is juvenile, selfish, petty, and a whole list of other synonyms I don't have any more time to waste thinking of. Not to mention this whole thing smacks of communism.

GROW UP, PEOPLE.

[–] sassychica 15 years ago

Wow. Don't think I've ever made anyone so mad before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, but I stand by what I said. I feel it is about glory. But you are right about the people in soup kitchens and homeless shelters helping. I would watch a show with just them.

Oh and I am not petty. I just think its important to look critically at the media and what they put out there. We can't watch these things and think that these rich people are the ones who are saints or that these bits of charity suffice. Millionaires giving a small part of their fortune on National TV is not justice, it is showing off.

"To be poor today means more than not to have money. It means being deprived of decision making power; it means not having access to information and facts about the reality of society, to be marginalized and exist on the fringes of society. THUS WE MUST GO BEYOND what Max in The City of Joy describes as 'PLAYING SANTA CLAUS', GIVING PIECES OF BREAD TO THE LITTLE ONES WHO KNOCK ON OUR DOORS, peer at us through our TV screens or who offer to wash our cars windows at intersections on roads. The martyred Latin American Bishop, Dom Helder Camara, SAID THAT WHEN HE CARED FOR THE POOR HE WAS CALLED A SAINT, BUT AS SOON AS HE ASKED WHY PEOPLE WERE POOR AND STARTED ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF POVERTY HE WAS ACCUSED OF BEING COMMUNIST. We need to appreciate that if we choose solidarity with the poor and marginalized then our option has a political character in so far as it means attacking the structures that give rise to and sustain injustice"

Farid Esack - on being socially just

Anyway thats all
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. But remember its not nice to insinuate that someone is communist ;)

[–] Jennsouthwest 13 years ago

Although some do, indeed earn their money unjustly, even using the word "justice," makes it sound very much like you believe people should never be able to earn that much. For the record, I also thought I'd give much more, but still, I don't resent anyone for being successful either.

http://masterofsopranos.wordpress.com/the-sopranos-definitive-explanat ion-of-the-end/

[–] mgcuriel 15 years ago

Good post andlaw99. Some people are just never satisfied. I'm sure if they gave 500,000 to each person somebody would still complain that it wasn't enough. Goes to show that you can never please everybody.

I for one, find the show inspirational, human and uplifting.

Life is your canvas

[–] mrdazzo 15 years ago

While I love the concept of this show, two things did bother me about it's execution: The statement "i'm actually a multi-millionaire" and the "staginess".

I understand the concept is rich people going undercover to help poverty, etc...but to show up at a house in the poorest neighborhood in Las Vegas in a stretched limo in a sharp suit and a rolex, and then tell someone you worked beside that youre a "multi-millionaire" is extremely disgusting to me. If Fox really wanted to make an impact with this show, they would have left the theatrics out. I was hoping it would deviate from normal reality show trash but it didn't in that respect.

I also wasn't a fan of the staginess, but I guess that's any reality show. Just once I'd like someone to take a cool concept and actually have the balls to truly go with it, full-on documentary style. None of this multiple camera angles and having cameras in people's houses when they're supposed to be "surprised" by someone showing up at that door, etc. No editing out shots of people looking directly at the camera. Stop with this "reality show" crap and give us something truly gritty and emotional.

That said, I do love the concept of the show. I think people born into wealth really just have no idea, and it's not their fault. We're all a product of our own environment and You can't know something until you expereince it first hand. I usually try to give what I can but you can bet your ass if I had 60 million in the bank, I'd be donating a crap load of it. But I know what it's like to struggle so I can say that. You can't hate on these people for not being aware. I hope that after this experience they make some changes that lead to more donations and help down the road.

"Do you have someone in with Costello now?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe *beep* yourself."

[–] Toonces_The_Driving_Cat 15 years ago

I think the main reason a lot of people are judgmental and upset when well off people give an amount they think is to small-- is an underlying jealousy and resentment.

[–] mgcuriel 15 years ago

Toonces, I think you're right on the money...pun intended :)

Life is your canvas

[–] 15 years ago

[deleted]

[–] andlaw99 13 years ago

You sure give these people a lot of credit for the imaginary things they 'probably' did

Yeah... shame on me.

[–] Whip412 15 years ago

I agree. I also think the 'living in poverty' for only a week is very disingenuous. It should be a month minimum to see what it's really like.
And it seems everyone forgot already that the father/son did NOT give anything to that lady who took them out on the boat and showed them the foundation of her house after it was leveled.