More on "Social Exchange"

The Social Exchange show truly did function as different shows to different people.  But it seemed to be ultimately successful in that the thrill of acquisition, of acquiring, distracted the majority of viewers from the truly more exotic activities going on behind the curtains.  The viewers were comforted by the familiarity of shopping, and downright gleeful in the socialization of getting things.  

The interesting thing was that the show expressed the hidden interconnectedness of consumerist acquisition in both positive and negative perspectives.  As each article of clothing was exchanged, its history and previous owner was visually connected to the new owner creating a web of relationships, illustrating the more human and intimate identity manipulation that occurs through acquiring, possessing, and disposing.  So while the viewers/shoppers socialized, creating truly meaningful connections with each others' lives, the "workers" behind the curtains still remained shuttered away, and largely misunderstood.  

Unfortunate, however, that some of the donations were censored - this element should have either been more openly presented and incorporated into the concept rather than hidden.