Behind The Facade

Not far from the Hollywood studios that produce escapist films about luxury and exciting lives lurks the real world that Hollywood keeps a secret. Here is a recent description of downtown Los Angeles. 'Tents made from shopping trolleys and tarpaulin line the pavements, and dozens of disabled men and women sit around in wheelchairs. As evening approaches, the crowd outside the Christian missions that offer food and shelter evoke images of third-world refugee camps.' (Times, 6 October). Apologists for capitalism are fond of portraying it as a society of glamour and splendid opportunities but the reality is completely different. RD