The Channel 4 immigration show, Go Back To Where You Came From, has stirred controversy and debate amongst participants and viewers alike. Chloe Dobbs, a 24-year-old YouTuber and conservative political commentator, made headlines with her initial strong opinions on the show. Dobbs’ provocative comments sparked discussions on the platforming of “toxic views” and the portrayal of refugees in the media. Despite the backlash, there is a question over whether the experience on the show has shifted anyone’s perspectives on immigration.
In the series, filmed in May and June 2024, participants were divided into two groups – one from Syria and the other from Somalia. Accompanied by security teams, they followed the routes taken by refugees from these countries to reach the UK. Recent government statistics show a significant number of asylum applications from Syrians and Somalians in the UK. However, organizations like Freedom From Torture criticized the show, calling it dehumanizing and dangerous, claiming it did not accurately portray the realities of the refugee experience.
Chloe’s return from Syria and Mathilda Mallinson’s journey to Somalia provided them with firsthand insights into the refugee crisis. Their interactions with other participants led to a shift in their perspectives on immigration. Mathilda, a journalist from London, emphasized the importance of listening and understanding different viewpoints. Both women agreed that more needs to be done to raise awareness about the global scale of the displacement crisis. They called for a more balanced narrative in media coverage to address the complexities of migration outside of Europe.
Chloe Dobbs acknowledged receiving negative messages following the show, but she admitted that the experience had altered her views on immigration. While still advocating for stringent vetting processes, Chloe expressed more empathy towards refugees as individuals facing dire circumstances. Channel 4 defended the series, citing the importance of representing diverse opinions on immigration and challenging preconceived notions. The network emphasized the development of participants’ views throughout the show and stressed the rigorous security measures in place during filming to ensure contributors’ safety
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