You Can't Ask That

This series is important in that it shows how different and how similar we all are at the same time. I was often amazed how often members of the 'minority' group with the same attribute, when asked the same question, would usually all have different responses. I laughed, cried, sometimes cringed and was often surprised ... and more often than not, I would be reflecting on what was said a long time after I viewed the show.

No matter the particular subject of each episode, I find myself responding in a similar way to this show and its brave stars. Each episode a particular 'minority' is allowed, and courageous enough, to reveal sometimes very personal aspects of their lives to the audience. I always learn something I didn't know, often feel a tear for how people are treated by others and always get a laugh. The world could do with more of the understanding that this show engenders.

The first episode I watched was about blind people. I raise Guide Dog pups, and spend a bit of time with blind people and I learned a lot from this episode.

The show tells you a lot about all kinds of people, including the people who ask the questions, and in some cases act very poorly towards others who are different.

Although the show is quite emotionally taxing, I highly recommend it. You may find some of the subjects very uncomfortable, but you'll learn something about what these various groups of people have to deal with in their daily lives, and how unbelievably brave they are to be a part of this documentary. It gives you a chance to walk a mile in other people's shoes.

Hell, it's a unique life experience watching each episode. Let's face it - we've all looked at a minority and have had a question that's just too impolite to ask. Does a dwarf shop in the kids clothing section? Do prostitutes have a normal sex life outside work? What's it like for a soldier to witness a mate die in his arms? What's it like to live to be 100? How do you accept a diagnosis that you're terminally ill? Why do people with Down's Syndrome like to hug so much? The format is extremely simple. Sit the subject on a stool in front of a plain white background and hand them cards with the questions. They read the question and answer it. It then cuts to another person answering the same question - because different people have different responses. By the end of the episode you feel you know and understand each person, their struggles and successes. The white background means you concentrate on the person and their answers. There's no studio audience, no backing track and no interviewer - just the answers. Ordinary people with extraordinary courage answering the questions with frankness, honesty and humour. You'll never look at a minority the same way again.

This show gives me hope for an increasing divisive world. Littered with insightful and genuine moments, answers lots questions that have passed through my mind while also shining a spotlight on my own preconceptions.