Ep 6. Dancehall/Border Militias/Pakistani Gun Markets/Indian Call Centers

The Vice Guide to Everything is an investigative journalism program that goes in-depth on a diverse range of topics. In season 1 episode 6, titled "Dancehall/Border Militias/Pakistani Gun Markets/Indian Call Centers," the hosts take a global tour to uncover stories from a variety of fascinating and often surprising angles.

The episode begins in Jamaica, where the team dives deep into the world of dancehall music. They explore the vibrant culture of street dance parties where the music is loud, colorful, and everyone is welcome. The hosts learn about the history of dancehall music, its roots in reggae and its evolution in the 1980s. They also meet with some of the biggest names in the industry and discover how the music is a political tool for social change.

Next, the show takes a dark turn as the team heads to the US-Mexico border to investigate the controversial and disturbing rise of border militias. The hosts interview members of different groups, including the notorious Minutemen Project, that claim to be safeguarding the US borders from illegal immigrants. They also talk to more moderate members of these groups and border patrol officials who denounce their methods. Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale and highlights the serious moral and legal implications of vigilante border control.

In the second half of the show, the team ventures overseas, first to Pakistan to explore the gun market industry. They document the proliferation of illegal firearms and weapons in the country. The hosts travel to a bazaar-like marketplace where customers can purchase everything from handguns to rocket launchers. Through interviews with gun dealers, customers, and local law enforcement, the episode uncovers how this industry fuels violence and crime both on the daily level and international terrorists.

Finally, the show visits India to explore the booming call center industry. The hosts shadow workers employed at these centers, which serve US and European markets. The episode delves into the highly structured and sometimes stressful working conditions at these centers, as well as the cultural differences and language barriers the workers must navigate. Viewers also get a window into the often surreal and humorous interactions between the workers and the clients who call in seeking help.

Ultimately, The Vice Guide to Everything season 1 episode 6 offers a dynamic and thought-provoking look into a variety of subjects that are often overlooked in mainstream media. The episode is both joyful and heartbreaking, disturbing and humorous, and that's just scratching the surface.