Decoded Season 2 Episode 5 5 Reason Student Loans are Bulls**t

In the season 2 episode 5 of Decoded, titled 5 Reasons Student Loans are Bulls**t, the show delves into the problems with the student loan system in the United States. The episode starts with comedian Jordan Carlos, who serves as the host for Decoded, interacting with a group of college students who are struggling with their student loan debts.

The episode explores how the student loan system has changed over the years, from being a government program meant to help students to a for-profit enterprise. It also highlights how the student loan debt crisis has affected millions of Americans, causing them to put off major life decisions like getting married, having children, buying a home, or starting a business.

Throughout the episode, Jordan Carlos speaks with experts in the field, including college administrators, student loan borrowers, financial experts, and politicians. They discuss the many problems with the student loan system, including how it disproportionately affects those from lower-income households and minority communities.

The episode outlines the five main reasons why student loans are "bulls**t." Firstly, student loan debt is unmanageable for many people, as it cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, leading to long-term financial hardship. Secondly, the federal government incentivizes schools to increase tuition fees, leading to skyrocketing costs. Thirdly, the for-profit student loan industry has been known to deceive vulnerable students and push them into taking out large loans without fully realizing the impact it will have on their future. Fourthly, student loan servicers are often unresponsive and prioritize their own interests over those of the borrower. Lastly, Jordan Carlos explores how the student loan industry is intertwined with the larger system of institutional racism in the United States, where financially vulnerable students are targeted by for-profit colleges.

The episode focuses on solutions to the student loan crisis. One solution would involve government interventions, such as felicitating debt cancellation, creating easier repayment options, lowering interest rates, and guaranteeing tuition-free college. Another solution could involve educating young people on making more informed decisions about higher education, such as considering community college or alternative programs without incurring thousands of dollars in student loan debt.

Throughout the episode, Jordan Carlos highlights how the student loan system affects different racial and ethnic groups and how the system perpetuates systematic inequalities. For example, he explains how black graduates, on average, owe significantly more in student loan debt than their white counterparts, putting them at a significant disadvantage.

In conclusion, Decoded's Season 2 episode 5, 5 Reasons Student Loans are Bulls**t is a highly informative and insightful episode that carefully reveals the student loan industry's problems and its contribution to the larger issues in the United States. It offers multiple solutions and practical insights to the current student debt crisis in the country.