Honest Ads Season 4 Episode 2 If Student Loans Were Honest
- TV-14
- August 21, 2017
- 3 min
If Student Loans Were Honest is the second episode of the fourth season of the hit YouTube series Honest Ads. The series is known for its witty and satirical take on modern advertising, and this particular episode focuses on the pervasive issue of student loans in the United States.
The episode opens with the host, portrayed by YouTube sensation and comedian Cracked, introducing the topic of student loans. He explains that more than 44 million Americans collectively owe $1.5 trillion in student loan debt, making it the second highest form of consumer debt in the country. However, despite this massive issue affecting millions of people, the advertising and marketing surrounding student loans is often dishonest and misleading.
The episode then dives into a series of spoofed advertisements for various student loan companies, each highlighting the deceptive tactics used to lure in potential borrowers. The ads include claims of low interest rates and monthly payments, with no mention of the high interest rates and hidden fees that often come with student loans. The host points out that many of these companies are more concerned with making a profit than helping students afford a college education.
Throughout the episode, the host also takes jabs at the government's role in the student loan crisis. He highlights the fact that the government has profited off of student loans to the tune of billions of dollars, while simultaneously slashing funding for public colleges and universities. He argues that this has created a system that saddles students with debt for years to come, while enriching the government and private lenders.
In addition to the advertisements, the episode also features interviews with people who have been impacted by student loans, including recent graduates struggling to make ends meet and parents who have taken on debt to help their children pay for college. These interviews add a human element to the episode, highlighting the real-world consequences of the student loan crisis.
Overall, If Student Loans Were Honest is a scathing critique of the student loan industry and the government's role in perpetuating the crisis. Through clever satire and pointed commentary, the episode sheds light on a complex issue that affects millions of Americans. It is equal parts entertaining and informative, and should be required viewing for anyone considering taking out a student loan.