Shithole — a definition

As this phrase is pricking the zeitgeist, I humbly offer my 10 point definition of a “shithole country” to help people recognise one:

1. Inequality is so rife that you encounter large numbers of homeless people on the streets of major cities.
2. Healthcare is for the wealthy and is seen as a financial burden rather than a right for everyone.
3. Education is only easily accessible to the wealthy, creating a tiered system resulting in low international rankings across core subjects.
4. Roads, public transport and infrastructure are decaying and neglected.
5. Rural and post industrial areas are gripped by extreme poverty, food insecurity and disproportionate mortality rates.
6. The state and elected officials systematically undermine support systems for poorer people in favour of financial gains for the wealthiest in society.
7. Gun violence is a normal daily occurrence, with police shootings of minorities the norm.
8. All problems are framed as being the cause of outsiders or those that are un[insert state name].
9. Corruption, greed and paid for political favours win out over what is in the best interest of the people.
10. Society is severely divided; politically, financially, or ethnically.

Of course if by “shithole” we mean the way the English use it — “have you been to XXXX, don’t bother it’s a fucking shithole”.

Then simply visit Basingstoke in the UK.