Corruption! The allegation trips off the lips of commentators across the board, especially in discussion of the poorest parts of the world. Are corrupt greedy regimes and war lords so widespread? Should developing countries be monitored and measured for their application of "good governance" to stem corrupt tendencies? Is poverty the product of third world gangsters, thieving politicians and corporate fraudsters? No, but our obsession with corruption is endemic. So say Brendon and Yolanda, two young South Africans who, on their first visit to the UK, are told by newfound workmates that "living in such a corrupt country must be awful". The youngsters are appalled and decide to unravel the babble that they see as wrong, ridiculous and racist.
Apparently, just because there is little evidence, doesn't mean a "culture of corruption" isn't spreading. Even Geldof could "feel it out there - the evil" as he travelled on a UN boat downriver through the Congo. The film suggests corruption is the perfect moral panic, a product of political cynicism rather than a global crime wave. Like most moral panics, the obsession and fear do more damage than the thing we are supposed to worry about. The incessant babble about corruption demonises developing countries and justifies so much interference that poor countries hardly have a chance to run their own affairs. The film concludes it is time to trust our fellow man and ditch the corruptababble.