Readers aren't happy about the use of the phrase "parasitic pods" to describe a housing concept for homeless people, in this week's comments update.
War of words: commenters shared their disappointment about the terms used to describe this concept by creative agency Framlab, for hexagonal homes attached to the sides of New York buildings.
Nick Anaclerio was exasperated: "Boy do we really need to give soulless elitists another reason to characterise the urban poor as 'parasites'""
"Yeah, not sure how they thought the word 'parasitic' was okay to use in this context," agreed Alison S.
"In my view, banksters deserve this accolade," stated a rebellious Takki.
"It might not be the best but at least it's a start for something. This design was probably inspired by parasitic plants as they survive by getting help from other plants, it has nothing to do with looking down on homeless people," fired back Zaber Ahmed in defence of the term. "The language of this will have to change in order to be successful. I don't think it's a bad idea in itself. It's a clever way to address a problem that needs multiple solutions working in tandem." Matthew Sonnenfeld argued pragmatically.
This reader used irony to express their disappointment in the project:
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Are Framlab's parasitic pods a feasible answer to New York's homelessness problem" Have your say in our comments section ?

Out of place: Sean Griffiths' opinion pi...