If they can't stomach it, no need to apply.
Despite whether they find the film offensive, applicants must buy a copy and watch it if they hope to pass the Netherlands' new entrance examination.
The test — the first of its kind in the world — became compulsory Wednesday, and was made available at 138 Dutch embassies.
The test is part of a broader crackdown on immigration that has been gathering momentum in the Netherlands since 2001.
Anti-immigration sentiment peaked with filmmaker Theo van Gogh's murder by a Dutch national of Moroccan descent in November 2004.
Both praise and scorn have been poured on Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk, the architect of the new test and other policies that have reduced immigration by at least a third.
A censored version with no homosexual and nude material had been prepared because it is illegal to show such images in Iran and some other countries, filmmaker Walter Goverde said.
"With all the respect I have for all religions, I think people need to understand that Holland has its own liberal side as well," he said.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,188079,00.html
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A Back-Lash Against Immigrants in Europe (Especially Norther Africans & Middle Easterners)
Unlike other western nations like the U.S. and Canada, many European nations only recently have implemented written immigration exams to gain entry. This is indicative of the growing tension between many cultural communities settling into Europe, which has originally been very welcoming. There are many reasons for this strife: the rise of conservative governments in Europe, immigrants are isolated in psuedo-ghettos, many refuse to assimilate, many bring their radical religions, many abuse their freedoms and entitlements, while others simply face blatant discrimination and their new countries refuse to communicate with them as equals.
"European Union politicians are struggling to assimilate overseas-born residents while toughening entry requirements for outsiders. The Paris suburbs were rocked last year by rioting among Muslim youths that resulted in about 3,000 arrests. Italian and Spanish authorities are trying to stem the tide of Africans who arrive in makeshift boats. The U.K. government is debating ways to reduce the isolation of its own Muslim community after alleged terror plots that police say were planned by British citizens."
Turkey bans Muslim headscarves in public places; some German states has such a law for teachers; and France bans headscarves and other "conspicuous" religious symbols at all state schools (not universities).
An immigration exam in the Hesse province of Germany asks: “In your eyes, were the perpetrators of 9/11 and the 2004 Madrid attacks terrorists or freedom fighters?" A test in Baden Wurteermberg province asks: "How would you feel were your son to become homosexual, or whether you would allow your daughter to participate in swim classes."
Sources: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2157935,00.html ; http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,415207,00.html ; http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=a4l9dsYOR42g&refer=europe ; http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5414098.stm
It's interesting that in Northern Europe, conservatives embrace secularism. Tradition must stand on its own strength, not be imposed. Perhaps our own Republicans will return to common sense and recapture that lost modesty they once had about religion. Europe's right seems to have the opposite problem right now - they are immodestly irreligious and eager to impose their view.
ReplyDeleteRight, Mr Matt Phillips, you seem to be way out of touch with reality and making a statement based on idealistic point of view. I'm a Bulgarian student in the Netherlands and was asked once by a Turkish person whether I have already learned Turkish. I said, no, I'm in Holland, not in Turkey! He was OFFENDED! Yeah, their tradition must stand on it's own strength indeed! What about the Dutch tradition??? Not to talk about the reactions of people around Edgware Road in Central London just after 9/11. This is where you should have been! I don't like Americans in general, but people died before their time and thats bad and sad. Or the many times I have been hassled by Arabs because all "white" women are whores? GET OUT ON THE STREET and then write about religious modesty and strenght of traditions!
ReplyDeleteYeah ! :)
ReplyDeleteA controversy of this topic is very common in the word and many people do not have about it and when they see something similar they are impressed.
ReplyDeleteWhen people disturb gay people they do not know that it is ofensive to gay community, the persons should be more respectful, I'm gay and I'm really disappointed about this situation.
ReplyDeleteThis test is a little bit difficult!!!
ReplyDeleteThis shouldn't be necesary is culture changes in those negative aspects.
Being Gay is not a crime!!
How tragic to see the life of a very talented person to end this way on a young age it still sad to see anyone to end up like this very tragic and painful for the family.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting so I'd like to know if that's a kind of law or it's something like a protocol, because I had never seen something like that before.
ReplyDelete