Dutch Immigrants Must Watch Racy Film (imagine if we had similar tests)

[Tab]

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - The camera focuses on two gay men kissing in a park. Later, a topless woman emerges from the sea and walks onto a crowded beach. For would-be immigrants to the Netherlands, this film is a test of their readiness to participate in the liberal Dutch culture.

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.
...
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.
...
There are some major exemptions. EU nationals, asylum-seekers and skilled workers who earn more than $54,000 per year will not be required to take the 30-minute computerized exam.

Also, citizens of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Switzerland are exempt.
More: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060315/ap_on_re_eu/netherlands_testing_immigrants

What if, upon emigrating to the United States, you had to watch films on Abu Ghraib, say, and if you couldn't stomach it...

[RC]

1. How about a requirement to vote?

"..., you had to watch films on Abu Ghraib, say, and if you couldn't stomach it..."

Oops, sorry, I forgot, too many here get off on Abu Ghraib photos....

[Glorfindel]

7. Requirement to vote?

Why? It doesn't matter who votes, only who COUNTS the votes. As long as we can't be assured of fair elections, the requirement to vote would be absurd. Why force citizens to participate in a meaningless charade?

[Bassic]

2. Maybe I'm not thinking this through, but at first glance

it seems like a pretty good idea. Although, if I were them I would not exempt anyone. Everybody should be held to the same standards.

[Cobalt Violet]

5. I don't think Americans should be exempt.

We to have too many fundies who should have to pass the liberal test.

[Bassic]

10. That's my point.

And, although we have less of them, we also have them in Canada. I don't see why anyone should be exempt at all.

[regnaD kciN]

3. I would think that this would lead...

...to such a huge wave of immigration, there wouldn't be enough room in the Netherlands to fit everyone!

:evilgrin:

[bleedingheart]

9. hahaha

my husband's family came from the Netherlands in the 19th century...perhaps he may want to move back...

[xchrom]

4. i like it.

they should show this to the conservative lunatics in this country and say if you can't handle this -- iran is looking for a few good citizens.

[no_hypocrisy]

6. United States exempt? The fundies are equivalent with Islamic immigrants

as far as social and societal mores go.

[Name removed]

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[Bacchus39]

11. they did this for foreign students when I attended college

presentations about norms in American society. things like holding hands, public displays of affection are common here. My friend from South America thought it was a joke but you have people from the Middle East that are unaccustomed to a more open culture.

not sure if they do it anymore.

[savemefromdumbya]

13. We'll all have to move there while we still can!