Love at Second Sight
What is it with the Dutch and reality TV featuring disabled people?
At the end of December, the news broke that one of the on Netherlands television was Miss Ability, a beauty contest for disabled women - complete with the swimsuit round, formal wear and, no doubt, vows that the contestants want to work with children and animals. The programme was such a hit that international broadcasters were quickly snapping up the rights to produce the show in their country, including a British independent called DLT Entertainment (the producers of ´óÏó´«Ã½ ONE sitcom My Family) who were apparently approaching Heather Mills to be the presenter.
Now let's not forget that it was the Dutch who brought us Big Brother - and look how massively popular that show has become. So could we be seeing their next reality TV show format on UK TV screens?
Dutch broadcaster SBS6 have been advertising on their website for contestants to appear on a new show called Love at Second Sight. The ad begins: "Do you have a visible serious handicap and are you looking for a partner?" Yep, that's right, it's a . SBS have suggested that burns victims, those with severe scars, or people lacking one or both eyes might like to come forward and apply.
The broadcaster has denied the show is tasteless. A spokesman said: "The programme is a platform for people with such problems to share experiences and feelings in a positive way with the rest of the Netherlands, and to show that they are absolutely not pitiful. The main aim of the programme is to remove prejudice about these people, to create more acceptance and respect and, of course, to find the love of their lives".
Sounds all rather good, positive and worthy ... until you discover that Love at Second Sight was originally going to be called Monstrous Love. Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear oh dear.
The show hits Dutch TV screens on February 20. Whether it makes it over here rather depends on the audience reaction over there. A recent poll in the mass circulation newspaper De Telegraaf showed that some 85% of people did not like the idea, with only 9% actively in favour. Maybe it's not going to be the new Big Brother, then ...
Comments
If this program makes you money, which I am sure it will, I wish you the best.
If you ever knew someone with a disfigurement (which I don't think you have) I feel that you probably would still run this program.
More power to you.
If you have not know someone with a disfigurement, you probably would still run this program
More power to you.
Speaking as someone who was born with disfigurement at birth, I wish you nothing but your success in the exploitation of the disfigured. May your children reap the benefits of your exploitation. May my children learn from your ignorance.
You know what? I can't believe that people are outraged by this show. So people with disabilities are supposed to stay single and alone all their lives without trying to venture in finding love? Give me a break people. I am an AMERICAN and I say way to go for these brave people. I all also am disabled, but you can not tell by looking at me. No, my disabilities are health endangering ranging from heart to kidney problems. I understand how it is difficult for people to get past their prejuidices to get to know a person for who they are not what ails them. I wish someone would think of this in the United States.
Regardeing the Second Sight Disabled Dating programme:
I am a disabled woman.. I posted a blog on the topic of this show. The response from my disabled readers has been overwhelmingly positive. We agree there is a dire need for the lives of people with disabilities to be brought to the forefront of in the media. It is only through awareness, education and discussion we will equal rights to a humane and productive life.
www.myspace.com/katebythesea
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