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29/05/2006Getting inside Dutch humour

Orange Nazi helmets for Dutch fans attending the World Cup in Germany. I am quite curious how far and hard the Dutch will thrust their sense of humour down the throats of the Germans, writes expat blogger Dutched Pinay.

While doing my weekend shopping in the Oudegracht in Utrecht, I came across this garish stall peddling different sorts of World Cup paraphernalia. The loud "Hup Holland" texts scribbled on the kitschy items were not what caught my attention. What did was the controversial orange plastic Nazi helmets, which I believe are an attempt by the Dutch to have a giggle about the Germans, the hosts of the competition.

'Don't mention the war!'

Since the helmets market introduction last January, the colourful head accessory enjoyed immense media attention, both locally and internationally, and incited a much needed squabble within the football world — should or should not fans be allowed to wear such helmet during the games?

Considering the football history between Holland and Germany, I am not surprised about this fuss at all. So much has been said and done; the helmet plainly cements the acrimonious football saga between both countries, although in a different light - as a joke.

A week from now begins the World Cup in Germany and I am quite curious how far and hard the Dutch will thrust their sense of humour down the throats of the Germans. Are we then going to witness sacrilege; a sea of orange Nazi helmets flooding the German football stadiums?

One thing I have learned; being politically correct doesn't mean anything in the Flatlands.

I am quite aware that the typical Dutch attempt at humour notoriously borders on insult, not only at the expense of others but even towards themselves. Making a fool of themselves is supposed to be funny.

When I first listened to Hans Teeuwen, a famous Dutch stand-up comedian, his exaggerated pumping adrenalin-rush sexual monologues left me in a bemused state. One of his exceptionally popular stage parodies was about women. In general, he said, all women are "kuthoeren" (cunt whores). I felt, in the most literal sense, like I was in a tug-of-war; part of me wanted to laugh out loud while the other part was totally appalled.

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