MovieChat Forums > Zwartboek (2007) Discussion > Subtle Dutch anti-Semitism

Subtle Dutch anti-Semitism

posted 17 years ago by silentmovie
54 replies | jump to latest

I found it interesting that Verhoven chose to highlight some subtle Dutch anti-Semitism in "Black Book"

Of course, the Dutch were traditionally tolerant of Jews, and certainly nothing like the barbaric, murderous, insane Nazis.

But, the way that farmer guy spoke to Ellis in the beginning ("if you Jews hadn't killed Jesus..."), and the way some of the Resistance guys start cursing her out when they think she's double-crossed them ("fradomte Jood!") is pretty accurate.

Jews weren't despised in Holland, but there were plenty of folks who were prejudiced. But again, nothing like those vile, psychotic Germans.

[–] 9 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Squeeth2 9 years ago

I think it helps to remember that not all Netherlanders are brown cafe owners. The Dutch colonial empire was run as brutally as any other and plenty of decent looking Dutch people have reason to fear historians delving into their time as colonial officials in the East Indies. It's just like Belgians not wanting to account for their crimes in Congo or British and Americans not wanting questions about their crimes, well, er, everywhere.

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