Dutch disfigurement dating show... that's it

Dutch shocked at disfigurement dating show
Wed Jan 24, 5:03 AM ET


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Netherlands, the country that has pioneered reality shows like "Big Brother", is planning a new first -- a dating programme for the visibly disfigured.

The broadcaster SBS 6 is seeking candidates for its "Love at Second Sight" show due to be launched on February 20.

"Do you have a visible serious handicap and are you looking for a partner?" says an appeal on its Web site.

"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 broadcaster said.

"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."

But the majority of Dutch viewers are turned off by the show that was initially set to be called "Monster Love". A poll by the mass circulation De Telegraaf daily showed 85 percent do not like the idea, with only 9 percent in favour.

-HECK!

Oh man... how pathetic. I wouldn't want to be on a show like that. But, for someone who has a serious physical disfigure to their face, and can't meet someone to be with, for that reason... this might be a good show for them.

I hope that it's just not to make fun of these people though. That would be horrible.

It's a freak show, in the carnival sense of the word. I hope the show doesn't make fun of them. People might. I don't know, something about reality TV has me really doubting the sincerity of this project.

-HECK!

The Monster Love name has me doubting the ethics of it.