As Europe gears up for Eurovision, one Dutch variety show will not be joining in on the festivities, instead using an offensive hashtag to send up the song contest.
Known for its satire and spoofs, variety television show De Wereld Draait Door encouraged its viewers to use the hashtag #JoinC**ts to participate in their Twitter conversation about Eurovision, mocking the Eurovision hashtag #JoinUS
The popular program, which airs on Dutch TV channel BVN, translates as ‘The World Keeps Turning’ or 'The World is Going Crazy'. It covers topics such as politcs, entertainment, news and current affairs in a light-hearted, satirical manner.
The hashtag appeared on screen during a short montage video of various Eurovision contestants thanking viewers for their support.
Twitter users were divided over the hashtag. Some considered it to be a joke, while others thought it crossed the line. (If you want to see the hashtag, here is the link. Please note: it may offend some readers).
SBS, which broadcasts news programming from the Dutch channel BVN, doesn't broadcast De Wereld Draait Door.
Lost in translation?
The video is still available on the show's website, which isn't a surprise to Anneke Mackay-Smith, a producer for SBS Radio's Dutch program.
While the c-word may be offensive to English speakers, she said it doesn't have the same impact amongst Dutch speakers.
"It's supposed to be funny," Mackay-Smith said. "It's not a word that's commonly used. But it's not regarded as highly offensive."
Do you think the hashtag was funny or offensive?
