Leave it to journalists

“Leave it to the Dutch to help demonstrate the health benefits of chocolate,” wrote an Associated Press reporter today. The article was syndicated everywhere from the BBC to the Chicago Tribune. “Leave it to the Dutch…” why? Are the Dutch not to be taken serious enough? Are those silly Dutch people the only ones stupid enough to do research projects about chocolate?

I don’t like articles that start with “leave it to the…” or “only the…” It means that the writer assumes something stereotypical to be true. Leave it to the French to demonstrate the benefits of wearing a beret. Leave it to the Americans to go to court for a cup of too hot coffee. I don’t like stereotypes. That’s probably a bit hypocritical, since I am and will be guilty of using such exact same sentences. That doesn’t mean I like it though.

I think the article caught my eye for two reasons: one, it had the word Dutch in it; two, Dutch stereotypes and negativities are very common in the English language. Today, the Dutch are being scrutinized by the (mainly) American media about the tolerant soft-drug and prostitution legislation, which enforces an increase in the use of those pesky “leave it to the Dutch” sentences.

Back in the days, way back, back in the seventeenth century, Dutch wasn’t a popular word either. The bitter rivalry between the two foremost marine powers, England and the Netherlands, sparked the use of “Dutch treat,” “Dutch courage,” and “Double Dutch” by the common Englishman. The word “Dutch” basically became a synonym for a polar opposite or negativity. Dutch treat wasn’t a treat at all, you had to pay for yourself; Dutch courage was courage from a drink or two; a Dutch concert was unmusical noise; a Dutch nightingale was just a frog; and so on.

Although seemingly otherwise, I am not offended by this (mis)use. I thought I’d just write about an amusing observation of how people discredit other nations to empower their own, whether intentionally or not. I think this particular reporter just wanted to have a catchy start for the article. I can’t blame her; I would do the same.

Tags: language