Dutch must adapt themselves more to Islam

[Ikutiera]

AMSTERDAM, 22/09/07 - The Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) says the Dutch must adapt themselves more to Islam. It also advises the elimination of the word 'allochtoon', the most common term used to describe residents with a foreign background.

The WRR itself thought up the word allochtoon in 1989. In a report at the time it was suggested this neutral-sounding word was less stigmatising than, for example, immigrant or foreigner. The WRR advice was successful; today, media, schools and politicians all use allochtoon.

Now the WRR however advises using the word allochtoon as little as possible. The word "is no longer neutral" and is stigmatising, the Council says in a report to appear Monday under the title Identification with the Netherlands.

Dutch news - Government Advisors: Dutch Should Adapt to Muslims