The screening of the American television series “Holocaust” in Holland did not evoke the emotional reactions it did in West Germany. The reason is that the public is reasonably well acquainted with what happened to the Jews during World War II and the film did not come as a shock.
This is one of the conclusions of a poll conducted on behalf of the “Tras” Broadcasting Organization which televised the series.
Over 50 percent of young people between the ages of 12-19 watched at least one part of the series and over 50 percent of these young people watched at least one of the preparatory accompanying programs. It was found that the lower the level of education among these young people the less their knowledge of what had happened and their interest in it.
Thee-quarters of the young people questioned said they read one or more books on World War II. The poll, which is unique in Europe, was conducted before, immediately after and six months after the broadcast. The series did not increase anti-German feelings among the young people questioned. It is generally believed by them that only a small portion of the German population was responsible for what happened.
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