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2 0 0 2 T E S T
explanation | legend | conclusion | back
EXPLANATION - top
This test is the result of two years of participating in the Four Day Marches of Nijmegen. It is based on my personal experiences, thus must be interpreted as my personal opinion. Moreover, this test is intentionally exaggerated. After all, one cannot produce a test split into three columns if one isn't willing to do injustice to some towns by putting them in columns they don't really belong in, although they belong there more than they would in another of the columns available.
Which does not detract from the fact that this test is based on real experiences. I usually march in a long black, woollen coat, wearing a black hat. This does not correspond with the expectations people usually have of Four Day Marchers. My attire therefore offers a beautiful opportunity to test the tolerance of my fellow human being. And this, in turn, offers me a great chance to play mirror. Which is exactly what I've done here, hoping for betterment amongst the intolerant.
By the way, I would like to state that my experience of the event as a whole is a positive one. This is reflected in the test results: after all, there are more 'GOOD' towns than there are 'BAD' ones.
LEGEND - top
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GOOD |
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This place is perfect. You are warmly welcomed by a multitude that acts like you are a long lost family member. Should you look different from most others, you will be applauded and words of encouragement and admiration will be shouted at you. There are no words for this place, emotion overwhelms you and moves you to tears, you will never forget it, the lump in your throat will reappear every time the name of this place is mentioned, for years to come. |
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UNCERTAIN |
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This place isn't bad. There are people by the roadside who encourage you in an honest, cheerful, enthousiastic and friendly way. But there are just as many people by the road who stare at you in a glassy, somewhat distrustful way and who, should you look different from most others, will seize the opportunity to make an insulting remark, and to have it followed by a bellowing laugh, that stays with you for teeth-grinding kilometres to come. |
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BAD |
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This town sucks. It is mostly inhabited by arrogant assholes. You are a circus animal, completely nuts because you are marching, and you are there strictly to entertain them and to feed your money to the local enterpreneurs. You are walking by so they can ignore you or, should you look different from most others, can laugh at you or call you bad names in public. You have pity for the individual in this community who does mean well and who does encourage you in a well-meant way. You would prefer to take this person along, and bring him or her to a better place. |
Conclusion - top
Life is good - but there is room for improvement.
To the towns listed under 'GOOD' I say: thank you. See you soon.
To the towns listed under 'UNCERTAIN' I say: thank you kindly for the hospitality, hope to get to know you better next year.
To the towns listed under 'BAD' I say: improve life, improve yourself, get rid of the idea that everyone should think the way you do.
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