A $2.4m bust-up erupts over Brussels-backed bimbos course for TV air-heads

Sydney Morning Herald ^ | Oct 14, 2003 | Bruce Johnston

[JosephW]

A $2.4m bust-up erupts over Brussels-backed bimbos course for TV air-heads By Bruce Johnston in Frattamaggiore, Italy October 14, 2003

A school to teach young Italian women the skills to become television game show hostesses and showgirls has opened near Naples with financial backing from the European Union.

The program has set off a political storm over the EU's willingness to put £1 million ($2.4 million) into what critics say is a "course for bimbos".

Italy's television networks are awash with programs featuring scantily clad female assistants, and there has been no shortage of interest from potential pupils. About 1200 women, plus a handful of young men, applied for the 97 places on the eight-month course.

Under the terms of the EU grant, students must be at least 18, unemployed, and come from the Campania region - renowned throughout Italy for the beauty of its women. They will be taught diction, show presenting, make-up, singing, dancing, acting, and the history of cinema and theatre.

Dino Giordano, one of the school's founders, said it was aimed at equipping students for a wider career than that pursued by mere bimbos.

Some pupils, though, seem to have less ambitious objectives. "I want to be famous, rich and marry a footballer," declared Simona Toto, a tiny blonde.

The school, in Frattamaggiore, near Naples, got EU funding because it is in one of the EU's most economically backward areas, where youth unemployment is 50 per cent.

Students will receive €2.07 ($3.51) for each class they attend. The grant has been attacked by media and members of Silvio Berlusconi's conservative coalition. Antonio Pezzella, the MP for Frattamaggiore, asked why show business was given priority in an area where there was greater need for more traditional skills, such as tailoring.

Antonella Sacchettino, 19, who is taking time off from university to attend, said: "I'm going to put everything I have into this. I don't want to be a bimbo. I'm interested in the world of show business, though I still don't know where in it I want to belong."

[JosephW]

OK, so it's in Italy, could have been any public school here though.

[Support Free Republic]

Free Republic. More Bang For The Buck!
	Donate Here By Secure Server Or mail checks to FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794 or you can use PayPal at Jimrob@psnw.com
STOP BY AND BUMP THE FUNDRAISER THREAD- It is in the breaking news sidebar!

[shaggy eel]

into what critics say is a "course for bimbos"

,,, so much for diversity.

[JosephW]

students must be at least 18, unemployed, and come from the Campania region

You're right. So few will qualify. This should be open to everyone.

[Let's Roll]

Just the EU socialist elites making sure the people are provided with non-stop "bread and circuses".

[Republicus2001]

ah, isn't there a basic Freeper rule supposed to be applied here?

[Bob Mc]

Obligatory photos perhaps?

[JosephW]

Sorry, I don't have pics of any bimbos. I only have family pics on my system. I could find a pic of Hitlery or Janet 'Shake & Bake' Reno if you really want it.