Tulips trending on social media thanks to influencers

Category: Human Interest

Listening

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Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. mania / ˈmeɪ ni ə / (n.) – an intense passion, excitement, or interest for something that affects many people at the same time
    Example:

    Because of the candied fruit snack mania, many food stalls and dessert cafés have added it to their menus.


  2. trendsetter / ˈtrɛndˌsɛt ər / (n.) – a person who starts doing or using something new and makes it popular, so other people follow
    Example:

    The company hired trendsetters to promote their new products on social media.


  3. nurture / ˈnɜr tʃər / (v.) – to take care of and support the growth and development of plants, people, or animals
    Example:

    The crops were carefully nurtured by farmers, so they were able to have a good harvest.


  4. deter / dɪˈtɜr / (v.) – to stop someone from doing something by letting them know it will be difficult or have negative effects
    Example:

    There are warning signs around the building to deter people from entering without permission.


  5. trample / ˈtræm pəl / (v.) – to damage or crush something by stepping or walking heavily on it
    Example:

    Visitors were told to stay on the path to avoid trampling the flowers.


Article

Read the text below.

Spring has sprung, and tulip mania is once again attracting social media trendsetters to the Netherlands’ world-famous garden to see them. Around 7 million tulips are expected to bloom at the Keukenhof Gardens, creating a kaleidoscope of color to brighten up social media feeds.


The Dutch have been dazzled by these tulips since they were first imported to the Netherlands from Central Asia in the 17th century.


The Keukenhof is the perfect spot, with specially created giant clogs, floral archways, and pink velvet couches for people to pose and pout. They’re trending on social media websites, attracting visitors like Austrian lawyer Daniel Magnus.


“Whenever you see the kind of pictures which were taken from an influencer, they make something (an impression) with you right. You get a new impression of new locations, traditions, people and so it is very nice, they are inspiring you, … and that makes you, yeah, you want also to be there,” says Magnus.


These blooms are carefully nurtured by gardeners here. The Keukenhof says well over a million visitors make their way here to see the 7 million bulbs that have been planted. The garden is only open for eight weeks, so everyone knows there’s a small window of opportunity for social media snappers.


Gardener Patrick van Dijk says, “The tulips, it’s a combination of everything. The blossom, the blossom trees, primroses, the magnolia trees there’s always something blooming. I think that’s the reason why everybody’s coming, there’s also always something to see.”


“It’s a very good representation because we’ve been doing this since 1700, and since then it’s been an iconic flower for the Netherlands. If you say the Netherlands, you say tulips,” says van Dijk.


The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Convention encourages visitors by saying, “Make your image come alive and place the subject of your photo slightly off-center. This will make your photo look more dynamic.”


But not everyone is always happy with tourists taking photos.


Some flower farmers have put up signs and barriers to deter aspiring influencers from trampling tulips in nearby fields.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Can one photo from an influencer change your opinion about a place? Have you ever wanted to visit somewhere just because of how it looked in a picture? Why or why not? Should people be more careful about how they show places online? What could happen if we only post the most beautiful or perfect parts of a location? Discuss.
  • Why do you think people focus too much on taking perfect photos instead of enjoying the real experience of being there? How do you personally try to balance taking photos and living in the moment when you’re at a special place or event? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Tulips have become a strong national symbol for the Netherlands over the centuries. What is one symbol of your country that you’re proud of? What does it say about your culture? Discuss.
  • How can countries share their national symbols with tourists while also protecting them from being damaged or changed? Do you think countries should limit the number of visitors to protect their national symbols? Why or why not? Discuss.