I Am Dutch

I Have A Love/Hate Relationship With Being Dutch... -

I'm half Dutch, half French. I was born in the Netherlands and had a dual nationality at birth. I speak Dutch like a native and people here in the Netherlands will assume I'm a regular Dutch guy when they meet me.

But growing up my family lived in different countries. From the age of 9 until I was 19 I lived in a multicultural setting which was predominately American. Because of this I think very different than most Dutch people. When I am abroad most people think I'm American. (even Americans do)

I feel very proud of the Netherlands for the things it has achieved and the difference it has made in the world despite being such a tiny country. We invented the CD-Payer (Phillips), up until a few years ago we had the largest harbor in the world (Rotterdam). We were the first to recognize the independence of the USA. We are famous for our flowers, cheese and the construction of dams and dikes etc.

But when I'm not in the Netherlands I'm often ashamed of being Dutch. When I see how Dutch people behave it embarrasses me. Those who have worked with Dutch people tell me that the Dutch are very stubborn - they always know better. Sadly I have to agree with them.

I've worked for many international companies. I worked with the French, American, British, Belgian, Scandinavian, Africans, Asians, and Arabs and I get along with all of them. All - except that one Dutch guy. Somehow I always have a conflict with him. (and somehow he always happens to be the project manager)

So I have a love/hate relationship with the Netherlands. I love the country it was but I hate what it's becoming. I love what the Dutch have achieved but I hate how arrogant they are about it. I'm proud and sing our national anthem with tears in my eyes. But also want to deny my nationality when I'm abroad.

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Desiderius

Jammer dat je het zo voelt. Er zijn altijd positieve en negatieve kanten aan een land.
I will translate:
I am sorry you feel that way (ashamed of being Dutch). To every country and every people there are negative and positive sides. Nobody and no place is perfect.
I am proud to be Dutch and I would not live in any other country and I discovered this mostly by living abroad. We tend to overstate our importance in the world, then again I like our straightforwardness. Your project manager might be stubborn, but maybe he would accept you speaking up, when most nationalities would not. Although of course I may be mistaken.....

Iere98

I'm completely Dutch but I agree with you. I don't really like Dutch people either. Generally speaking.

Quelessir

Americans are more arrogant than we are... So i think that Dutch guy is just some weird-ass dude :p

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GoneRogue · 51-55, M

I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I agree with some of your views but not all. But that's not what this post is about and I don't want to turn this post in a discussion about Americans.

Quelessir

True dat :p

Expatglobalcitizen

Quelessir - I am pleased with your 'True dat' response... On the other hand, you proved a very good point by your first reply, as this is exactly how Dutch citizens responded to me... which I do not appreciate and one reason why I left!!! Yes, I did grow up in a country where 'patriotism' binds many cultures, but at least we co-exist and know our neighbors.

GoneRogue - I am in the same position as your previous post.

GoneRogues Response: I'm half Dutch, half French. I was born in the Netherlands and had a dual nationality at birth. I speak Dutch like a native and people here in the Netherlands will assume I'm a regular Dutch guy when they meet me.
But growing up my family lived in different countries. From the age of 9 until I was 19 I lived in a multicultural setting which was predominately American. Because of this I think very different than most Dutch people. When I am abroad most people think I'm American. (even Americans do)

-I am dutch, moved to Canada when I was 6, USA when I was 9, moved back for a few years when I was 19, and the past few years have been in Asia.

In my opinion Dutch Nationalism is a large factor as to why its hard to integrate. Can I help I grew up abroad? NO!!! I was 6... I am extremely glad I did and have gotten to know other points of view and understanding of different views and cultures. As a Dutch Citizen I hoped that you would respect that I don't have the same morals, values, background as I am a global citizen.. even though I carry the passport. I would like to feel more Dutch but unfortunately have only gotten responses like the one Quelessir gave. Just because I carry the passport does not mean that I have to think the same way. Explaining why America is not the best country will only make me defend it more! There are good and bad aspects of many countries, but its cultural understanding that will get you much further. This is not only directed to you but also a lot of the people I have met in the Netherlands. Don't attack and put your values upon me but try to understand! The Netherlands is not on the top of the list of countries where its easy to integrate... Understanding and communicating is key to integration. I don't think I should have to lose my identity just to have to fit in. As an expat I have lived in many different countries and have learned the ins and outs of adapting and integrating. The first step is understanding the foreigners or 'TCK citizens' in your country. Unfortunately I don't feel like this is happening.

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