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.
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.
51-55, M
