Fun & Famous

7X HOW THE REST OF THE WORLD THINKS ABOUT US

Hey, I'm back with my expat kid chat. I must say that during my extensive travels in my younger years, I was fortunate not to encounter too many people who immediately started talking about stereotypes when you told them you were Dutch. At least not with my fellow students at school, because you do get quite well educated about other cultures at international schools. But that doesn't mean it never happens, because you have probably also been on vacation somewhere where you spoke with locals , and you casually mentioned that you were from the Netherlands, and then one of the following things was said about you or your country:

1. ‘Oh, you’re from Amsterdam? I love that country!’

Simone often heard this when she lived in The States. Uh, yes, maybe you should have paid a bit more attention during your geography lessons....

2. ‘Ohhhh yes, Amsterdam.’ Period.

Theo often experienced this when he lived in Milan: people who wanted to say something about the country you come from, but couldn't get beyond one thing. Yes, Amsterdam is indeed the capital, but there is so much more in our little country than just that city.

3. ‘Holland, yes, super cool!’

That something is said to you in German because they think Deutsch and Dutch are the same.

4. ‘A joint a day…’

Yes, there are coffeeshops in the Netherlands and no, we are not stoned every day. Perhaps the most annoying stereotype our country has to deal with. Interestingly, the Netherlands has one of the lowest numbers of addicts compared to a country like the US.

5. All Dutch people speak English

Well, not really. Just look: