10 Dutch Culture Shocks in the Netherlands | An American’s Perspective

Dutch directness, housing, racism, and many more. These are some of the culture shocks I’ve experienced after living in The Netherlands for almost 4 years now.
Disclaimer: I love the Netherlands, and culture shocks are normal-they are neither right nor wrong but part of the experience of moving and living abroad (we all come from different cultures).
⏰ Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:26 Racism?
03:58 Dutch Food
05:30 Dutch Planning
07:01 Dutch Directness (Low Context Culture)
08:34 Housing Crisis
09:54 No Floors?
10:59 Open Windows
12:03 Seeing the Doctor
14:15 Public Urinals
15:17 Coffeeshops
15:41 Final
Check out my other videos:
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Who am I? 😀
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.

[@frankhooper7871]

I grew up in California, live in England, and regularly visit the Netherlands. I encountered way more racism in California than I've ever seen in England or the Netherlands.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Frank. Oh yeah racism in the US...that's a whole different beast

[@franklin5000]

Nah white people are very racist in general. I've encountered racism from a dutch lady in my church and from white liberals in california. Not so much from the English but wouldn't doubt that is happens too - but white liberals and european immigrants to the US are the worst.

[@abandonedfragmentofhope5415]

Just because some place is more racist doesn't mean that it excuses another place's racism.

[@cocoaorange1]

I agrre, no matter the degree, it is wrong , cruel and stupid.

[@NisseOhlsen]

why is that, you think? Also, why has the US become so divided ? It's almost as if a wall is going through the American society.

[@mandan8945]

I was born and raised in The Netherlands. I'm 42 years old, of brown origins and I have never experienced racism here. The only time someone told me to go back to my own country was a Polish guy who didnt even speak Dutch. Moreover, I was raised with 'black' Pete and I never ever thought it was racist at all.

[@hidavidwen]

Great to hear and thanks for sharing!

[@0animalproductworld558]

black Pete actually really creep me out. I don't like it at all and yeah my skin is whiter than many white people especially during the winter

[@newsieboys1171]

That's a tough issue. It's worth noting that "acting" including impersonating other people like any art form like painting and music is universal. What's not so common is a shared history and culture. Black Facing has a notorious history in America because of its history with racism. It freaks people from America and some other Western countries a lot when they see something like that elsewhere. It's the same with anything else. Like the British and commonwealth term for cigarettes, "the f**". Of course, it means something entirely in the US.

[@shazzshank6393]

Yeah sure.. hate on us Polish people :)... I got called names by black people in den haag, and I don't whine about it all over the web get a grip dude

[@bobje2392]

@@hidavidwen zwarte piet is a chimney sweep, look at pictures of coal miners thats what they are representing.

[@simdejong9073]

The black Pete thing is really controversial in the Netherlands when it comes around these days, as the population is devided between a side saying "It's just a children's holiday, who cares?" and a side saying it's racist and should be banned. I remember going to a sinterklaas parade when i was like 6 or so with my Ghanese friend, who also wore black face paint despite already being dark skinned XD. I can definitely see why it's bizzare to see if you're a non-Dutch person though.

[@therabbithat]

The people who say its childlike.. Why can't Black Pete have blue-black skin instead then? He's specifically Pete of African descent and it's so creepy

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@therabbithat Because in the past people here didnt have blue face paint, we had black shoe polish and thats it. Pete is black because shoe polish is commonly available, cheap, and its effective at making sure the little kids dont recognize that Pete is actually their cousin Henk.

[@gerjannevanhees1496]

Considering Zwarte Piet as being something racism, you do NOT know the story of Sinterklaas and his help! No way it is a racist thing. @therabbithat @@TheSuperappelflap

[@Ken_Jones]

I grew up in 2 cultures: Dutch and Turkish. Born in the Netherlands with a Dutch mom who mostly raised me, but when at my Turkish family I also feel at home. Made me really open minded. 1. The racism. So many Dutch people indeed don't know something is racist. My Dutch mom lately said "hey poepchinees" (as a fun nickname) at my toddler, and I was like "mom, you can't say that, my best friend is Chinese. Think about how he would feel if you say that in front of him". She was shocked, because she is an ultra kind person. 2. The Doctor. My wife was pregnant and had a lot of pain. But you don't go to a hospital, but to a person guides you through your pregnancy. She said the kid (6 weeks) was healthy, already a beating hearth. The pain must be normal, is what my wife was thinking. But a few weeks later she was in the hospital, because the the kid didn't nest in the womb, but outside and it grew somewhere where it couldn't so it blew it's surroundings. My wife nearly died. All ended well, we have 2 healthy kids now and the hospital guided her pregnancies very very well. But to get a gynecologist to guide your pregnancies and see you every 2 weeks is not easy to get here in the Netherlands...

[@hidavidwen]

Wow thanks for sharing. I felt the emotional pain…sorry to hear you and your wife had to go through all that pain. I hope all is better now. Yeah I’ve heard many stories like that unfortunately… And in regards to racism…I like to believe most people are good…and they have good intentions…but many people are ignorant or unaware of how what they think or say could hurt others…

[@M0_z]

This!!! Finally a real experience

[@EelcoHillenius]

The again, you know Chinese people call Western people 'big noses', right? :-) But yeah, 'poep Chinees' is one of these things we can retire by now.

[@annebokma4637]

Congratulations, glad it did work out. It is true, you have to exaggerate to get seen by a specialist ASAP. It should be part of inburgering 🤔

[@2500dozo]

Well David, i am a coloured Asian person, who grew up with black Pete in the Netherlands. I have never seen this as discrimination and never met discrimination in dutch society as i am not an oversensitive person. I had all thechances and options as any dutch person. Yes sometimes kids said something abt my skin colour but same thing goes for kids with red hair.

[@hidavidwen]

Glad to hear you never experienced discrimination. I know it's a sensitive topic. I am only offering a perspective as an outsider as what came to me as a shock (which is all relative based on where we all come from). Thank you for sharing your story.

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

Yes red haired kids in my classroom as well.

[@Dutchbelg3]

@@hidavidwen Maybe (I am pretty sure) you feel appauled about zwarte piet because you associate the tradition with the way the USA is dealing with race diversity. The origin is very clear (to the Dutchies that took the effort to research the tradition) : A christian bisshop in Myra (Turkey) actually took care of the welfare of people around him by employing them and making them part of his house hold to keep them from poverty. When the Mores started to fight christianity he had to flee to Spain but he took his friends with him. Saint Nicolas saw a lot of children in poverty so he gave on his birthday gifts to the children but he did not want the children or parents to know as he did not want to show off his filantropic behaviour. The Netherlands came under Spanish rule and the tradition migrated to the Netherlands. Santa Claus is actually derived from him. And Santa Claus also has his helpers. Very discriminatory to the Elfs! ;-) The clothing the Pieten wear is derived from the clothes that were fashionable at the Spanish rule period. And not exactly poor and shabby (as slaves would be) but festive. Yes the Dutch made the "Zwarte Pieten" evolve in black curly guys as they were exotic and strange to the common Dutchies at that time. But Sint Nicolaas is also a caricature of a Catholic Bishop. It is a festive tradition, never meant to be a historic re-enactment. And for comparison: Thanksgiving in the USA is also a tradition sourced by a clash of cultures (European Invaders teaching the wild "Indians" some good western ethics ;-) ) OK just watched the next part: You are really bullshitting ... exaggerate to the extreme. I don't know with whom you are hanging out but these are not my friends: Never heard the Hanky Panky song and about lunch : we do eat so much more than bitterballen and bread and cheese. If you prefer burgers over a much healthier Dutch lunch .. up to you.. that's democracy and real freedom. And you complain about going to the doctor??? Tssssss really? I am not saying Dutch healthcare is perfect but compared to the USA... And then you scold the public urinals (which is not a thing in the whole of the Netherlands, just tourist-overflown Amsterdam where tourists think less than 1 Euro is too much to pay for a clean toilet.. Just to prevent drunk guys pissing against everything.. Yeah... then the US public stinking toilets are soooooo much better : 4 walls which are not connected but leave a hole on each side and leave space just under your knees and just over your head. Farting noises , splashing, smells are readily shared with every one! Yessss clearly so much better !

[@jsb7975]

@@hidavidwen well you know , if people tell you you are a white supremecist again and again and tell you to be ashamed , you get sleapy from all that wokeness . You got statues of black holy Mary, every year after christmas januari 6 one of the three dressed up kings (drie-koningen) Singing in the streets for every house, is made-up black. In the Netherlands itself there was no slavery and black Piet came from the Spanish moors (=blacks) (maroccan occupation in Spain) and were dressed in the 16th century manor of a knight, noble-men from the Spanish courts Knecht (knight) like 'musketiers' for the Saint in this case. Look at their costumes.

[@vykkdraygo1234]

@@hidavidwen I can see how the things that David Wen witnessed were shocking to him. They are racist regardless of their origin or how the race in power sees them. In the US, the discrimination and bigotry is much more passive-aggressive and hidden. I've spoken to quite a few Asian Americans who didn't know people were being racist to them when I, as a Hispanic American whose father constantly was put down for his accent and the color of his skin, could see that people were discriminating against them. I had a conversation with a Ph.D. educated professor at Purdue University that told me he did not know people being racist to him until 2 decades into his life in the US. I think the things David Wen witnessed were so shocking because in the US these things would still happen, but they would be performed in a seemingly innocent way. For instance, wearing Black face in the US is taboo, but you can fire someone without cause from their job in the US. And people are fired a lot for the color of their skin, but they are never told this because you can fire someone without telling them why. This is an imperfect example, but it can be extended to many other ways of life in the US.

[@el7griego]

"If you're in Nederland and you're looking for a coffeeshop, don't ask for a coffeeshop. That means something completely different" xD Loved that one. From my side, what was a complete shock to hear in your vid, was how quickly Americans seem to go to see a doctor. Indeed, we in Nederland go to the doctor when we feel our heart doesn't work properly for instance. If we have the flue for instance, we don't bother the Huisarts, we drink hot tea and call our employer that we won't be coming to work for the next week or 2 :)

[@LinnLinnok-fe5tq]

Not seeing a doctor when something is wrong is not noble or good. Seeing a doctor when something is wrong and you don’t know what it is or need relief, is the practical thing to do. Also FYI, Americans cannot just call off work whenever they get a cold. Workers in the US are lucky to get a week’s worth of sick days allowed per year. Often they may take vacation days if they have any left, to get time off for illness. Or they just go to work sick. So they NEED to see a doctor and get some relief asap in order to keep going to work all the time. Very few Americans have the luxury of being able to just call off work anytime they feel sick.

[@MarianneExJohnson]

There are plenty of Americans who don't go to see a doctor even when they're sick, because they don't have insurance and can't afford to pay out of their own pocket. But even if you do have good health insurance, there is this insane concept of "sick days," where you're not supposed to get sick more than 5 days a year, or it will cost you your paid days off, if you even have those. It's really a pretty awful country if you're not in perfect health. I've lived there for 20 years (in excellent health, thank goodness), and now that I'm back in the Netherlands, I'm never leaving again!

[@PietHein684]

David, in the Netherlands when you call the GP office you are talking to one of the GP's medical assistant. They are trained to assess your symptoms, and will confer with the GP if necessary and call you back. Just tell them what is wrong with you in a direct way without exaggerating. If the assistant thinks it is serious enough to see your GP they will schedule an appointment with the GP. The assistants might also give you advice themselves. The assistants can also help with a lot of minor things for which you do need to bother your GP. Without this system the GP would not be able to have a practice with so many patients. It is actually very efficient.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Patrick. May need to call the GP again soon so this is good to know 🙏

[@M0_z]

Medical system is pure bullshit, you call it and they're indeed "trained" but to prescribe paracetamol. Let's acknowledge the fact that their system is not good as they make you think...

[@Handwithaface]

I'm always a little surprised when I hear immigrants say the food in the Netherlands isn't diverse. Sure, a standard Dutch company lunch is pretty shameful. But if you live in a city and you cook for yourself, what common ingredients can you not get here, that are easily available in the US? Maybe it's just me; I was very surprised and annoyed at not being able to find sambal and ketjap in New York supermarkets.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I think that's the beauty of these 'culture shocks'-we all come from different cultures and have expectations of what's good/bad/right/wrong. I do really like the supermarkets here (I mean with Netherlands being the #2 largest exporter of agriculture). Oh yeah...I can imagine grocery shopping in New York to just be...well hectic and chaotic.

[@Handwithaface]

@@hidavidwen Oh, it's not so much that it was hectic. It's just that many things are not as easily available over there as they are here.

[@anikavisser4649]

Hmm you need to go to an Indonesian supermarket and also a lot of the food you can’t find in the US are probably dutchified Indonesian food.

[@Handwithaface]

@@anikavisser4649 Not much dutchified about the best ketjap in Dutch supermarkets, or the sambals you can get at many tokos in Amsterdam.

[@-gemberkoekje-5547]

We have great ans fresh jngredients here

[@alfred8602]

Hi David, when you're looking for some more cultureshock you should visit the more rural area's and the northern regions of the Netherlands. The city of Groningen for example. You would notice that the subculture of these area's are somehow different, sometimes very different from the rest of the country.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Alfred. I have it on my list and just met someone from Groningen too. I have lived in Maastricht as well and visited many towns-though many more to go. I do notice small town culture is different from the cities-true everywhere.

[@Metalboyy97]

@@hidavidwen Im from Groningen as well, and like everybody says, the Netherlands is not only Amsterdam, Rotterdam and maybe Utrecht. If you want to see a different kind of Netherlands i would recommend Groningen

[@StatusQuonald]

Ja jong, eem een aaierbal uut de muur.

[@annebokma4637]

Groningen is my favorite city for living and also visiting. Well worth the visit. And if you have a few extra hours, pack a picknick and visit Bourtange. It is an old star fortress. Free to visit, hardly any tourists. And if you have kids, they will find the toilet on the bridge hilarious 🤣

[@albertlay8927]

I'm almost 60 and this is really the first time in my live I hear this "honky tonky Shang Hai" or whatever they're singing.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Albert. I guess it wasn't taught everywhere? But I do know Asian Dutch friends who experienced it in school.

[@BobWitlox]

Same here. I'm 51y old. Never heard of it.

[@jrcreator2257]

There are a lot of things that you’ve never heard of, that will suddenly become “issues”, as American liberals begin to infiltrate The Netherlands. It’s called “identity politics”, and it’s one of the main reasons why Americans are so unhappy.

[@lienbijs1205]

My children did sing it at school with birthdays, amongst other " languages" like fake Russian, it starts in Dutch " Wel gefeliciteerd".

[@mcfrog5473]

I’m 20, we definitely all sang it when I was in primary school. Even at the time most of us were kinda confused about it because “what does Shanghai have to do with happy birthday?” Perhaps that shows it was already becoming dated when I was young, but none of us realized or were told that it was racist. It definitely wouldn’t fly nowadays anymore, though

[@serena8072]

I'm dutch and 35. I remember the hanky panky Shanghai song well. We where a multi cultural class and a main goal was to show different cultures and accept different cultures. That's how I felt about these songs. The whole class was exited about it, and it seemed a attempt to.. bring diversity. But I can understand it might not be welcomed by everyone

[@koen3415]

But those songs really don't represent other cultures though.... They just name a city and mock the language, It's more like mocking

[@serena8072]

In the end yes. I'm not defending it. But it seemed a combination of trying... but being naive. It had a positive outcome on me.... so . Made me interested in other people's cultures. And now I have friends around the world.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Serena! Thanks for adding your input, especially because you do remember it. I can only observe as an outsider based on research and what Dutch friends have told me (not a huge sample size haha). Yeah a friend of mine grew up with it too and didn’t realize how it could be mocking until she grew up. But I’m glad you had a positive experience (as I do think most people have positive intentions…just that we follow what we are taught when we are children and may not realize how they can influence our perceptions/biases as adults). Thanks

[@reprobert]

Really never heard of that hanky panky shanghai song? Maybe it's a regional thing or something from the Randstad?? I'm shocked that people sing such a song. But here in Groningen we never heard of that weird song.

[@michalovesanime]

@@reprobert I live in Rotterdam and had never heard this song. It's nothing to do with Randstad, a lot of the smaller towns have stuff like this. They have little to no experience with real diversity and culture

[@dutchyjhome]

Once you have decided to live in another country, especially in a country on the other side of the world, you will go through all the steps of grieving: you say goodbye to family, friends and everything you are emotionally attached to in your original country. And don't underestimate it; this farewell can be compared with saying goodbye to someone who has fallen away from you. In addition, the home country and the conditions in the home country as you left it will not be the home country and the conditions in which you will find the it after years abroad for 2 reasons: 1. Your home country and the people who live there (family and friends) is/are subject to constant changes and evolution's, however small as they can be which you hardly notice when you live there, but all together most likely will provide you a completely different experience of your home country and that this is the reason that after years of absence your home country does no longer feel like your home country and your friends and even family the way you left it/them. 2. Like it or not, you'll still get used (socially, politically, climate-technically and more) to the host country where you stay for a number of years and this habituation changes your perspective with regard to many things to your homeland. Being critical in your home country with regard to matters that you previously never would have discussed in your home country will therefore occur more often than you would like. And you simply cannot have both; you will have to make choices. Structural choices that give you a future in your country of choice. By choosing a certain country, you distance yourself and say goodbye to the other country, including the people who live there, and you welcome the new country, the new language and the new culture and the new norms and values ​​and the people who live there just like yourself. Even if you would fully accept the host country or new country and you would fully integrate into this new country with the new language and the new culture and the new norms and values, you still will go through the complete grieving process of parting with regard to the old country. It is absolutely not possible to keep everything you had in the old country without hindering your integration in the new country. This really is a Black or White situation, you've gotta choose...so it's all about choices unfortunately. You simply can't have both. The grieving process is inevitable, but don't go into the grieving process without giving yourself a real chance of success in the host country or perhaps during permanent immigration; the new country. These are unfortunately the facts as they are. I wish you wisdom at your choices.

[@ykyk917]

This is the first time i'm hearing somebody describe migration as a grieving process, and it sounds totally right. Thanks for sharing

[@1Lyvyan]

If you want variety in bitterballen, try the Bitterballenbar in De Foodhallen in Amsterdam. Also: the dutch kitchen is not known for its own culture, but for its excellent implementation of other kitchens worldwide. There is no other country that knows Asian and Italian kitchen as the Dutch.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing…I’ve been to that bar! Love it.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Hey, stamppot is pretty good though, every foreign person I have ever had the pleasure of feeding, loved boerenkool met rookworst. We also have an assortment of traditional stews and oven dishes comparable to the German and English national cuisine. And our cheese is of course famous around the world. We also bake really good bread. And of course, our snacks are famous as well, you mentioned bitterballen but we have a lot of other stuff that people from other countries like. I read a story a few years ago about a Dutch guy who moved to Poland, opened a snack bar and started selling people french fries with saté sauce, which became very popular very quickly with the Polish people.

[@y.v.l.]

I like your videos because they are very well balanced. I do have some comments on this one though. 1) It is true that our idea of food is generally very simple, however you can get everything you want in the shops or in the many restaurants, so there should not be too big a shock. 2) The "no floor" thing stems from the time - not that long ago - that renting not buying was the norm. You usually stayed for many years (or until your death) at the same place and you could do with your home (within reason) anything you wanted to make it your own. 3) Do not exaggerate to make a doctors appointment, but be more realistic. Most illnesses (certainly a cold or a flue) get cured with time, sleep and maybe a few paracetamols. You do not have to waste a doctors time or get a lot of pills (like in the USA). Those pills are often far worse for your health or even addictive. Do not forget in this country you are allowed to get sick it does not cost you your salary or your paid vacation.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words and the advice too! Most of the shocks are not things I dislike (eg. I found the no floors thing really interesting because it was so strange to me haha) but find fascinating. I really like it here and am very grateful for many things like the healthcare and paid vacation-I plan to do a video reflecting on all the things I have learned to love and appreciate (hopefully soon)

[@isabelcastaneda1466]

yes, it cost you if you are a flexworker. Ducthhealth system sucks as well as their unexistence food culture...lets be honest here..dutch people hate not to be or be seen as the fisrt in everything...that is maybe the biggest downside of this society...that explaines the racism as well, and the justification for their rudness disguised as being direct type of common behaviour...

[@tarimastanaka615]

@@isabelcastaneda1466 You're welcome to leave :) Not rude, just direct ;)

[@isabelcastaneda1466]

@@tarimastanaka615 well, guess what? im leaving, i hope i made ur day...

[@arjanpetersen]

@@isabelcastaneda1466 hi Isabel you are welcome to leave Netherlands. And go back if you don’t like it. It seems more like a fundamental distaste (and baseless) of Dutch people? That’s all fine. But stop whining if you are profiting from our country.

[@fizzfizzbang]

Random question: how do you keep UV rays from fading everything you own if you don't have window coverings? I procrastinated putting up curtains for over a year (in the US) and the backs of my armchairs were much lighter after that...a mistake I won't make again!

[@hidavidwen]

No idea! Anyone know?

[@arthurkortekaas7357]

@@hidavidwen we just get new carpets when they fade or turn them around to even it out lol. and we take care not to put precious things like paintings in direct sun.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

You dont. My dad bought a red cabinet 10 years ago, it was stood in the living room close to a large window facing south. After a few years, it was pink. Then he got rid of it and bought a white cabinet. However we dont have as much sunshine as many places as the US, the weather here is quite cloudy and it rains 200 days a year, for 3-4 hours on average. So it wouldnt be as bad. Also, quality furniture wont fade quickly, I have persian rugs that have been in direct sunlight for decades and they didnt fade at all. And you can put covers on your armchairs.

[@mickeydejong8950]

My children all live in the Netherland and they each have rented many different apartments/studios/rooms, but they never had to put in their own floors. I guess when you buy a house it occurs more often, but then you would want to decorate your house the way you would want it.

[@rinynewton8297]

Dutch food is very good! We eat a lot of vegetables, potatoes and meat. Nowadays there are a lot of different recepise and food is very diverse. As for a GP visit...no for a common cold we don't get antibiotics. Your body can heal itself and when you are really ill and need antibiotics then your body will respond to that more quickly then when your body is getting antibiotics for every sniff, cough or cold. Paracetamol and rest is sufficient for a cold to disappear. You do not have to act as if you are dying to get a GP's reaction....that's ridiculous. They are very good in their profession, in fact Duch healthcare is known as one of the best healthcare's in the world! We believe in making your body strong by helping itself so when it's really needed medical care jumps in.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Riny. Haha I hope you noticed it was a bit sarcastic (Dutch food). I mean for fun. I do like the supermarkets here and have been eating a lot healthier here and cooking more

[@cocoaorange1]

I live in Chicago, and primarily go for checkups, when I need a prescription, or feel very ill. Minor things, I treat at home.

[@OrionKane]

Hey David, just wanted to say I love your videos. Coming from the US, I want to move to the Netherlands, and watching your videos makes me feel more prepared (and excited)! It's also quite brave to speak about your experience with race, I really appreciated hearing your perspective.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Glad to hear they've been helpful! What else do you need to make the jump? =)

[@OrionKane]

@@hidavidwen I need to finish my degree here first, but I'll be studying abroad this summer, so I'll get to visit soon enough! Next I have to convince my girl to come with 😁

[@hidavidwen]

@@OrionKane Best of luck! Especially with getting the girl to come...but hey, cheap and accessible travel around Europe (Paris one weekend? Florence the next?)...who wouldn't want to come?!

[@joysmith773]

I lived in the Netherlands several years ago and I must say my experience was different. I was an exchange student and lived with a Dutch family and I still communicate with Dutch friends. 1. The food - it's very hearty for dinner. They always have potatoes and gravy and meat and a vegetable - very basic. Breakfast and lunch are bread and butter with different toppings. Not really sandwiches with two pieces of bread with something in between - more bread and butter with cheese maybe or peanut butter - sometimes chocolate pieces (like sprinkles but not as sweet). Also the Dutch have Tea at 4 pm with cookies or sandwiches and Coffee in the evening with cookies. By the way when you get coffee at a coffee house you get a free cookie with it unlike our coffee places! Dutch chocolate and cheese is really good! The Dutch like Indonesian food a lot - At least that's what experienced. And then there's Pannenkoeken(not sure of the spelling) - pancakes which are more like big crepes rolled up with different kinds of fillings. 2. Racism - I am African American and I was in Holland on Sinterklas Dag (Santa Claus Day) in early December. Black Peter (or Zwarte Piet) is a Moor hence his skin color. During the week preceding Santa Claus Day it is traditional to leave carrots for his and Sinterklas's horse. Each night Piet leaves candy in your shoes - we put them by the fireplace or heater - and sometimes a note encouraging you to be good! The blackface thing is alarming and the Black people I know in Holland don't particularly care for it but the character is well-loved. Sinterklas visits on the eve of Dec. 6 (I believe) and leaves presents. Traditionally he is from Turkey and rides a horse. There is no sleigh or reindeer! There is no going down the chimney. He is very old and serious. Zwarte Piet is the fun one of this duo - they travel together. 3.In a previous video you compared transportation in Holland and California - don't mistaken this for all of the US! I live in NY and my take on American public transportation is quite different! We have subways! Anyway that's my two cents.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Joy. Oh wow how nice, you got a true Dutch experience by living with a family! Yeah blackface is a very sensitive topic here. I was shocked when I first saw it in person. I do understand there is a long history behind it though. Oh yes the subway in NYC! What an experience. Though I still think the public transportation in the Netherlands beats the subway in NYC in terms of efficiency BUT in terms of experience…NYC subway takes the cake :)

[@Maussiegamer]

as native dutch person i have to correct you on a few things about sinterklaas -he is from spain not turkey -there is going down the chimney -black pete is black because of the soot not because he is a more -they arent a duo there are a ton of black petes

[@marinvanz.1924]

@Joy... what you are saying about evening diner and breakfast: that is really old fashion. These days we eat all kinds of diners. We love to make foreign food and also a lot of take a way haha. But the potatoes, vegetables and meat, more and more less people makes that. We still love potatoes a diner, but they will be fried, together with a good steak or schnitzel and a very mixed big salade.

[@Serko070]

the historical lyrics and depictions of black pete contradict every dutch right wing claim that there's no racism at play. it's all documented. it's deeply rooted in racism. a remainder that never got removed is the lyrics of "i mean well eventhough i'm black" in one of the most popular songs, with a clear implication of being black is normally something that is a red flag or means there's something fundamentally scary or bad about you. but that's one of the mildest ones that survived till today, only in the 90s they removed more and more of the blatant racist stuff.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

@@Serko070 The historical context is, there were very few black people in the Netherlands before we gave up the colonies and people immigrated from Suriname and the Dutch Antilles. So, the "I mean well though Im black" lyric was meant to not scare little kids who had never seen a black person before. Also, blackface historically was not a thing in the Netherlands like it was in the USA, nor was racism a problem, because we were basically an ethnostate until the latter part of the 20th century. These days still, outside major cities you wont see much diversity. Of course thew song lyrics can be updated a bit, and if people dont want Piet to be black they can do whatever they want. In my town people still put black shoe polish on their face and then the protestors show up and people toss fireworks at them.

[@fanmael5636]

I'm 62, lived most of my life in the Netherlands, apart from a few years abroad and never ever heard the Hanky Panky song. My son is half-Chinese and has never ever been confronted with any form of racism. Go figure.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Good to hear your son has never experienced racism

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Oh I definitely heard that song, we sang it in school in the 90s. Wasnt really considered racist back then. We also didnt have any Asian kids in class. In fact I didnt meet any Asian people back then except Chinese people running Chinese restaurants and the occasional (half) Indonesian person who moved here during decolonization. People cant be hurt by racism if you basically live in an ethnostate.

[@Ad_Astra2023]

I’m a Korean who’s been living in the UK for past 20 years. Things are improving slowly as we now can have our voice out there but before all social media platforms appeared, it was hard to let anyone understand or even simply to speak up. From my own and my other Asian friends’ experiences, the racism here is various from subtle as asking where we’re REALLY from to crazy as getting punched in the middle of the broad day light on the street by a complete stranger. It’s funny that white Brits say they’re sick of hearing those “complaints” because there is a simple solution : not being a dick to foreigner just because they look different from you.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Glad there's a platform to speak up...Asians traditionally don't do that. Let's hope for more kindness in this world...stay strong

[@cocoaorange1]

Is there a big Korean population in the UK? I know the Chinese have been there for centuries!

[@scorpioman1964]

I'm Dutch 58 yo , but sorry never heard of the Hanky Panky song. Never

[@hidavidwen]

Sounds like it wasn't taught everywhere. I don't know 🤷‍♂️ But some of my Asian Dutch friends grew up with it. Thanks for your comment

[@koen3415]

@@hidavidwen I'm 20 years old and almost all my friends know the song and now realise how weird it actually is

[@maartjewaterman1193]

Neither do I but I do remember how Dutch people would call Asian people 'pindachinezen', referring to the Chinese that came to our country in the 1930s of the last centure and were selling peanut cookies on the steets, beaches etc. Even as a child I found that so disgustingly disrespectful.

[@d.lauren1265]

Because of your age... When you're in your 30's you would know this and sing this song in elementary school.

[@t.f.5578]

Hi David, I'm new to your channel and have been thinking about moving to Amsterdam from Japan. Thank you for sharing your experiences there and information about the Netherlands. looking forward to next video!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there, welcome! I hope you make it here one day. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@-gemberkoekje-5547]

I heared that in Japan they tend to romantisise places like Paris or Rome or London or Amsterdam. So be sure to do plenty of research.

[@drtonimatrisa]

David! I studied in The Netherlands so I know exactly you are talking about. I really like your content and your presentation, I think your Chanel will blow up pretty soon. Good luck dear.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Dr. Trisa - thanks for the kind words and motivation! I also hope you continue sharing your knowledge through your videos!

[@Ivovify]

I am dutch, living in the Netherlands for most of my life. I have never heard that chinese song and know for sure this is not taught at schools. The Sinterklaas thing is really not meant to be racist, it is sad that people look at it this way. I am never hearing anything about people dressing up as Santa Claus which is similar to this. Dressing up as someone you are not and taking from a culture that is not yours. But this is a discussion going on here for quite some years now.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Ivo. Appreciate these constructive comments, they’re learning opportunities. Yeah I am only sharing my view of what I see as an outsider…and I’ve definitely learned a lot about the history, especially from these comments too. But dressing up as Santa Claus is well a bit different from my eyes, he’s seen as a superior (like a superhero) on the outside. But most people will not paint their faces white to be like Santa Claus too…

[@Hephaestios01]

The Chinese song is a part of a whole song, quite old though so its not as common anymore. The whole song is singing happy birthday in different languages for pre-schoolers. So you have a french part, english part, "chinese part" and a dutch part. Not sure where it originated from but the thing is that no kid at 5 years old knows how to sing happy birthday in 4 or 5 languages so its just an imitation and i think the body language part of it comes from how you teach young children to imitation and association. Never seen adults without kids do it before though since as an adult you understand that its weird to do.

[@franklin5000]

You are dutch so you are a racist. All we have to know. Thanks IVO.

[@Consequator]

The black face of 'Black Pete' is due to the chimney soot yes, the real reason that was thought up was because they needed a disguise so the kids wouldn't go 'why is uncle Pete helping out Sinterklaas' and they were used as a way to try and get kids to behave. Because kids that did not behave would get taken to Spain. That wouldn't work if they could see the undisguised faces. Charcoal was more readily available and easier to do than full face masks that would really get in the way and most likely freak kids out a LOT.

[@NinaW1n]

Yeah what Hephaestos sais its correct, its usually sung also in French, German, Spanish, and some other languages if you know them. But we dont sing the hanky panky shanghai part anymore in schools. (Let alone make the eye gestures.) But it was sung untill the ‘90s i think. Actually the song has many versions now, ‘happy birthday to you, in de wei staat een koe, en de koe zegt I love you, tegen Winnie de pooh.’ ‘Broodje knakworst knak-knak’ and ‘tra-la-la-la pizza’ are some songs the children came up with in my class.

[@annetbakker8770]

I was sorry to hear about the nurse telling you to find you G.P. when you needed treatment for the dog bite. I hope you got the treatment you deserved in the end. You're right about people not going to the doctor unless they're very ill, I recognize my own behaviour. Thank you for the video.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Annet. I was fine afterwards. But lesson learned!

[@Yuyayayu872]

How did you get bitten by a pitbull? Was the dog not on a leash?? That is so scary.

[@zoeliu48]

Thank you for touching on the subject of racism! This is one of my biggest concern moving to NL from the US. Still navigating and trrying to figure out how to tackle this area when i live in NL

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Zoe - just want to clarify…while there’s racism everywhere, I don’t think the racism here is like the US (where it’s a big thing). While it’s understandable you have concerns moving..in my experience, it’s fine. From your name, sounds like you are Asian. As an Asian myself, I never ever felt threatened. Of course the occasional stupid ignorant comments (mainly from teenagers) but it’s fine if you are in a big city. In smaller towns, may be different but I can’t comment on that. Make the move if your gut tells you, it’s a beautiful country here!

[@dicknr1]

This is insanity you all make it all about race while you know nothing of who its for or what its for. Its a children tradition. The one you all copied and made santa claus from. And we own the original version of that. Not about race. Its about fun for kids. And foreigners who are too shallow to go on the internet to find out how old it is and why this tradition exist do love to play race cards. Kids dont see race here. if they do its your fault as a adult for planting that in them. You the racist for always having that mindset. Not the kids, not the adults here. You all who are too shallow to see nobody absolutely nobody makes it about race. Except you foreigners and migrants. You all should be ashamed of yourself for being that shallow when this country is the most accepting in the world.

[@quintend1305]

@@hidavidwen Yeah, we're racist because we're ignorant, not because we hateful.

[@yvon4366]

@ZoeLiu The Zwarte Piet discussion and tradition is currently at a turning point. Note that there is a relatively small group of Dutch people are fighting to keep the tradition alive. According to them this tradition must remain untouched because it's a children's party (and that is actually true) it has nothing to do with the slavery past. But times are different now. Strangely enough, this discussion fuels racism among this group of followers. Do you realize that this topic is rekindled every year around the celebration of Sinterklaas and then again hot topic in the media. Majority of the Dutch are willing to change the tradition for the good. I wish someone would speak about that. We are in a transition phase regarding this...look at it this way! In general you will notice little of racism in the Netherlands and you will see that we are a progressive people and live in a multicultural society.

[@arturobianco848]

We aren't really racist more insensitive and have some weird humor in that regard. If you are worried about the racisme in the Netherlands don't be. Yes like every country we do have the real ones but it doesn't get violent. In fact this is the first the clip that started with racisme as a culture shock.

[@Paul_C]

What you, and most others forget, though the Netherlands have an outlook that stretches beyond their own borders, there is a particular system in place for any problem you might encounter. Let's say there is a Dutch born person who gets bitten by that same dog. He'd do what any Dutch person would do, shrug it off, take a paracetamol, phone the GP at 09:00, make an appointment for later in the day, get the tetanus shot. Being bitten by a dog is, eh, an occurrence of little consequence... Sure, that is the Dutch thing in me. The system has you covered. Born in this country means all your data from birth, is known. Every visit to the doctor, from the day you were born, gets recorded. Story time. This happened to me less than 2 weeks ago. I contacted my GP because I thought I could hear less than normal. Thus made an appointment to see the doctor. He had a look, didn't do anything but made an appointment at local hospital for later that day. Why that was so you might ask? Ever since I was a child I had troubles with my ears, a series of mid ear infections, a stupid thing of ripping off my right ear (never stick your head in an automatic revolving door). That and the fact cleaning ears can be difficult in my case, a visit to local KNO specialist. Result of it, can hear better now. Crux of the matter: I had to nothing more than make one phone call. And I have moved house and GP 4 times since my last visit to any GP. The system worked as it was designed to do. Oh, one last thing, that ripped ear actually happened, let's say I was accident prone in my youth. Ear infections was a common occurence as a child and that hearing issue happens every 15 years or so. Regarding other ailments, yep, have those too, heart patient and some eh, brain haemorrhage type of thing too. Those are not part of GP's job, specialist only for those...

[@rainglowHaven]

You can make appointments same day?? In the USA when I try to schedule a time with my GP its weeks in advance...

[@bakkels]

I especially liked the 'planning' part. It's true. I was baffled that you thought planning your holiday a year in advance was weird 😄 You can show up unannounced at someones house though, but only if you're really, really close friends. And even then, it depends on the person. The open curtains however is something I always noticed at well. Even within Europe, we seem to be the only ones doing that. Go to Belgium or Germany? Windows are almost always shut or have the blinds down in the evening. Gotta take a stand on the food part though. Yes, our sandwiches are... well, meagerly covered. And I guess for a foreigner our dinner cuisine is nothing to write home about either. But I've been to the US. I tasted your bread (you don't have to put so much sugar in _everything_). I also tasted your cheese. I was offended. 😉

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Haha I still don't plan that many things in advance (more like a week ahead for small things like lunches/dinners). For food...the Dutch do have good cheese-that's a +1 =)

[@MarianneExJohnson]

Dutch food tends to be pretty simple, and you're not going to win any cooking competitions with our sandwiches and stews. But I like it a lot, I find it tasty and very satisfying. I love all sorts of foreign foods, but a basic cheese sandwich - two slices of lightly buttered brown bread with two slices of young Gouda cheese in between - is something I'll always come back to, it's great. 😊

[@BostonsRandJ]

Interesting. Would like to see an updated version 5 years from now.

[@pandapolka]

Interesting as an American who works in healthcare, to see the hot-take that in the US people just freely go to Dr's whenever they want, or when they don't have a "real" problem. This may be true in some cases (I do see some people making frivolous appointments or getting overly concerned about things that are very likely nothing) but I think the bigger issue in our system is people NOT going to the doctor or delaying their care because they don't have health insurance, or the insurance they have does not cover the type of care that they need, or other financial concerns around how and when they will have to pay their medical bills. Still, the Dutch system does sound different and I appreciate your perspective on this. Very interesting video, thanks!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks for sharing! You have a point…I know several people in the US who decided not to go to hospital (or call an ambulance) due to the extravagant costs…

[@samirpradhan8504]

Thank you for this awesome video. I’m in the SF Bay Area and seriously looking at moving to Amsterdam soon, so everything you covered is super helpful!

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Samir - You’re welcome! I miss the Bay but love it here too. I hope you get the chance one day. Let me know if you have questions. David

[@rdevries3852]

If you plan on moving to the Netherlands, you may want to look into getting a place outside of Amsterdam. Not that there's anything wrong with living _in_ Amsterdam, but it can be significantly easier and cheaper to get a home even just a few miles outside of the city. And with public transportation and bicycle infrastructure in the Netherlands being absolutely excellent, getting into the city is pretty much always quite easy. Or, if you're a car person, you can just take the car. Because the good public transportation and bicycle infrastructure also means that the (well constructed and superbly maintained) roads aren't nearly as busy and crowded as you might think, considering how densely populated this country is. Honestly, driving in the Netherlands is a joy compared to driving in many other countries; including car-centric America.

[@hidavidwen]

@@rdevries3852 That's great advice and true. The public transportation in the country is very convenient (when it's on time!). I know quite a few people that live just outside and they commute to Amsterdam. Although living in a city still makes a big difference if you want to experience true city life!

[@samirpradhan8504]

@@rdevries3852 Thanks for the recommendation, and it's similar to what others have mentioned as well. Any suggestions on where to look? Some have recommended the Zuidas district to get away from the touristy area, while others mentioned farther out like Haarlem and even Utrecht.

[@mg156doon]

@@samirpradhan8504 I’m in the bay area too and also considering moving. How about we connect?

[@elsotto3314]

I am Dutch and sometimes people visit unannounced and I like that. I will invite them to have dinner with us, if they want they can stay over. I mean to say not all Dutch are the same.

[@hidavidwen]

True. We are all different as individuals first and foremost. But culture of course also plays a big role

[@hansonel]

Thanks for the very helpful tips. As an American planning on moving to The Netherlands soon who grew up bicycling and walking to school in all seasons and weather, is fairly direct, likes open windows and doesn't care about whether people can see in at night and basically never goes to the doctor and hasn't been in a hospital since I was born (knock on every piece of wood around me) now I know why I'm drawn there. In addition to amazing and efficient infastructure. The lack of floors in new apartments and food culture will take some getting used to though...

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and haha sounds like you’ll fit right in! For the most part, I love living here and hope to do a video soon on the things I like the most. Where are you coming from by the way?

[@buttdickenz]

Do not come here, do not make our problems worse.

[@nannejandejong7112]

About : No curtains - When I walk in town in the evening, I feel much safer in a street where windows are open then when the curtains or windows are closed with blinds. In a village where a friend of me lived I walk instreets nearby. An old man lay in a bed near the window. Every time I passed by I waved and he waved back. Until one day ....

[@8teein]

What happened??

[@mickeydejong8950]

With our busy lives and everybody doing different things it is very hard to schedule a date. Especially when you are planning a gettogether with a big group. Holiday planning is essential, especially if you can only go during the school holidays. Everything gets very busy everywhere in Europe around those times. Also, when you are traveling with 6 people or even eating out with more than 4 people, it is very hard to accommodate people on short notice, especially if it is a popular place. I tried to book a favorite hotel in Florence Italy, just now in August, for a week in May, and it was already booked up for the dates I wanted. Also, in New York I tried to book a favorite restaurant and you had to book that one 6 weeks in advance!!!

[@MYoung-mq2by]

The Dutch food item I found to be rather strange. What you displayed on your table is a handful out of many foodstuffs available here. Believe it or not, there is also an abundance of fruit and vegetables, for instance. Vegetables are eaten in many different ways but also in typical Dutch combinations like stamppot (basically a potato/veg mash). Even stamppot has many different combinations and is eaten with a variety of different protein sources. Variety is the spice of life, and that's certainly not less so in NL. So, I just thought that this bit was like a visitor to the US saying that American food is ketchup, fries, soda, bagles, and hotdogs. So, yes, my instinctive reaction to this was: very, very strange indeed.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Haha yes it's a bit sarcastic and I had a little fun with it (it's KZbin after all). But I think the Dutch are very well known for many things...just not food.

[@frankhooper7871]

English here and I love stamppot! But of course, I also love bubble and squeak LOL

[@GItoKeG]

Mmmmm stamppot.

[@MYoung-mq2by]

@@GItoKeG Absolutely!

[@Yayarayaya]

Yeah and erwtensoep is honestly one of my favorite soups! And the Dutch pancakes are just the best pancakes in the world to me! The sweets and pastries and breads etc in the Netherlands are also really really good. (Much better and better quality than in the USA) Overall we have very high quality food. And you can also get nearly any kitchen from the world in the Netherlands which i really love too. But i do understand his point that we are not KNOWN for our food. But it was doing Dutch food a bit unjustice for the people abroad looking at this video.

[@physicalinvestor]

I felt many of the same things having lived there as a teenager in 2006-2009! We were shopping for a home to rent and the floors were all torn out and we had to get a new floor installed. Also Mayo on fries 🍟! Great video.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yeah that one is an 'interesting' shock (the floors)..all internationals I talked to were also shocked at the no floors.

[@carrstone01]

That's not nearly as bad as french fries without mayo.

[@tatjanaarmendariz2813]

I’m from the Netherlands and live in California now; I’ve also lived in NM and TX. Racism is all around us coming from all ethnicities, you only need ears to hear it! Growing up in the NL differences were openly discussed and embraced and we bonded over our love of food.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing! Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine 🌞 I need some more of it right now 😂

[@Xx-ib6bf]

Learned so much from your video! Thank you. New info that others don't include, both facts & insight. Done in a respectful & thoughtful way.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words! :)

[@koen3415]

Hi, I kinda feel bad for you David, us Dutch people get very sensitive when people speak about our country. In my experience most people I know don't care what colour black pete is and a lot of the people who do care are not necessarily racist but a little more conservative, they don't get how these 'traditions' hurt people and they don't like the change (even though it makes no difference). In a lot of places you never see a black pete anymore and honestly no-one cares.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Koen - thanks for the message. I think some people don’t get the intention of the video…I wanted to express what I found as culture shocks or different (which is entirely normal because I was raised in a different culture). And some sarcasm as well (a Dutch food…😄). And it’s the beautiful thing about this world. I love the Netherlands and have plans to do a video of what I really like about NL. There will always be overly sensitive people…I wish them well

[@ricardomeertens9165]

people care they are just to coward to speak up and get cancelled. where i live there was a anti black pete demonstration. 15 people where there to demonstrate against. there was a counter demonstration with people for black pete almost 3000 people. al kinds all colours all ages. and then the police came and started hitting old people some old lady was trampled by a horse. i got smacked in the face with a baton while i was filming with my bike in my hand and phone in the other while with my back to the police on the first row. this is how you make people angry. most people don't care in the Netherlands because we are not allowed to be proud of our history, if you are proud of our history your a racist or whatever because of slavery. while no white man captured a black slave they all got captured by their own people just like now more than 700.000 slaves in some parts of Africa. its low information most dutchies know very little about our history and culture. also its part of the internationalism and globalism. if i go to a supermarket the cashiers wont even speak Dutch i have to speak English and if i expect them to speak dutch I'm again a racist or whatever.

[@michalovesanime]

Nah a lot of these people are straight up racist. Hopefully you actually have knowledge and experience with this and not just a white Dutch dude excusing what is done to us.

[@ricardomeertens9165]

@@michalovesanime who cares anymore white people get called racist all their lives, maybe those other people should grow up and look at history and see they are hypocrite

[@Landkruizert]

@@michalovesanime Your comment is actually racist. And what exactly is "done to you"...? Playing the victim doesn't help you or anybody.

[@hujia430102]

Thanks for this video, I am moving to Amsterdam from Feb 2023 and hopefully can meet interesting people like you and get to know this city better.

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome and best of luck!! You'll have a great time

[@atelesh]

Hi David. I encountered your channel by accident. And I would like to tell you have a quality content. I like the topics you raise and the way you formulate your thoughts. You seem really intelligent. Wish your channel success! Subscribed

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words Anton! Really appreciate it :)

[@ramonschliszka6332]

I might be mistaken but I believe every hospital with an emergency room has a GP as well you can see instead of using the emergency room. Triage is normally done at the door by a nurse practitioner. 😊

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ramon. Didn’t know that! Should’ve asked for that but no one redirected me though :/

[@ramonschliszka6332]

@@hidavidwen no probs. Using the emergency room will cut into you’re own risk (eigen risico) of 350 euro’s while the GP does not. This is of course done to reduce the pressure on the emergency rooms.

[@ddejongh3466]

Henkie punkie isnt a part of a the educational system. I never heard this Being sang at schools.

[@racingweirdo]

It was in my time. But my kids dont know this song

[@s.b.907]

I knew the song as a kid, not sure if I learnt it in school. My brother is 9 years younger, he doesn’t know the song. So it hasn’t been taught in about 30 years so far as I know.

[@dorryakgul1119]

Sinterklaas is the culture of the Netherlands , it is for the children ....and the happiest time in Growing up for children i grew up with it and also my children Only foreign People who live her not so long have problems with it But if you ask the most dark Coloured People they have no issues with it Let every land have there own culture And about the directness? We dont like the little talks who means nothing, it is wasted time !

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@KristiKreys]

Really interesting video! The lighting, poses, design, just all is perfect! Good job

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Karoline :)

[@fidgetykoala]

Northern European cultures are quite similar across the board. I'm a Southern European, although I was born in Turin which is supposed to have a more systematic approach to life, and I love planning, this personality trait is usually seen as a bit overexaggerated when dealing with SE people. I wonder how good would be to complete a project management course in the NL, considering what you were saying. Also, as far as GP goes even in Scotland doctors were reluctant in giving away too many meds. I found this practice quite off-putting at that time, but I can tell you that in Italy is actually the opposite and we have far too many meds, and people think is the only way a body can heal.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Rosa. Very interesting perspective. You are now in Scotland? Yeah I can imagine there to be many cultural differences between northern and southern europe…of course we learn to adapt over time…and of course we still retain many from our home cultures. What’s still shocking or challenging for you to accept living in Northern Europe?

[@TheSuperappelflap]

I did a minor here in NL in college in project mgmt, it was a good programme, I still use a lot of that knowledge in my job

[@tonnycroezen85]

Hi David, Sinterklaas with his black helpers (black pete not black face) are to represent a bisshop from Myra (Turkey) and the helpers from northern Africa, being Moors which are dressed accordingly. In history they were internationally being referred to as "blackamoors" (source: National Geographic 2019). The festivities in The Netherlands exist since the 13th century and as such have no racist intent. With saying that, I am not denying there is racism in The Netherlands, but I would not consider the Sinterklaas-festivities being the example to be used for it. On the other hand, since people are being offended by it, it ought to be changed. There is no way to not adapt as I see it and this is what has been happening all over the country over the last decade(s), but for sure there are still examples left. To put Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet in some other perspective; I could imagine a situation where the aboriginals would remember the landing of the first Dutch on the Australian cost and painting themselves white for that matter. Would I consider that being racist? No, I would not. But again, if people take offense of black pete, it ought be changed.

[@Handwithaface]

Black Pete was not a part of the Saint Nicholas celebrations in the 13th century. He showed up in the 19th century, and was played as a blackface caricature similar to the American blackface tradition, which also made its way over here around those times.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Tonny - thanks for the comment. I appreciate it and your perspective. I know it's a controversial topic, and it's always nice to learn from people themselves (vs. the media). As you can imagine...it's a 'shock' for me (and probably many other foreigners that visit)...but I also know there's another side of the story, and it's enlightening for me (a foreigner) to hear all the different sides of the story.

[@hidavidwen]

@@Handwithaface Thanks for the input. Do you know who invented him or how he became so popular?

[@Handwithaface]

@@hidavidwen He was popularized by Jan Schenkman's book "Sint Nicolaas en zijn knecht" (Saint Nicholas and his servant), published in 1850. That book is where a lot of the current ideas about St. Nicholas originate (him arriving by steamboat and going on a parade through the town was also introduced by Schenkman). In the book, the servant is nameless. The name "Pieter-me-knecht" was given by Joseph Albert Alberdingk Thijm in 1884, who recalled a private St. Nicholas celebration in 1828, where St. Nicholas was accompanied by a black servant as well. But Black Pete only became a staple of the celebrations in the late 19th century, when the "intocht", the entry ceremony when St. Nicholas arrives, became popular. There was usually just the one Pete with him in those days, sometimes two or three. The first intocht with a whole load of Petes took place after WOII, when Canadian soldiers all wanted to play Black Pete. Pete has been controversial for most of his existence: the earliest known article that criticizes the character's racism is from the magazine De Groene Amsterdammer in 1930. However, the debate didn't become truly mainstream until the 2010s. There are also people who believe that Black Pete is based on the demon who used to accompany St. Nicholas in medieval times, but there's no evidence for that connection, and it's very unlikely that there is any, since that demon was absent from the celebrations for a very long time before Black Pete first showed up.

[@hidavidwen]

@@Handwithaface thanks for the history lesson!

[@gstar1084]

Please don't exaggerate your problems when speaking with your gp. People in the medical sector have bigger things to deal with than conditions that can be solved with bedrest. Just stick to the truth. The dutch healthcare sector is among the best in the world when it comes to health outcomes according to several international studies. They know what they are doing. Also: if you exaggerate your symptons based on this advice, gp's will start to notice. Crying wolf can have devastating effects...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for offering your perspective. I can understand that if you're not that sick, just stay at home. True. Unfortunately, I've heard stories where the person actually had something big but didn't know until it was too late...but when they called the GP to check, they were turned down because it wasn't severe enough. I mean not all stories but a few. Again...it's not bad or wrong...it's just different compared to what some expats are used to...and that's what a culture shock is. It's a learning experience =)

[@anikavisser4649]

Actually the Dutch healthcare system is the worst of private and public healthcare combined.

[@Paul_C]

@@anikavisser4649 pray tell what that sentiment is based on? Seems to me you has a tendency to disbelief the actual data.

[@stefaniagobessi8582]

instead, it is really a good advice to exaggerate. One of my friend risked his daughter's life when the GP underestimate a serious infection that was quite obvious and refuse to send the child to the hospital, treating her with paracetamol. BTW: my friend is an Italian doctor and she knew perfectly what was going on and insisted but to not avail. The kid was literally saved by her mother! And this is not the first time I hear about this. Moreover, I found very inefficient the lack of preventive medicine in this country. Check up visits to specialists are inexistent. I need to go back to Italy to have a full Woman check up, which often can detect early-stage malignant diseases, and pay full price....

[@hidavidwen]

@@stefaniagobessi8582 My friend's husband also just found out he had skin cancer (luckily it was treated)...his GP told him it was fine and there was nothing...but he decided to dig deeper and used an app that detects skin cancer...and the app (well the specialists through the app) told him to seek further help...and indeed he had skin cancer. It could've been way worse... Just an observation. I think the healthcare here is great...but I've heard this observation from many people.

[@greggiggle]

Have to comment about being scolded by the nurse after your dog bite. Traveling in Amsterdam, I was doing some shopping at a supermarket and instead of taking a basket just tried to carry everything. Well, I accidentally dropped a bottle of beer and it broke. The entire store looked like I had just set off a bomb. One of the workers came over and was screaming at me in Dutch. When she realized I was a tourist, she ratcheted it down a bit, but she continued in English to read me the riot act. Yes, it was my mistake, and I created work for her, but being completely screamed at by a shop clerk in public was an eye-opener for me.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

Thats not normal Dutch culture. Thats Amsterdam. People there are rude. I remember last time I was there I went into a shop to buy a sandwich at the train station, had about five minutes to catch the train. There were 3 employees just standing there doing nothing. After waiting a minute, I asked them when they were planning to get back to work and they ignored me, so I left without a sandwich. At bars and restaurants as well the servers are rude. You probably cant understand them but they basically just put a beer down in front of you and tell you to go F yourself. In every other city personnel is much more polite. If you drop something in a supermarket, you can tell the staff and they will clean it up straight away, no one will get mad at you. I worked at a store for years and people drop things all the time. Sometimes I dropped things myself when stocking shelves. It happens.

[@mudkip_btw]

In schools we used to sing birthday songs in like 5 different languages. Of course, kids don't know anything about language other than Dutch, so it's really dumbed down and made childish. For context, this is typical for grades 1 and 2, so kids from 3 - 5 years old. We used to sing in Dutch, then English, German, French or Spanish, and Chinese. Of course, none of it made any sense but it made the whole experience really fun and memorable. The "hankie pankie shanghai" song is part of it. I understand now that it comes across as racist, and maybe there's some truth in that. But I hope this gives some context in where it comes from, and why (almost) nobody who is Dutch sees it as racist. This also explains why people are so reluctant to change, since it is a common cultural thing which many Dutch people can relate to. Same for Zwarte Piet as well. I'm all for changing traditions, btw. It's a shame how polarising this debate has become over the last few years... Why not just let everyone be a Piet in any color :| Anyways, I enjoy these videos, thanks for uploading ^^

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective Ren!

[@LL-cc4ro]

You did a great job presenting and explaining the Dutch Culture.. visiting for the 1st time in April.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks, have a great time!!

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

We are a mixed couple. Both born here but one of us has Indonesian roots. Our food is very mixed. My husband looks Asian but his behavior is 100% Dutch.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. I am soooo curious, what is it like being a mixed couple in the Netherlands? I’d love to do a video about that!

[@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536]

@@hidavidwen no problem. Welcome

[@quatra1000]

Regarding studying, for the Dutch it's much easier. They live with their parents in a small town and take a short daily trip by bus or train to/from where they take classes. For them, living in a big city would be crazy. I've been living in Mexico for 44 years but my children, who studied in The Netherlands, lived with my family in Bilthoven and took their daily 20 minute trip by bus to Utrecht University.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah everything is so small in the Netherlands (relative to other countries) and accessible. You just answered my question in another reply. Seems like you are in Mexico...curious, what brought you there?

[@krystanruitenbeek3636]

I think that the open toilets are less weird here, because seeing the human body naked or partially naked is normal here (from what I have experienced my whole life) from just walking in on people doing it or naked beaches (naaktstranden) or even naked camping.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Oh yeah...also the nude Dutch spas can be a shock for many foreigners too

[@Hrn250]

Bitterballen is a snack . In a normal Dutch family we eat those sometimes at a party, in a cafe with a drink , bitterballen is not daily food.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks. I’ve had bitterballen for dinner before…delicious

[@Hrn250]

@@hidavidwen bitterballen for dinner is unthinkable with us, but if you like them that much, be free to do so ☺️

[@group555_]

What is feels like to grow up with the black facepaint every year? I don't think it's an issue because there is another place where the holidays is celebrated where the majority of the population is of colour and they still paint their faces. This was never an issue until people started to force the dutch culture to uphold to American culture. Somehow this turned black pete into a blackface character even though this has never been the case before.

[@jbk6907]

At work we have a work café. They serve salades, soups , snacks, fruit and mixed sandwiches, veggie or meat , fish. Very diverse. We do not al eat cheese sandwiches.

[@suppuahdoepah]

We got a lot variety in our snacks and candy, but thats it. For lunch its bread and for diner its potatoes and vegetables with a piece of meat. But for snacks and candy its a huge variety. It should've been the other way around in my opinion

[@hidavidwen]

Haha in a way, I like how easy and efficient it is (to cook). Saves a lot of time and energy thinking about what to cook (I'm not much of a cook myself). Oh yeah there are a lot of snacks!

[@suppuahdoepah]

@@hidavidwen if you're cooking a diner in a traditional dutch manner. Its 20min and you can eat haha

[@fitzhugh2542]

Hey Thanks for this video! Asides from the racist and urinal stuff, Dutch culture sounds great to me (I'm Canadian). The whole low context/high context spectrum explains so much about communication with my wife (who is Korean). I love Dutch directness although I don't know if I have a thick enough skin to handle direct negative feedback. Also I love Dutch food. Herring sandwiches and the cheese sandwiches. PannenKoekken. And not to mention the Indonesian food in the Netherlands is great.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! Haha wow if you love Dutch food, then really this is the perfect place for you because that (plus the weather) are usually the biggest "shocks" for many foreigners haha.

[@SwordOfHeimdall]

I've never heard of that song in my life and I'm 41. I am appalled. Must be a regional thing.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. Must be a regional thing like you said!

[@EelcoHillenius]

Zwarte Piet is awkward for people who didn't grew up in the Netherlands, but it's about as racist as Santa's Elves being a dig towards small people. There isn't a racist intent behind it. One variant of racism I've come across visiting NL with my wife are misplace jokes. They weren't bad natured per se, but my wife got really upset once when a guy behind a fish stand on the market made some sort of joke about her being Chinese (she's Thai). I don't even remember exactly what, but it was a good example of Dutch people being 'lomp'/ insensitive that can really sit wrong with people who aren't familiar with jokes 'Dutch style'.

[@AlbertZonneveld]

Try the fish diches: Dutch shrimp (often in starters) Smoked mackerel (on a bun) Smoked eal Sole and Place dishes Mussels And winter dishes Dutch Pie soup Stamppot (often with Cale or Sauerkraut or Carrot and unions) And Dutch cheeses

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Albert. Wow so many things to try. Adding to my list. Thanks =)

[@ddejongh3466]

I have No idea Where you get the idea we plan lunches years ahead. Again...Maybe something you heard again.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha you caught me. I didn't mean it literally...well I hope you sensed some 'exaggeration' on my part =)

[@armandovanhaaren9823]

Buy your floor ? Like carpet . Who wants the previous tenants disgusting carpet

[@mongoliagolia9172]

Hi I'm new to your channel! I'm curious are you working in NL?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Mongolia Golia, welcome! Yes I am currently working in the Netherlands. What about you?

[@mongoliagolia9172]

@@hidavidwen thanks for your response! No I'm in Canada but I hope to live in NL one day 😀

[@hidavidwen]

@@mongoliagolia9172 good luck! It’s a beautiful place to live :)

[@nannejandejong7112]

About floors: I like to decide about the interior of my house, the furniture, the colour of the walls and so on. So I also want to decided about the floor. I prefered Scandinavian wood. I don't like to live in a house with textile carpet.

[@-_YouMayFind_-]

I see racism more when you portray a person in a negative way. Not when you just paint your face black. I know America looks different in that. I mean I would not care if black people would paint their face white, as in fact some darker toned people are at times using products to make their skin lighter. No one talks about that. As well white people can be darker as well which I found funny because I saw an American on KZbin and she thought that someone that just has toned skin is immediately a black person. I can be darker if I lay in the sun lol suddenly people think I come from Spain. This is so annoying because being coloured does not make you black. Black pete is looked at positively so its not there to offend black people, but indeed there is no country that does not have racism. Yes looking for a home is difficult. Especially Amsterdam indeed, but generally its hard now because we have so many people in such a small space. We have not yet built enough homes. I still live at home with my father and sister. This reason made me stay at home longer, but they are building so it will be fixed over time I believe.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the response. Yeah I definitely believe in customs and traditions and don't think it's intentional racism, but it does come off as racist to many outsiders (who come from different cultures). I mean that's what culture shocks are. It was shocking to me but what has lessened the shock is hearing more stories about the tradition. Yeah Amsterdam......I've been searching for a place, and it's so stressful.

[@singlepringle7485]

Hi David, I'm really glad to hear your best example for racism is a traditional annual celebration - good or bad. It would have been really bad if you were surrounded by unfriendly people in your day to day life! There is a lot of different cultures here, and I hope you get to discover and enjoy all of them!

[@TheWalonja]

Weird that mostly ppl from the US can find racism in everything 😂

[@bartdejong524]

Wat een rare presentatie van Nederland, het lijkt totaal niet op de werkelijkheid

[@jfnoxus]

You make your own variety with the food. When i see you with the bread, cheese and bitterballen on the table I immediately have the thought to combine them all for an awesome sandwich. Broodje bitterballen with cheese and mustard is great Also I really recommend you to visit Limburg if you haven't been yet. We have our own dialect here that is slightly different from town to town. For example the dialect in Maastricht is very different from Roermond or Venlo. I was born in Elsloo, the oldest farm town of the Netherlands. I have visited all provinces except for zeeland (still on my to do list) and personally I think Limburg is the most beautiful part of the Netherlands. Also in Limburg people are a bit less direct.

[@hidavidwen]

I lived in Maastricht for 1 year! Beautiful place. Thanks for sharing. I’m getting hungry now..

[@anneliesS04]

I'm born and raised in The Netherlans, but I always close the curtains as soon as it's getting dark. I can't understand why people are okay being watched by everyone that is passing by their window. The positive side about it is that there's always something to watch when you go for an evening walk 😉

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Annelies - haha I find that I am more shy/nervous about looking into someone's home than they are-I am really curious to see but there's a side of me that is like "Can I really look into their house???"

[@anneliesS04]

Hi David, as long as they don't take the effort to close their curtains, I don't see the need to keep my eyes away from what is happening inside. I mean: if they don't want to be watched, they should close their curtains. You'll be surprised what you'll see. Put away your shyness and enjoy observering the Dutch in their natural habitat! 😁🤩

[@Handwithaface]

@@hidavidwen In my experience, people who leave their curtains open at night (who are still in the minority in most neighborhoods) are rich folks who have cozy homes and a big happy family at the dinner table. I always feel it's equal parts "we don't want to feel locked up" and "we want to show off."

[@hidavidwen]

@@Handwithaface haha yes true. If I was rich and had a super fancy living room…I would show it off too….

[@hidavidwen]

@@anneliesS04 haha thanks for the encouragement! Next time I pass by and something interesting catches my eye, I will try to be more open to stare :)

[@edwinbiere9305]

I'm dutch and I never heard the hanky panky shang hai text sung on happy birthday before. Sure didn't learn that in school (luckely!). To me booking the summer holiday for next year in april, is extreme. I am sure people do this, but i don't think the majority of the dutch already are taking care of next year's summer holiday

[@amosamwig8394]

wij deden dat op school, ik was het helemaal vergeten dat het een ding was, zo slecht als ik er nu over nadenk, maar destijds stond je er niet bij still

[@hunchbackaudio]

I live in a smaller town Amersfoort, 150000 people. I can eat a different cuisine every day for one month straight and still people complain about the lack of variety in the food culture? Puzzles me every time. I can buy any ingredient in my own town, if it’s African Asian, South American doesn’t matter, it’s all there. Heard people say how they are missing Mexican food, while I have literally 6 supermarkets in walking distance that sell enchiladas, tacos, burritos, tabasco or whatever it is Mexican people eat? I grew up on 25 rijsttafels for every time I had stamppot, but bami or nasi is not considered part of Dutch food culture. Even a snackbar has 20 times the variety of your average American fast food chain. Try to find something as simple like a frikandel in NY, good luck with that. They do have donuts, which are actually Dutch oliebollen with a hole in the middle. Must be the same reason why foreigners think we’re all on clogs. By the way, black pete must go, always hated that character. Looks like he is been finally putting to rest.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey hey thanks for the response. Yeah I guess each person has their own preferences on what good food is. I'm sarcastically complaining about the food if that makes sense...I mean Amsterdam has a lot of food options which I am very grateful for, but the Dutch are not known for their food culture from the perspective of outsiders (though very well known for many other great things!)

[@hunchbackaudio]

@@hidavidwen wel, I know we’re not known for that, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have one. What I like is that Dutch will embrace any food culture and add it to the menu if they like it. That’s why we have so much Indonesian, Surinamese, Chinese, Turkish and Maroccan food. Besides the food from other European countries of course. Also a large range of fresh seafood. And if you want something else we have lots of Thai, Greek and Argentinan restaurants. Never seen this variety in an average small town anywhere else in the world, correct me if I’m wrong. Bigger Dutch city’s have even more choices of course. But still people think we eat bread and mashed potatoes all day? What can you do, that’s what people think 🧐

[@rooooooby]

Most Mexican food in Europe is Tex-Mex, American style Mexican food.

[@SimonedeVries]

Heya, so about the public urinals: After a night of drinking, drunk people tend to, you know, empty their bladder in the canals when they need to on their way home... But being drunk, people tend to pass out a lot and end up unconsious in the canals. So I think a big part of these public urinals being there are to stop this ':D

[@hidavidwen]

Heya Simone - haha makes sense. Well as a guy, this is a big plus for me (they’re also free) but just so interesting to see! It’s kind of strange to see them but that explanation makes sense. For big events like King’s Day…those get real nasty though 😂

[@hartjeslips4061]

I seriously doubt that...I'm old enough to know that urinals already existed when I was a little girl...I'm 70 now...and this was just part of a men dominated society where they were catered to their needs...and where being drunk really was scandalous...so all well behaved gentlemen would never ever be seen drunk in public.

[@pauldiam0nd]

DO THEY SELL COFFEE AT COFFEE SHOPS? WHY DONT THEY CALL IT A CANNIBUS SHOP? ALSO, DO THEY SELL CANNIBUS AT CAFES?

[@hidavidwen]

In the 1970s, regular coffee shops where people drank coffee sold cannabis so that’s why they’re called coffee shops. You can get coffee at the coffee shops. But you cannot get weed at any normal cafe

[@pauldiam0nd]

@@hidavidwen ahh... gotcha! 👍

[@TrijnieWanders]

I remember the day that coffee shops took their sign off their buildings in the 80's. To Dutch people, not living in cities that attracted tourists, it made no sense at all that cannabis shops were officially called coffee shops instead of cannabis shops.

[@elizabethbill1038]

Get alive here in California you can buy weed in drive true just like going to mc Donald. Also you can not just move to Europe. These videos are stupid. In most countries in Europe you an only stay 90 days.then you have to move. Some need to have a video on that problem.

[@fauzanhelmi]

Dutch culture very good... thanks indonesia here

[@autohmae]

As someone born and raised in the Netherlands, I've never heard about 'hanky panky shang hai'. What a strange song. Sounds like it's from a time multiple generations ago. Teaching it seems strange too, has to be at some kind of 'backwater' where they've never seen any multiculturalism. Which is pretty hard to find in the Netherlands.

[@hidavidwen]

Glad to hear and thanks for sharing your opinion. Perhaps it is from a while back…though there are some KZbin videos of it from the past 10 years..a few friends who are late 20s-30s have (one grew up in a small town here)

[@autohmae]

@@hidavidwen Well, I still hope you have a good stay (permanent or not) in our little country.🙂 regardless of some old habits which take a long time to die... 😕

[@anjaseidl4003]

Hi Dan, very directly, I like you CANAL. I enjoyed most the ones which were shot in your canal house. The stairway part. I would love to enter this house and "feel" it. Many times, when I see old houses, I would like to enter them.

[@REKHAAHITAAN]

I have felt all the things you mentioned in the video. Totally shocking for me as I have recently moved from India to Netherlands

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Rekha. What was your biggest shock?

[@REKHAAHITAAN]

1. The food, they only eat bread and cheese in all meals (like they come with the packet not even lunch box) 2. Dutch Planning - I am still not able to get how can they plan so much, I am good planning one or two days but for two months, that was eye roll. 3. The directness - one person in office is calling someone’s idea shitty and stupid without sugar coating. It was funny at that time but then I realise what if it was me. I am currently living in Arnhem, liking the expat life, the strange weather as it's been just 3-4 weeks I am here. I wish you all the best for future videos. Success.!

[@milovandegraaf6014]

​​@@REKHAAHITAAN i hope you like it here

[@suppuahdoepah]

My opinion on the do called racism category is quite simple. If you want to change sinterklaas for example, change it on a civilised way and meet in the middle. Don't force change and stamp the racism onto people who aren't racist. Talk and try to meet in the middle. Personally i ain't busy with the controversial topics. Many people from color even like the black pete tradition. With the old birthday songs i know its not meant to be racist but yeah they need to be more modern in my opinion. But people need to look at it with a sober eye more, try to fix it together.

[@Handwithaface]

What's there to fix about Hanky Panky Shanghai? If no one sings that song anymore, no one will miss it. I remember it from when I was a kid, but I'm honestly shocked it's apparently still being done.

[@suppuahdoepah]

@@Handwithaface well fixing it in a non controversial way, maybe use a real Chinese birthday song.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah I don't like controversial topics myself but for a 'culture shock' video, I just want to be honest because it was honestly a shock for me. But agree that true change cannot be forced but through conversation

[@jrcreator2257]

There are a lot of things that you’ve never heard of, that will suddenly become “issues”, as American liberals (especially Californians) begin to infiltrate The Netherlands. It’s called “identity politics”, and it’s one of the main reasons why Americans are so unhappy.

[@michalovesanime]

@@hidavidwen he's lying. We don't like this but the Netherlands is so racist that they even use us to protect themselves from criticism while not caring for us when we try to talk with them.. Most of us mind, the few who don't just don't care to support us. He's being very disingenuous, he thinks he can convince you, a Asian man, of the opposite. This is Dutch racism in a nutshell. It's gaslighting, it's talking over and dismissing, it's saying they don't care about the subject but still have a strong opinion. It's using us for their image but throwing us to the wolves. Obviously black pete is racist. We ( black dutch people) have been fighting against this racist holiday for over 60 years! There's a lot of racism in this country because we weren't a good country. Slavery, colonialism, imperialism. Anyone with a sense of history would understand the connection between these things.

[@danteaghoulfromspace2996]

going to the doctor with a cold is like hiring a building company to fix a small dent in the wall. if you want some regional culture in the netherlands, i recommend Friesland, and the anti Frisian Frisian capital, Leeuwarden. funnily enough, my favorite coffee shop has cheaper tea and coffee than any cafe ive ever been to, and it's good too

[@DemoedervanMees]

When I was younger and someone had their birthday we would sing happy birthday in Dutch English and Hanky panky Shanghai is supposed to be the Chinese version 😅

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Niziela. What do you think about the Hanky Panky song? (Then and now)

[@DemoedervanMees]

@@hidavidwen I came to the Netherlands as a refugee when I was four and grew up in a town being the only black people. As a child we really believed that we were speaking chinees. We also had songs that was supposed to be Russian. Being older and especially pregnant with a half Russian baby everything is supercringe worthy. It wasn’t done out of malice but times change and as a civilization we grow

[@suppuahdoepah]

And I do agree with the doctors. Sometimes you need to act like you die to get your point across. I Had a few of my personal experiences with that. The Netherlands is a very dense populated country with a lot of cultures. And we might been seen as a very direct culture and it could be true and all, but the one thing i don't like about the Netherlands is, we have no unity. We are quite divided when it comes to our agreements. For example. When shit hits the fan in countries like france, the entire country will go to the streets to demonstrate for their demands. A mass strike will happen. In the Netherlands it isn't the case. Over here when shit happens for example with the farmers that went on a mass strike in the first week they had support from other's a week later people were complaining about the traffic jams...

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yeah I've learned a few stereotypes about the French and other Europeans ever since coming here (love it). Interesting to hear about the unity here...do you think it's because the Netherlands is a very individualistic country?

[@suppuahdoepah]

@@hidavidwennice haha it's quite a nice country yes. Well it's more because of the stubbornness with people and their opinions I guess and from where you come from/live. People rather pick their own opinion above all, so if there was a chance of a discussion to change the outcome of some ones opinion it would turn rather in a contest then a civil discussion. And on the other hand for example politics, you hear a lot of people complaining about politics but only a small portion of people will go to the streets, and those who go to the street will be made fun of by those who don't go to the street by telling them it's useless and you're an idiot for trying. You've got many different groups and cultures in the Netherlands with many different believes and opinions, and for most of the time we respect one and a other on their own way of thinking unless it comes to a crossroad

[@suppuahdoepah]

@@hidavidwen the only time the dutch finds unity is when the country is celebrating kings day/or the dutch football team is on. So it's a issue. I think it's that we as a individual don't let ourselves get dragged into a problem that easily. We are very self aware of our way of dealing with certain issues that we don't bother the issue that much. If things get more expensive we do complain but we won't act upon it, we adapt by saving on our expenses more. So it's in our nature I suppose and where it comes from I don't know. Because I. The early 1900s the dutch would go and unite to rally against unfairness. But it all changed some how. Every city every town got their own kind of people with their own accents

[@anikavisser4649]

Yes I agree with your. Out society has become very individualistic. Why is that :(

[@Pasunsoprano]

Ten minutes of googling and you would have known that black Pete is a 4000 year old mythical figure (called Krampus in Germany f.e) from far before christianity and Saint Nicholas. The current version was drawn by an abolitionist because Saint Nicholas was a Turkish bisshop who was sainted for freeing black slave children from Saracen ships. Ergo one of the first anti- slavery acts of the Catholic church. When that tradition started there were no black people in the Netherlands, actually no human being is black, but black Pete has to be, because he is the symbol of the dark in the celebration of the returning of the light (pine tree with lights). Also Saint Nicholas was the Christian replacement of Wodan, the god of thunder who rode the skies in a chariot. He had black raven helpers (the thunderclouds) who flew over the rooftops to look through the chimneys who was naughty and who was nice. Black Pete is the symbol of righteousness. Like the black and white combination of yin and yang. But who cares, right, let's destroy that instead of doing any research. The hanky panky song is Happy birthday with several added verses with each verse a different "language" charicature. The irritating thing about foreigners being easily shocked is that they would rather yell racism than get properly informed about the background. Our doctors don't prescribe unnecessary medication because in our country they don't make their money from prescriptions and we don't have to pay through the nose for healthcare. Plus there is no medicine for a common cold. It's a virus and antbiotics only work on bacteria, not virusses. Also a bitterbal is a snack, not a meal. At least our food is far less processed than most American food which contains chemicals which are forbidden in Europe.

[@jasonharris3277]

Excellent video! Thanks David!

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome and thanks Jason! What did you learn or were curious about?

[@DeKempster]

Sidenote: Hellman's can't legally be called mayonaise as it hasn't the minimal percentage of oil and egg yolk.

[@willzyxOfficial]

It also doesn't taste "Dutch", and was introduced to NL only a few years ago.

[@InnerResearcher]

I live in the netherlands as well and have lived in NYC for 4 years. I can never get over the dutch food... I mean, for me nice warm lunches is a must have. When i go into the office I can't handle only eating sandwiches and wraps haha. I don't think anyone moves to NL for food, hah!

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Gabie - haha I don't mind the cold lunches...but I just can't have bread and cheese...I'm used to American sandwiches where it's packed with literally everything. Yeah I haven't met anyone (yet) who moved to NL for the food...

[@markjacobs1086]

So... We're just going to forbid Santa as well because you know, he's not that healthy looking & therefore promotes obesity. The elfs is just making fun of little people (that are the way they are due to serious disabilities)... You're reading WAY too much into it, if we were to seriously consider EVERYONE'S feelings & walk on eggshells all the time life would seriously suck big time...

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Mark - I never said we should cancel anything =) But I am just offering my perspective of what was shocking to me (as an outsider)...as we are all different as people and cultures. But I do believe in a world where we do consider other people's feelings.

[@martijnhaarman298]

I think Mark means to say is that zwarte Pieten en Sinterklaas are part of a dutch culture just like Santa is a part of the culture of the US. What you’re suggesting is that we change our culture because our holidays are offensive to you as an American because you see it from your perspective. Dutch people (of all skin colors) know this tradition mostly as a joyful time of eating candy and getting gifts and spending time with family. I do understand why abroad our traditions are misunderstood and I do think zwarte piet will eventually disappear. In my opinion that’s a real shame. 🤷‍♂️

[@hidavidwen]

@@martijnhaarman298 Hi Martijn - thanks for your perspective. Yeah I know this has been and is a controversial issue...I am all for traditions, but my intention was to state my 'culture shock' coming from a different place...not that the tradition should be banned because I love traditions. And I know kids (and adults) love Zwarte Piet...I just hope there is a resolution because kids don't really care about color (I know as a kid...I only cared about candy, games, and having fun haha)

[@martijnhaarman298]

@@hidavidwen I agree with you children don’t mind what color zwarte Piet has as long as he brings sweats and presents. I think the reason a lot of Dutch people are so defensive about this is because the organization kick out zwarte Piet seams to think it’s reasonable to accuse people who want our traditions to remain the same as racist. While most simply aren’t

[@anikavisser4649]

gaslighting. You are actually sensitive. Sorry when a black person finds Zwarte Piet offensive, their opinion trumps over the white person.

[@arjanpetersen]

I don’t know the Chinese song. It wasn’t taught anywhere in the 80s or 90s. I’ve never heard it or seen it.

[@hunk1967]

On the housing crisis: We favour expats with a 30% tax deduction. Tell that to the Dutch with expats driving up the market with that same deduction. It will be finished by the next government. And it should be done fast.

[@spoonman2605]

You're talking about 'imitating Black Piet'. I think you got that wrong, nobody is imitating Black Piet. You need to dress up to become Black Piet. It is like dressing up like a clown: you paint your face white, put on some red lipstick and a curly wig. Or would you consider a clown an imitation of a white person too?

[@hidavidwen]

I think clowns should be banned from this world...they still haunt me till this day... But thanks for offering your perspective!

[@spoonman2605]

@@hidavidwen Is that because american clowns are odd, or because you are? Dutch clowns are funny.

[@suppuahdoepah]

The chinese birthday song, we had songs for many more cultures for birthday's. Its not meant to be racist i do understand the controversial part of it. Its a very old song, that was taught to kids as a sort of chinese translation of the dutch birthday song. But not as a real chinese language.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Tim for your perspective. I know it's not intentional (and I do believe most people are good) but yeah personally...I've had multiple encounters with teenage boys here who just came up to me (usually ing groups) pulling their eyes back and saying racist things...I know teenagers are teenagers, but I do know a lot of it comes from what we are taught as kids (sometimes unconsciously). Anyways, thanks again!

[@Vanessa1900.]

I am 43 years old and work for over 20 years in daycare. And never ever even heard this song.

[@KajiRider1997]

Most of us had the racist things in school and didn't think anything off it till later in life where we quickly learn its bad and we adjust to it. Hopefully this goes for all people in this country at least

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. I think many of us (as people) learn things when we are young...it's up to us to figure out if we need to unlearn/relearn as adults. It's not easy though but important

[@eetwatkaas1157]

I can understand why a forgeiner would have very mixed opinions about Zwarte Piet. But as a mixed kid growning up sinterklaas is one of my favorite hollidays. Kids cant even grasp the contept of racism. It was a good thing if anything. They always give candy (pepernoten) to kids. Also they are trying to implent something called "roet pieten". Its basically zwarte piet but it actually looks like they went trough a chinmey because only a small part of their face is brownish

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective (especially as a mixed kid). Yeah I do see the differences in how it's celebrated in Amsterdam vs. down south (Maastricht).

[@Diegotheparrot]

We used to sing "hanky panky Shanghai" in elementary school, but never made the slanted eyes. The Asian kids in class loved it, and to be honest, most dutch people like it when their language get made fun of sometimes. They don't take themselves too seriously, which is a cultural thing. Sounds quite American to immediately say it sounds racist. Just shows how focused Americans are at racial problems.

[@jrcreator2257]

This is exactly right. There are a lot of things that you’ve never heard of, that will suddenly become “issues”, as American liberals begin to infiltrate The Netherlands. It’s called “identity politics”, and it’s one of the main reasons why Americans are so unhappy.

[@michalovesanime]

A lot of them did mind, but why would they say that allowed to someone like you? Who obviously doesn't get it. We are done with this stuff, you may enjoy being racist but stop hiding behind people of color. Most of us are not okay with any of it, we avoid people like you more and more

[@lienbijs1205]

Exactly, but I also don't see any problem with the slanted eyes as well. It is a face feature.

[@anacasanova7350]

No es nada malo disfrazarse de negro , de chino o de indio. O de blanco irlandés. No pasa nada. Muy interesante lo que cuentas de los holandeses. 😀😁

[@10svenk]

As far as I can remember the birthday song is like that because you had a lot of versions in different ''languages''. The eye pull thing was to show it was the asian version. You also had the Dutch one, English one and I believe also a russian one. Maybe even more. I never even tought it was racist as a kid or even as a adult until I heard about it again a while ago.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing!

[@i.k.8868]

I commend you for talking about racism in the Netherlands as a foreign resident youtuber. Many seem to shy away from the topic.