4 Things That SHOCKED Me About the Dutch Culture (as an international living in the Netherlands)

In this video I'm sharing with you 4 things that shocked me about the Dutch culture as an international living in the Netherlands. If you're a foreigner living in the Netherlands - maybe you can relate with some of these things I speak about. Let me know down in the comments how your experience of living in the Netherlands is like!
What are your questions about moving to the Netherlands you'd like me to answer in my next videos?
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// ABOUT ME:
I'm Karim, I'm an international creative entrepreneur living in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. With my KZbin channel, my goal is to give you an unfiltered look into life in the Netherlands.
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[@DenUitvreter]

I strongly disagree. It's not that calvinist culture hasn't been historically dominant, but it was exactly this culture that brought the Dutch and the world religious tolerance, individual freedom, egalitarianism, upward social mobility and other tolerance, and they are all connected in a way that everybody is equal except the differences in money. So it's private what you make, and if it's much more than others you don't rub it in and you don't squander it, you build wealth in relative modesty. There is nothing virtuous or generous or even nice about ostentatious consumerism. "Doe normaal, you're crazy enough as you are"is about your individuality not being above that of others. You still got to respect the others and therefore the norms. I'm one of those well over 40 and from the generation that pretty much succesfully ignored skin colour as relevant, and I've never been in any entirely white class or probably any group bigger than 20. I had openly gay classmates in high school, had friends from different religions, backgrounds and colours and one of my parents friends was a transition psychiatrist, all in the more rural East part of the country. I'm not saying it was perfect, but now foreign young people who absolutely don't know anything about Dutch history and culture, they mostly didn't bother to learn any Dutch so they exchange myths about Dutch culture and history among internationals without access to actual knowledge and understanding, come telling us to take an example from basically the USA, which on social matters has been particularly backward, about a 100 years behind on the Dutch. You see the Netherlands has been the least racist country in the West and therefore probably in the world since at least WWII. The USA has been one of the two most racist countries in the West. So for me, as the much better informed and more knowledgeabel about Dutch culture and history, that "social justice" is regress and not progress. People from more racist countries bring their racist culture together with their projections and 'solutions'. I did not expect the government to take care of me, I did expect the government and society to invest in me so I would get into a position to give back to the next generation, maybe only in taxes but still. Now these taxes are used for investment in foreigners for whom the level of our universities are lowered. And then these 'internationals' come to tell us we were wrong allthough they have no idea how we were, check your privilege and check your sense of entitlement, which is actually strikingly similar to that of British colonialism.

[@randolf666]

Amen

[@hansdevriesvonmengden3639]

"the Netherlands has been the least racist country in the West", just curious, where did you get that idea from?

[@DenUitvreter]

@@hansdevriesvonmengden3639 Besides the reputation among other Western countries, there are more objective markers like the high number of interracial marriages and relationships, which are low in racist countries. The number of adoptions of non white children. The number of blacks/POC in high 'privileged' positions and when like Rector Magnificus of Leiden University (1930's), cabinet minister (1903), damages payed for racial discrimination happened in the 1850's. Things like that don't happen in a racist country. The represenation is also an indication. First black player in the national football team was in the 1950's, and not an issue (the crowd put him ont heir shoulders after his debut), the Netherlands has been sending POC and blacks to the ESF from the first few years of the festival, sending an Aruban girl to the Ms World contest in the 50's was blocked by the USA. Then there was the massive support for foreign struggles for racial equality, the American civil rights movement in particular but also the Dutch anti-apartheid movement started in the 50's. The day of national mourning for JFK, a very rare honour anyway and especially for a foreigner, was held explicitely becaause of his efforts for racial equality. Of course there are a lot of Western countries with less of a colonial past and therefore less opportunity to show their antiracism off like the Dutch did. But that's usually not very helpful and the other colonial powers were far behind on the Dutch. Portugal is a good candidate probably, but the progressives in the UK, France, Germany always look with envy and admiration to the Netherlands for a reason.

[@karimeloteify]

I appreciate your deep insight and thoughtful engagement with my content. We all have our biases and entitlements and I'm working on mine every single day. As I continue to live here and grow, I'll be sure to share how my perspective shifts and expands. Thank you for your part in my growth journey!

[@sharminshimul2205]

There are many people who practice honest communication with respect, who learn how to manage their money based on their needs because they come from challening financial situations, there are people who practices to live a simple life that doesnt involve overspending and standing out,but just do simple things for the people around you and live a simple life. It amazes me how according to some people, the Dutch have monopoly on these kind of characteristics, it is like no other country or nobody else on mother earth knows how to live this way!

[@ozymandiascakehole3586]

People being cheap is not something I've ever encountered in my life here, maybe student age people might be cheap but thats because they're basically flat broke. But this thing some expats say about getting send tikkies for 50 cents is as foreign to me as it is to expats.

[@williamgeardener2509]

It may be shocking to discover that Dutch people do not spend money that they don't have to impress people they don't know, like Americans do. We don't dress to impress and no one, with the exception of criminals, cares if you wear a Rolex watch or not. Showing off your wealth is not done because it's not "acting normal". One point of criticism: Could you stop stereotyping the Netherlands because of your experiences with just a small minority of Dutch people. Amsterdam or Rotterdam are not representative for the Netherlands.

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

Waar. Nederlands zijn is snappen dat elk dorp en streek zijn eigen dingetjes heeft.

[@collinsfriend1]

There was a time when ostentatious display of wealth was considered shameful in the US and a cause to be embarrassed. However, in the 80's that flipped over and now it's all about showing off. This isn't unique to the US. In Lebanon, my friend tells me that people are pretty much into showing off designer clothes cars etc. (She's very rich BTW but raised more old school in the US) It's too bad the US capitulated to more shallow and still so afraid of the "s" word (socialism) There's too many people who think in black and white and assume socialism is Stalin's Russia.

[@EricvanDorp007]

Hey ! This is good content about my country because we are totally direct and don't waste time so you are correct! Good upload! Really! And Yes totally openminded! know all about that:):) So happy I was born in my own country, happy it was the lowlands!

[@karimeloteify]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@CLabij]

My grandmother always used the saying: "Goede wijn behoeft geen krans". Literally translated it means: "Good wine doesn't need any laureate". Within the Calvinism believe it relates to that your talents are gift from God, so there is no reason to brag about them. And the reason to keep things sober was twofold. One as a contrast and protest against the Roman Catholic church and two you are not supposed to waste you're talents (eq. money).

[@robertboender5816]

I think there's a misconception about " doe normaal". From the 16th century the best place to be was the middle man. That was the place where the most money was earned. So not on the top and not in the gutter. In time our social system grew to bring people to that middle place by a kind of membrane that pulls you down when you go to high or brings je up when you go to low. And I think there's where the expression Doe Normaal comes from.

[@karimeloteify]

Hey Robert, thank you for sharing this.

[@chubbymoth5810]

I would say it is more of a marriage of both religious and commercial interest.

[@TTTzzzz]

Points 1, 2 and 3: Dutch efficiency. Point 4: Are you kidding??? I'm 62 and my friend's ages vary from 30ish to 70ish. We all have opinions about all the subjects you have mentioned and more. They vary of course and that's the fun of it all. You have must have met some very, very dull and ignorant 35+ people! Do watch out for your bias and prejudices. It supresses new experiences and thoughts. And don't be such a bloody snob.

[@GabberPinda]

Respecteer z'n mening. Het is hoe hij het ziet en ziet. Wilt niet zeggen dat die gelijk heeft met alles natuurlijk. Geloof me in Egypte ben je een stuk minder vrij en is vrijheid van meningsuiting een stik beperkter dan bij ons.

[@TTTzzzz]

@@GabberPinda OK, maar zienswijzen en meningen moeten idealiter overeenkomen met de werkelijkheid. Hij moet nog veel leren, oa. niet een snob zijn. (mijn grootste ergenis) Ik weet dat Egypte een militaire staat is. Er is alleen vrijheid van meningsuiting waneer je met hun eens bent.

[@leonidas7692]

Hahahahaha

[@kevintje25]

Hé karim i like your video. Ok i like you wont go out of your way of a confercation . I gat 1 for you a nice hot topic , what do you think about our migration policy and the fact that there are to few houses even for our own people ?

[@SwirlingSoul]

I'm 47. I've been raised in ways that are now VERY politically incorrect. I AM apparently very incorrect, in many ways, and I find myself having to adapt, and adapt and adapt.... and eventually one finds that you can't anymore. That you're stuck with certain ways and ideas, because they're your roots from very long ago. Now, I can adapt my ideas in the now, but the roots are still there. I would love to discuss things like racism, ableism, etc, ... I love strong debates with strong opinions, and changes to change them if so inclined after good discussions. I also feel very out of this society, with how big the changes have been. I do not fit in anymore. It's weird. I sometimes feel VERY old, and sometimes incredibly open and flexible with ideas and intrepretations. So, all in all, I'm just a very confused citizen, and i usually don't say much. One thing I have been trying to plant a seed of, is the idea that SOME of the racism, is actually just a huge cultural difference. Sometimes things clash, and I think we have countries and borders, because some people just want to live differently. Be it because of climate zones, daylight in the pole circle times, or rainy season as an example for certain cultural things, but that also goes for life choices. Zwarte Piet, such a sensitive topic now, but such a love childrens feast when I was small. Full of wonder, excitement, respect, gift giving, gift receiving, praising of others, and singing songs, and being grateful. I don't remember ANY negativity, what so ever. It hurts now, that this is branded so deeply as racism, and in my heart, I cannot understand WHY there is such hatred, when all I feel is love. Such tough topics.

[@hansdevriesvonmengden3639]

You criticize like a Dutchman, in a matter-of-fact way. Well done!

[@karimeloteify]

Those four years here have got to count for something! 😂😂

[@einde79]

Good content. I think its hard for the 35+ to give there political opinion because they are raised that you don't talk about wat you have voted , its a personal thing , the same is , you don't tell everyone how mutch money you earn. The yonger genaration has less problems with that. Today its also verry hard to give your way of political thinking because they place you directly on the left or right perspective... when i was younger we had good discusions, but respect there are pepole who think difrently . Now a days there is no room for a good convensation and drink a beer if your oppinions don't match

[@ronnie9187]

Well, I don't exactly think that the idea from a calvinistic is not "not to stand out", otherwise Netherlands would not be a very succesfull country. It is more like "don't show off, work hard and be humble", that is a major difference. We have world class scientists and companies and when you see the street infrastructure, public transport, univercities or succesfull companies, sports like soccer, we are more succesfull then you would expect from a small country. Being calvinistic is not at all about mediocrity. Hard work and talent are recognized and rewarded more then in most countries I think, but showing off with that, that is something that doesn't fit in the Calvinistic mentality. Same you see in Switzerland, where Calvin is coming from. Hard working, driving for success and being succesfull, but not showing of, or pretending you are superior to others. That is why Mark Rutte our president was going out for diner with Macron the french premier to a simple (but good) restaurant. Its a little sign that is understood among leaders " don't throw out tax money and don't show off". Its also quit funny all those different culture differences in Europe, the little and friendly battle between Norht and South Europe.

[@rubenvanpraagh8791]

Dutch Directness is generally fine. It's Dutch opinionatedness that makes it obnoxious. We have opinions more than we have in-depth knowledge (really, the actual number of opinions is higher). I know I should be more aware of that sometimes, and many others should as well. Which is an opinion in itself, so that proves I can't help myself... 😅

[@lennartvers1767]

Good content! On your first point about Calvinism you mention that you were shocked to find that way of thinking in a Western-European country. The Dutch invented capitalism and the middle class and are probably one of the most significant trading nations in world history. With the VOC as the largest publicly traded company that ever existed. But unlike the US for example, showing off your wealth is indeed not considered classy in these parts. Or is acting like you are somehow better than somebody else because of your wealth or your social standing. And because of that, for example, our Prime Minister can cycle to work and our cops are friendly and helpful. Instead of being distant and authoritarian. And that is the same for other Western-European countries as: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway to name a few. The so-called class or income differences in these countries are low in comparison to another Western-European country like the UK for instance. Where, to this day, their society remains to be divided in classes (upper/middle/working). Also good to know is that all the above mentioned countries including The Netherlands always rank in the top 5 or at least in the top ten of the happiest countries in the world or best countries to live in the world. So perhaps there is something to it?

[@dennisvanulzen]

I feel like it wouldn't matter where you're trying to have those discussions with people over 40, those concepts for most countries are still fairly new and we all know older generations are kinda set in their ways ;)

[@karimeloteify]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I appreciate it!

[@DenUitvreter]

Maybe the Dutch were set in good ways, and these concepts from relatively backward countries aren't an improvement? Do you have enough knowledge and understanding to be the judge of that?

[@TTTzzzz]

Bullshit!

[@TTTzzzz]

@@DenUitvreter I know he hasn't.

[@dennisvanulzen]

Ok...so you think that older people would react different in other countries abd this is just the Netherlands' issue?

[@Semmy27]

Dutch people be like: Ik krijg nog 10 cent van je XD For the last point I think the older generation is neither anti nor pro and treats everyone the same, but are not waiting on someone who is in theire opinion a bit exaggerating. Besides they were the first the accept gay marriage. You can do you and I will do I

[@karimeloteify]

Hahaha, yeah that's a bit funny sometimes. And thanks for sharing your thoughts about the last point, indeed that's a way of looking at it.

[@rolandboerhof9391]

I strongly disagree with the distinction of older people being less tolerant. The stereotypes of the Netherlands as being open minded, well aware of world politics and tolerant, stem from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Those days are gone.

[@Harry_PP030]

You don't understand much about our culture. We spend money on our friends, but we don't like freeloaders. So there must be some kind of equality. About 'doe normaal'; you can stand out, no problem, but don't act like you are better than anyone. You can be proud off course of whay you know or can, but without putting others down. Religion is no actual thing, if you want to be religious no one has a problem with that. At least if you don't bother others with it.

[@Decoy629]

maybe africa is a better place where you fit in better.

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

Doe normaal is act normal or behave, not do normal. We Dutch spend a lot. Look around. In Egypt they don’t have by light years the same level of infrastructure. Guess who is paying for that and guess how expensive that is. If the Suez Channel was in The Netherlands, we would have made it already much deeper and much broader twenty years ago. That’s how far we look ahead. But that cost a lot. Sugar coating, people who are beating around the bush, don’t say it straight and right on, we don’t trust at all. Why you have to the communicate in ribbons and gift packages? What are you hiding, are you lying? That’s why. In Arab countries they lie all the time, they just put their honor and image for the truth. Big no no in The Netherlands, just not done, only by our governmental psychopaths. But we consider them as not Dutch, just Swiss traitors. We are smart, we will figure out the truth anyway, and then you lost your reputation as well. Again, straight to the point, practicality. In Dutch we say that lies move fast, but the truth catches up anyway.

[@TTTzzzz]

Caveat: most or many instead of only 'Dutch People'.

[@tomdebruin2512]

Sorry, where are you living in the Netherlands, I assume in N/S Holland. That's only a small part of the Netherlands. Look around, travel, meet diffrent people, before you make any statements about the Dutch.

[@TTTzzzz]

Dutch Calvinism also encouraged the amassing of wealth. How you did it was not so important. Many, many people suffered and were killed in the Netherlands and aboard. Forced labour, slavery and other unethical means to 'earn' money was ok. Even now, if you have a 'Gereformeerd' business relationship you better watch out. No kidding!

[@bertvandervorst5585]

Niemand die je tegen houd weg te gaan 🙄