Are the Dutch Stereotypes True? How People in Amsterdam Really Are

A Dutchman and two expats share their experiences with the Dutch and Amsterdam culture. Some aspects deal with the (lack of) hierarchy, the planning, and influx of immigrants and expats.
In this series, I will also upload other people's perspective on Dutch culture, while in the next series, expats in Berlin describe their experiences in Germany.
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[@henkoosterink8744]

If you want to know how Dutch persons are, don't go to Amsterdam.

[@user-wn8cp3qf1x]

Again another little provincial with a huge inferiority complex.

[@gregorjcocco]

In primis, I would say that we should not confuse the term "culture" (of a nation, a people, an ethnicity, etc.) with the term "daily routine" because they are two very different concepts expressing two very different matters. (unless there are places where, having little or no cultural baggage, only the "routine" remains to buffer this deficit). Analyzing the statements of the interviewees in the context of classical sociology, interesting reflections emerge on the perception of "Dutch culture" (actually "daily routine") and its impact on everyday life. The distinction between "culture" and "daily routine" emerges as a key element of discussion, highlighting how daily habits and plans can either reflect or diverge from cultural richness. Below are some key points followed by brief considerations of mine (in parentheses). // First interviewee: - The boss is comparable to the last employee (closely related to the work or economic sphere). - Many Dutch people plan everything (fear of unexpected events). - They do not show much spontaneity (emotional deficit and a result of extreme planning). - They travel frequently (often isolating themselves or completely disinterested in local people they visit). // Second interviewee - Dutch people are relaxed because they plan (illusion of controlling unexpected events). - They show interest in international people (yes, interested from a materialistic perspective, not a human one; in fact, they see "international people" as human resources or a source of economic gain). // Third interviewee: - "Dutch culture" is significantly different (from what? From the rest of the world?). - "Dutch culture" is very, very different (yes, they are also different among themselves, but fortunately, this happens in all nations). - Amsterdam has a culture of tourist shopping (that is, extreme materialism and consumerism). - Rotterdam has a culture of local shopping (that is, extreme materialism and consumerism). - In Amsterdam, they plan everything (fear of unexpected events). The Dutch are considered rather boring (this is a completely personal and subjective consideration). Once again, nothing of human relevance or appreciable. Unfortunately. G.

[@TheMovementHub]

Thank you for your summary and interpretation Gregor. I agree that daily routines are to be separated from culture, but how much people value routines and planning, are indeed cultural dimensions. Of course there are interpersonal and interregional differences, like for all cultural dimensions. But cultures often influence the relative importance of predictability or planning, which is also correlated with the emphasis on punctuality. I can very much recommend the theories and findings of Dutch cultural psychologist Geert Hofstede, or Erin Meyer's book "The Culture Map". Both provide well-studied frameworks for cultural differences.

[@gregorjcocco]

@@TheMovementHub Thank you for your courteous response, always clear and precise. It will be my pleasure to examine the publications you have suggested. For now, I would like to express my impression regarding the descriptions of the Dutch in these interviews, which, in my view, seem to focus on a "mechanical routine" permeated by materialism and individualism, rather than on a "cultural environment" understood as an identity element closely related to the organization and promotion of Dutch culture, including historical aspects of this nation. When referring to the concept of culture, variants such as "low cultural level" or "high cultural level" are often mentioned, as reported in dictionaries. Considering these nuances, I immediately lean towards a personal interpretation that sees the "modus operandi" and "modus vivendi" as linked to a condition of «low cultural level» and «high commercial level». Especially from a relational point of view, of sensitivity towards the arts, human spontaneity and the understanding of basic and natural empathy. (the Romans, when in these latitudes, 2000 years ago) they found only primitive tribes of Frisii and Batavi, by virtue of this still today evident deficit, used the epithet of «Auris Batava» to underline the lack of propensity for culture and the subjects connected to it ). Not that I want to applaud the concept of «settlers» and «colonization» (a reality that I condemn), but I cannot deny that the Roman colonists, about this point of view, were absolutely right. They come back to today, this interpretation suggests a decline in the cultural approach in favor of commercial or materialistic priorities, reflecting a shift from cultural dimensions to commercial ones. This shift may indicate a transformation in the perception and practice of culture, where cultural identity seems to be supplanted by dynamics more oriented towards material accumulation and individualism. This change in perspective highlights a challenge for the preservation and promotion of an identity culture, suggesting a trend in which economic dynamics take precedence over the appreciation of cultural heritage. A big embrace 😉 G. post scriptum: LINK 1: www.ucl.ac.uk/dutchstudies/an/SP_LINKS_UCL_POPUP/SPs_english/batavian_myth/reinventing.html LINK 2 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZumXq2Kjbh0qbs

[@DamaxThomas]

Thanks for the video. I like street interview about people living in the Netherlands

[@TheMovementHub]

You're welcome. And thank you for your appreciative and motivating comment :)

[@strikeformatik]

As a dutch person myself i think the fact i do plan a lot of things means that i can relax. Europeans in general (according to americans) have great work life balance and spent a lot pf free time doong things they like. I think at least here, that is because of all the planning. You can balance your time to the energy that you want to spent. That does not mean, in my case, theres no room for spontaneity. Plus, i think for people with kids, jobs, and everything that comes with that, some planning os probably required.😅

[@TheMovementHub]

Thank you for your input. What you say makes a lot of sense. It is even scientifically proven that planning and using an agenda can reduce stress, and as you say, is a way to relax. Especially when our tasks and schedules are busy.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

Amsterdam is really not very Dutch, go into the country to find out, many cultures..., every province has it's own culture!

[@petermennink5769]

Totally agree. Americans in particular only look at Amsterdam and think they have seen the Netherlands. If they keep that stupidity to themselves, that's okay, but they also display this stupidity in a KZbin video. These videos thus convey an image of my beloved Netherlands that is completely incorrect, they are lies!

[@animecolorado6723]

09:04 No way, thats alot😮😮

[@Treinbouwer]

8:06 Omdat de Duitsers het hebben platgegooid.😅 Je hebt de variant "Keulen en Aken zijn ook niet in een dag platgegooid." op het orgineel "Keulen en Aken zijn ook niet in een dag gebouwd." Maar Rotterdam hebben ze wel in één dag platgegooid. Dat was nou niet bepaald op verzoek van de Rotterdammers.😅

[@situationsixtynine8743]

Amsterdam culture not Dutch culture, different places different mentality.

[@user-wn8cp3qf1x]

Of course Amsterdam has got nothing to do with Dutch culture.