“After living in the Netherlands for over 29 years. How would you describe the Dutch in 3 words?”, I was asked.
𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆
If you are tempted to answer such a question about people from a certain country without a second thought. I would, as an intercultural trainer, advise you to refrain from doing so.
𝐖𝐇𝐘?
Because, by describing people from a country in just 3 words your answer is going to be
- Biased
- Stereotyping
- Generalising and
- Forgetting that people are unique
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑?
“Well, I cannot describe the Dutch in just 3 words as I do not want to stereotype or generalise as people are all unique with unique personality. But I can name 3 core values most Dutch uphold.”
𝖧𝗈𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗒: an honest feedback or reply to inquiries are highly regarded.
𝖣𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍𝗁: as I mentioned in my book Dutch-ess form the Himalayas, being down to earth is one of the core value that children are also brought up with.
𝖣𝗂𝗀𝗇𝗂𝗍𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝗅𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗋: this is also a core value that is embedded into the upbringing of a child. No matter what type of work one does, one is proud to execute it. No matter what the job, the person executing it is also respected.
