Reverse Culture Shock From An American Living In the Netherlands
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- Foreigners find many things about Americans and American culture weird; at least that's what I've picked up on during my travels and time living in different countries. Tune in to my video to see my list of 15 things I've noted that foreigners find strange about Americans and American culture.
#AmericanInTheNetherlands #AmericanCultureShock #Reversecultureshcok
00:00 Intro
00:46 Dining culture in America
03:16 Bathroom stalls in American
03:34 Gun culture in America
04:11 Patriotism in America
04:42 Politics in America
05:59 Sales tax in America
06:38 Friendliness in America
07:35 Drinking age in America
08:07 Loudness in America
08:29 Car dependency in America
09:07 Homelessness in America
09:50 Work/life balance in America
10:56 Healthcare system in America
11:35 White teeth in America
12:08 Date format in America
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During my trip back to the US, I reflected on a few things in American culture that I noticed foreigners tend to comment on or find strange. Let me know what you think about the list! :)
Maaaannn it’s crazy man.. not even gonna lie… the sales tax and tipping was killing me. Like wow! Also I went to my old apartment in Hollywood and man… the homelessness is crazy… like how the heck did it get so bad.
Man, right! I forgot how much tipping and tax adds to your expenses😂😂 and yeah, the homelessness is pretty bad
What suprised me as a Dutchman is that when you buy that bottle of water / soda in the supermarket for 99 cents u end up paying 1.50 wow thats almost 50% added to the shown price
Whats funny here in the Netherlands is that on small bottles of water they add 10 cents to the price nowadays. When you bring the bottle(s) back to the supermarket and put it in the packaging machine youll receive a coupon worth of 10 cents which you can exchange for ofc 10 cents or use it as discount on your next purchase. And offcourse the more bottles you return (PET-bottles and glass beer bottles) the more money youll get back. Its to encourage people not to litter their bottles. It's called statiegeld
Forgot to add: more and more stores nowadays have statiegeld machines where you can choose wether you want a coupon back or donate the amount of statiegeld to charity. Which is in my eyes a good way to get people to donate, because usually people rather walk past collectors on the street because they find them somewhat annoying or rude. And getting rid of small amounts of money (which you already spent in the first place) wont really hurt you financially :P
@@lillekenatnek195 I think it was actually $1.29 to begin with and then it ended up at $1.50. If you look at the receipt, it looks like he didn’t get the $.99 sale price, probably because he doesn’t have a customer discount card for that supermarket since he doesn’t live in LA anymore.
When I lived in the US I got used to most of the things you mentioned. The two things that always still weirded me out were: guns (why?) and the patriotism (the pledge of allegiance every day is kinda culty, like you'd expect from Russia and North Korea).
I agree, I didn't recognize how strange the pledge of allegiance every morning was until I was older haha. Same for guns.
for me a (Dutch person) that pledging to the flag. not only at the start of a school day. but with every sports game big or small.
or just the fact that you really see people having there flag out more or les 24/7.
To me it almost goes beyond patriotic and more to a fanatic level.
like sure we will show our flag on special days. (that makes it special to see it out)
Thank you! To me it also looks like (worse than) North Korea. I never heard anyone else say that. But playing the national anthem before every minor sports game creeps the hell out of me. They don't even do that in North Korea. The extreme nationalism in daily life is scary. When I'm in the US I refuse to stand for the national anthem if it's played in such a way. I feel like that one man in that famous picture refusing to do the hitler salute. I also don't pray for the troops before a sports game, but that is something that is not done nation wide as far as I know.
I think that the Dutch, and other Europeans, are extra weary of this kind of behaviour because it reminds us of Nazi Germany, and we know what it can lead to. Always be humble in your nationalism, because no nation is perfect. They say that 'America's only fault is that it believes it has none', and it shows is these kind of practices. It's pathetic and extremely scary at the same time.
@BrazenNL The guns are there to protect themselves from the evil goverment wich we cant. Maybe you understand thee schoolshootings now they are all set up by their goverment to get the weapons off of their people .
The sad part is that everything i just said is the truth
Great reminder that 🇳🇱 is much better in many ways. We love to complain but compared to 🇺🇸 we got things much better taken care of. Now to bring your lovely family over here because we need more great people like you. ❤️❤️❤️
Hey, Michel😃 I didn't mean for the video to necessarily compare against the Netherlands, but there are definitely things on this list that are better arranged here. But there are also things I prefer in the US, like the refills😜 haha, thank you for the kind words and that'd be a dream to have my family here!
I agree with the refills. The US certainly has it’s strong points. I have the American flag in my home (next to my tv) as a reminder of all the American cartoons, series and movies i enjoy watching. I see the US as my second country. In both cases i salute to the Red white and blue 🇳🇱🇺🇸😁❤️
@@exploringtheforeign Hi Sam, you do realize that half your Cola cup is filled with ice cubes in the US, so a refill means you finally get the quantity cola you’ve paid for (like in 🇳🇱) ☺️😜
@@exploringtheforeign I like that there's so much variety to be had. Whatever you want, you can get. I love the spaciousness and the 'squareness' of all the buildings too. The landscapes, etc. But, having lived in both countries now for an equal amount of time, I can definitely see America's 'strangeness' through European eyes. There are plus and minus points in each place. We have the best of both worlds. 🌹
@@ingridwatsup9671 🤣
I think there is nothing wrong with a bit of patriotism. I think most people in the world are to some extend proud of their country or their heritage. But in the US this has been cultivated to a kind of religious form, where people don't, or are afraid of addressing certain issues anymore, as they may be perceived as "non- patriotic" to others.
And furthermore I think you missed an important weirdness: the insane complicated measurement system Americans are using.
Great video. ❤ The comparison is just crazy between our country and others.
You have a funny way of montage. I had to rerun the car/walking to camera scene several times. Very tight editing!
Wow, thank you for that! Really appreciate that you caught that haha. Was my first time trying that kind of shot. It could have been smoother, but I'm happy with it!
Sorry I'm hogging up all the comment space, but I was amused by you telling of all the ice we get in our drinks in the States. Way back in the 70s when I first came to The Netherlands I would ask for a 'diet cola met ijs' .. the reason was because they never served chilled drinks back then. One day this waitress came back with a scoop of ice cream inside the warm cola (which bubbled over she said) thus the first known cola float was established in dit kikkerland.🤣
haha, comment all that you want, Linda! And oh wow, that's hilarious that that's what she thought you wanted lol
Nice funny story wow its hard for me to imagine how you not understand you ment ice cubes :D well I guess it were diffrent times :)
As a European living in the US I also never asked for a to-go box in Europe but while in Amsterdam a few weeks ago my son didn’t eat much of his lunch and I asked if I could take it away in a box. The waitress was not that surprised at all by the request and she even packed the food for us.
Btw- new subscriber, considering a move back to Europe (the Netherlands is our first choice) and love your content. Dank je wel!
Idea for a vid: Dutch schools vs International schools, especially for international families. ;)
Leuke reportage weer 👏😎
Dankjewel!!
Oh man, spot on!! You know, when I was a little kid in the 50s I can remember standing in the classroom with all the other little kids reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and thinking to myself that I didn't even understand what some of the words even meant! We Americans don't even realize how indoctrinated we are. Welcome back to your 2nd home. P.S. Do you have your teeth whitened or are they your own pearly whites? (Remember, we 'Dutch' are so direct! 🤣)
Nope! Never whitened my teeth :) These are mine haha
@@exploringtheforeign Amazing!
I live in Australia and I have noticed that people who come from India and Sri Lanka have very white healthy teeth as well.
I don't know if it is a genetic thing or if it is because they have a much more healthy diet than the average Australian
In the restaurant scene, you mention a couple of times you are having "good food". Due to the type and amount of additives in US food, a lot of their food items are illegal to sell in the EU. Food for thought? 😉
Hey Sam, yes you're right... culture wise spoken you Americans are weird, but...once Americans are here... slowly but surely they turn from Culture shock and giggles into loving The Netherlands and it's corks and most of them, never want lo leave The Netherlands ever again, well maybe for a holiday but They always come back and make sure they can continue living here...
Haha, je hebt gelijkt, Dutchy J!
@dutchyjhome .. daar heb je volkomen gelijk in .. hoewel ik van mijn 'eigen' land houd, ik vind het inderdaad veel makkelijker om hier in Nederland te wonen.🌹
@@LindaCasey Perfectie in een land is een illusie... en Nederland is verre van perfect, maar we proberen tenminste wel om het zo aangenaam mogelijk te maken voor iedereen... Jammer eigenlijk dat je "eigen" land niet zoveel van je houdt; dat het niet voor je wil zorgen, en er niet voor je wil zijn in goede maar ook niet in slechte tijden. Jammer dat je deze liefde in een ander land hebt moeten zoeken en gelukkig hebt gevonden bij die gekke Nederlanders...in ons koude en natte kikkerlandje Nederland.
@dutchyjhome Nou, ik ben ex-militaire dus heb IK dezelfde gelijkwaardige 'goodies' in Amerika als hier, alleen heb je gelijk in dat dit helaas niet voor velen daar geldt. 😥 Viva Nederland!
Love you’re positivity as always! Next year I will study at UCLA. So I’m quit interested in what you like more about LA/California than The Netherlands?
Dankjewel, Tijmen!
Weather/climate is the first thing that comes to mind of course, but yeah, that one's a bit obvious haha. I would also say food; I love Mexican in California as well as some of the other restaurants/fast food options you have there (just be careful because it's easy to eat quite unhealthy). I'd also say the beaches are better than here. And I think as far as university goes; the campus life in the US in general seems more lively and fun than in the Netherlands.
Woah 3:58 that is weird having them in packages. Like you're shopping for headphones or something. Seeing those prices, they must not be that of a high quality?
Thanx for pointing out the differences. Very interesting! The guns and people living in the streets I really don’t understand. And I can’t see myself singing Het Wilhelmus every day. No, thank you… Oh, and I could have had 3 beers in NL at the same time you were still ordering your first one 😅. In NL: ‘Wat mag het zijn? Biertje graag. Komt er aan…’ Enjoy your stay with your family. Proost🍺
Glad you found it interesting! And haha, that is true, our ordering can be quite long😅
I'm back in the Netherlands, but it was a great time back home!
@@exploringtheforeign Muts op en sjaal om. Beetje frisser hier 😬
Ja ik voel het al haha
Great vid! Yes, a lot of differences: the allegiance to the flag ..great words but “freedom for all?”. Eating out here 🇳🇱 more normal portions (less overweights) and heating up the Doggy bag tickles the bacteria so …As for tipping: just give these workers a decent wage and tip whenever someone has really earned it. Mobility: in the US living and businesses/shopping are divided in separate areas. By combining the two you get a more lively area and businesses at night are in view of those who live there (safety both ways).
Healthcare and homelessness in US is a damn shame for such a prosperous country. I’m sure Obama could have made a difference if his administration hadn’t been frustrated all the time. These are my views. 🤔
Thank you, Ingrid! And you make some great points!
Love it!!! Yes, we for sure have a unique culture here in the US. Loved the things you highlighted.
What makes most sense is the ISO standard for dates, which is to go from the biggest to the smallest unit; year-month-day. That is after all how we write numbers in general, and it also sorts the same numerically and chronologically.
You have a point there!
For archives and data sets: yes. For daily use: actually the opposite. In day to day life a month takes, well, a month. It's much more about day and which day of the week.
Ofcourse we know a lot of these things Sam, and a lot of them are bad, but I always look at your vlogs in a different way, ik kijk altijd naar bijvoorbeeld de manier waarop je de dingen filmt. Zo vind ik het in deze video heel creatief van je om je moeder iets te laten zeggen wat natuurlijk ingestudeerd is. Snap je wat ik bedoel, of had ik dit ook in het engels moeten schrijven? Fijn dat je weer veilig “thuis” bent! ❤️Hil
Hoi Hilde!!!😁
Ik vind het heel leuk dat behalve de content, je kijk naar hoe ik alles film! Dat is eigenlijk een van mijn favoriete dingen om over te denken als ik een video doe.
En ik heb eigenlijk de stuk van mijn moeder gefilmd voor ik weg was😁
En dankjewel! Ik ben blij om terug te zijn
Het zat misschien iets anders in elkaar dan ik dacht Sam, maar het blijft creatief van je, leuk hoor! ❤️liefs van Hil
I would definitely order an alcoholic beverage there, I would feel so much younger when asked for an ID...😅
😂😂🙌🏾
wait a minute, did you show your Dutch drivers licence when the waitress asked for your ID? How cool is that!
Great catch! ;)
@@exploringtheforeign 20/20 vision!😀
Dear Samuel,
Another nice video!
Most of the topics are not weird but different. That's the interesting thing about cultures.
But two things are really very disappointing or even shameful for a country like the USA: the health care system and the homeless people. When you are so proud about your country should really do something about it!
One of the things I missed in your list is the imperial system vs. the metric system.
Keep up the good work and show us some more of those interesting video's!
Thank you, René! I agree with the items you pointed out as disappointing.
The measurement system would've been a good one haha.
Thank you for watching and I hope to continue to provide good content for you to enjoy😃🙌🏾
Well you have to understand that in the US people want to mind their own business, no government involvement, no paying for others (like bijstandsuitkering/ww-uitkeringen in the Netherlands). That’s also the issue with health care. I’m not saying it’s a good thing, but it’s a political state of mind. Also not saying all Americans are like that, but you see that in politics.
Hi, great video! Question: you mentioned paying sales tax at the counter/kassa when buying something in a store. How is that for buying something online? Do you pay the sales tax directly?
Thank you, Tim! As for sales tax online, you'll see that once you get to the checkout. So for example, you'll first see the price for the product excluding tax, but once you click to buy and you're ready to pay, you'll see the full price including the tax.
@@exploringtheforeign thanks for explaining! I always thought people in the US pay their taxes once a month. Don’t know how that got into me 😅.
No problem! And you have different kinds of tax, but the general ones are sales tax which you pay when purchasing a product, but then you have state income taxes (not in every state) and that's paid once a year and then you also have federal income taxes once a year.
@@exploringtheforeign Thanks again for explaining!!
@@exploringtheforeign How do they determine what online sales tax you are eligible for? As I understand it sales tax can differ per state, so even when you buy online you can pay different prices, based on where you live?
6:03 It's funny you used a plastic bottle as an example, as in the Netherlands, price tags for bottled products don't count the statiegeld and you get to pay that on top of the normal price when checking out. (Of course you can get the money back later by turning the bottles back in at the store)
that's true haha
When I first saw dates written on the screen at the beginning of your video I thought you were going to talk about dating/love life. The thing that I find strange when it comes to american dating is that a man’s height is such a big deal to women. I never asked for a potential dates height in the Netherlands and I don’t know anyone else who does.
Haha, that's funny! But that is true; people do care about height in the US.
It might be because you have the highest average height in the Netherlands that you know everyone will be a giant anyway
@@samuelpinder1215 my husband is 5'2
@@handsoapsoup5907 still highest on average
What made you move to the Netherlands and how did you learn the Dutch language so well?
Damn, that sales tax thing. No wonder some people stay poor. You have no clue how much you will be paying until you're actually at the checkout.
Seems very inefficient. Who came up with that? 👀
Some things in American culture are way different, but I kinda like American culture. It’s easy for is Europeans to be negative about it. But when I was in the US on holidays I really liked it there. Things like gun culture are not my thing, but the friendliness and dining culture are very nice.
I’m from the Netherlands (Groningen) btw. Really like your videos
Really nice to hear that you appreciate some of the things on the list regarding American culture! :) Thank you for watching, I'm glad to hear you enjoy the videos!
A big part from the friendliness comes from the tipping system. When you literally depend on the tips for making a decent living, you better come across as very friendly. At least, that is what I think. 🤗
@@hendman4083 No, I have been to the US twice and my experience is that in general the Americans are easier to approach with some small talk. Not only because it might increase their tips. I think that they are somehow more used to it and I actually really liked it.
Ok got one: Major League Baseball -World Series . Sure best of he best but why do you call it world series . That said this Saturday 3 december World Cup soccer The Netherlands - USA , hope it will be a great match ! great video grtz
Haha great question! And funny enough, I have a video planned to release that just so happens to kind of tie with Saturday's match... But this wasn't planned at all💀
Thank you for watching like always, Thijs!
A little bit off topic perhaps but regarding being perceived as loud, the same perception exists amongst the Flemish towards the Dutch. In fact the Dutch spoken in Belgium is a lot less direct and more formal than in the Netherlands. What's cool about speaking Dutch is that you can use it in Flanders in Belgium (Brussels is a bit tricky though despite officially being bilingual). You will probably get taken for a Dutchie down there like I did. Saying things like ''kijk'es'' when handing over a payment in a shop and other Dutch turns of phrase will immediately stand out to them. If you're visiting stick to the Dutch Dutch when you're there rather than trying to speak like them, even Dutch people advise against doing that. Mazzel.
Actually, if you ask for a doggy bag in the Netherlands, at least in big cities, they'll pack your leftovers up. They'll just never offer to do it, so you have to ask.
Also, very white teeth aren't really a thing because our dentists prioritise health over aesthetics, and very white teeth are (due to lightening, and other procedures) proven to be less strong.
Something you didn't mention that's very weird in my European eyes is tampons with applicators. If you search really hard you might find one here but its not common. It's just so wasteful.
But having put that out there, I'd love to visit America one day to experience the culture and their differences.
How about using the Metric system vs the archaic Imperial system that is still used in USA
How long did it take for you to learn Dutch?
It's been two years that I've been living in the Netherlands, so I reached my current level in that time😃
About the white teeth: do americans whitening theur teeth then, or have they miraculously better teeth? Cause i always thought teeth whitening stuff is bad for your teeth, so in europe its less considered normal
It's interesting; you definitely have Americans who whiten their teeth, but I for example have never.
Dude recently through another channel. I was Introduced to the American homeless . That was shocking beyond my own quite well lived experience
Yeah, it's definitely shocking!
From what I read, homelesness is not necessarily a sign of poverty. Real estate can be so costly that people with a "normal" income just cannot afford a place to live. Still, that is no excuse for a society accepting this as normal.
Ha, you mention date system as weird... but what about the imperial system xD
😂😂 I could only fit so much in one video haha
I didn’t try when I was in the U.S.A., but I wonder what would happen if you really told a waitress/waitor or anybody else working in a service job, how you are. Because everybody says I’m ok, I’m good, thanks for asking.
Yeah, us asking "how are you?" is really just a formality in most scenarios haha
I was quite shocked when I was in the US and someone in a little shoppe asked me 'How are you doing today?' I was like: 'It's none of your freaking business how I am doing today! But if you really need to know, I had a bad night and my depression was acting up, and now I'm planning on killing myself. Okay? Thanks for asking.' Of course I didn't say that, but I didn't really know what to tell her.
In the Netherlands it kind of is the rule that you don't ask how someone is doing if you're not willing to listen to someones story. And the story can be bad.
It is also used as a formality sometimes, but then it is formulated differently. 'Hee, hoe is het?' or 'Alles goed?' is totally different from 'Hoe gaat het met je?' En 'Hoe gaat het vandaag met je?' is really only something that is asked by doctor in a (mental) hospital.
7:50 I knew the drinking in US was 21 but to be kicked out a bar for not having id is crazy
Yup! It's that serious!
I'd say that compared to some other European countries e.g. the UK, patriotism is fairly strong in the Netherlands. Note the flagpole holders attached to every building at street level, although granted it's pretty rare to see a Dutch flag permanently attached to it. In the UK having a Union Jack or English flag on your house is looked down upon as being lower class. I don't see it that way but I don't like the way people just drape them on the front of the house, nailed below and upstairs window.
Where I live in england there is one section of a street where everyone on it has a flagpole. It ranges from union flag to the st George's cross to NHS and RAF flags
I have to be honest Sam, after 40 years in California, I am still not used to all those ice cubes !
😂😂😂I could imagine!
Should listen to the debut album (1990)of MasteR,first track by Paul speckmann
Can't find it haha
@@exploringtheforeign Master pledge of allegiance🔥
Mmm hmm. 🤫As an American, I have to say, I still cringed watching you recite the Pledge of Allegiance in the opening, lol! And yes, Skid Row... TRULY is madness 🤬. I've never appreciated ice in my drink unless it was a swelteringly hot day, but we are given ice in our drink in the dead of Winter too 😂! And if there is no political intensity in NL, I am sooo there! I will miss my doggy bags, though 😁
😂😂 sorry, I just liked the idea of that as the intro haha. And yeah, Skid Row is sad to see.
Come on over😅🙌🏾
Strangest thing to me is their obsession with 'freedom' while I don't think US citizens are that free at all.
Every time I ask what exactly is that American freedom they are so fond about the topic quickly goes towards gun ownership. i don't see the correlation between guns and freedom. In the Netherlands I have the freedom NOT to worry about shootings. It's honestly the last thing on my mind.
I agree! But for many Americans, their mindset is "the bad guys will have guns, so I need one too"
@@exploringtheforeign Sadly it's a understandable mindset but also a vicious cycle. I hope America will be able to break that cycle one day it will take decades
Gun culture in the us is baffling to me.
Especially because the tragic incidents are increasing.
Also I'd love for you to elaborate on the political system in u.s. opposed to the Netherlands. And the how the media play their part in the political landscape.
Is there even such a thing as an unbiased network in the us?
Lots of cultural differences, but the 1 thing I don't understand regarding the sales tax: why would you just not show the total prices? We have sales tax too, but its included in the price.
Yeah, I never looked into why we don't just already include it into the price that's shown, but I was thinking maybe it has to do with the fact that each state has different sales tax rates or no taxes at all.
I think that comes from the different sales taxes per state, or even per county. By using the pre-tax price corporations can advertise their product everywhere, without having to worry about the differences in after sale prices.
In Australia if someone had an Australian flag flying out of the front of their home, they would be seen as some sort of weirdo or right-wing white supremacist.
On the other hand, if they had an Aboriginal flag, it would be okay.
Either they are a proud indigenous Australian or someone who champions their cause
The pledge if allegiance thing, yeah that would be against the law actually as it's political. Anything political or religious is not allowed within the school grounds unless it's part of a lesson. Forcing students to learn about personal ideals, religious thoughts or political views is not allowed. You are there to learn, not to be indoctrinated.
Overly friendly to the level where you wonder where it's fake or not and not trusting that person. The "WTH do you want from me trying to slime so much?"
We say in the Netherlands: "You will hear if a American is in the area before you see them". Yes, that refers to how loud they are haha.
In all of Europe you MUST take days off by law. If you don't you can get into serious trouble as well as your boss. That's why they encourage you to go home haha.
Dutch flight crews, they love camera's haha.I take it that was KLM? They are notorious for loving camera's. If you have the time in the Netherlands, find the aircraft spotters. They can tell you how many pilots will open their cockpit windows just to wave to the camera's as they know they will be featured in online publications again. They absolutely love it.
how much did you pay for breakfast without tip?
I forget the exact amount, but probably somewhere around $12-15
I still don't get the white teeth thing.
We have pretty good dental care in The Netherlands which is also not too expensive, and dental hygiene is important here too, but somehow the teeth are never as white or straight unless you have dentures...
My assumption is it's something with the toothpaste or water haha because besides that I have no idea
When you get some "false" teeth, the dentist will determine the color by comparing the color of your natural teeth with a chart, that has about 30 different shades of natural coloring on it. That tells you how uncommon perfectly white teeth are. 😉
But you all know there is no such thing as a free refill? You leave a massive tip afterward! 😉
people from the states are very chill people and down to earth.
Leuke video weer. 👍🏻 Ik hou ook van mooie witte tanden, niet te wit maar zeker niet geel 🤢🤣🤣🤣
Dankjewel Nathalie!! En leuk om te weten dat ik de eigen niet ben met witte tanden hier in Nederland haha
enige*
Ah thanks!
The food: The way too large portions, the cola, sprite etc. drink as much as you can .... that's why there is so much overweight. not healthy.
The only time we clutch our hearts in the UK is when we’re having a heart attack.
As a very handsome man, did you get a lot of attention from ladies in the Netherlands?
Man you can't start the topic of the dates in the US and not mention their weird way of measuring things xD
haha next time
"the pledge" is soo North Korean.
😅
All that food just for breakfast???? And they wonder why many Americans are so big?
If I would be a US-citizen I would probably own *many* guns lmao dont ask me why I just think they are attractive items to collect XD
Hey, I just wrote you on your Instagram. When you have time, please take time to read. 🤙🏾
I responded😃🙌🏾