“Just act normal, then you’re acting crazy enough,” is a popular Dutch saying and most Dutch people also live by this. This is partly the Dutch national character, partly it is imparted in education, because the average Dutch person absolutely does not want to stand out. Is it so bad to behave differently from the crowd? In some other countries (such as America), this Dutch national character is viewed a bit strangely.
Why don’t the Dutch want to stand out?
It partly has to do with upbringing. In our society it is simply not highly appreciated to be different. People who behave differently from others face a lot of criticism because they stand out. It starts in primary school, where children are good at putting peers who behave differently in their place.
People are often afraid to stand out. The more you stand out, the more likely people are to see something they disapprove of and we all fear that. Everyone wants to be accepted and belong to the group.
It is in our national nature to disapprove of being different. In many other countries it is easier to compliment in social contacts. We Dutch are good at disapproving and criticizing. We are not quick to compliment each other. It is also more likely to be seen as slimy when we notice someone complimenting another, while the person receiving the compliment will rarely see it that way.
Why we should stand out
People who stand out are often called eccentric, but in fact eccentric people are much more interesting than gray mice who do not dare to stand out from the crowd. It is not easy to give an exact definition of eccentric behavior. What constitutes eccentric behavior is cultural and time-bound. Eccentric people are more likely to receive criticism. This is because they simply stand out and color outside the lines.
People who do not worry about other people’s opinions live without this excess baggage. This will make them dare to take risks more often. After all, they are not afraid to be out of touch with their surroundings. Those who take more risks will certainly fall flat more often, but you learn from that. Without worrying about the opinions of others, you will become wiser through this learning process, achieve more and most likely be happier. You will have the thoughts less often; If only… On our deathbed we mainly regret those things we didn’t do. It appears that almost most dying people regret that they did not follow their own path, but did what others expected of them.
Standing out and Dutch culture
Standing out is simply not ingrained in our Dutch culture. In that respect, the Dutch are sometimes compared to the Japanese. This is partly due to their similarity to proverbs:
- English – If you stick your head above the ground level, it will be cut off.
- Japanese – The nail that stands out will be hammered down.
Both cultures are seen abroad as cultures that value the virtue of modesty. In both countries, standing out is not appreciated, although these values are starting to lose value as a result of the individualization of society . Just act normal, then you’re acting crazy enough, which is seen as a typically Dutch deviation, especially by Americans.
Dare to deviate
Perhaps the Dutch should throw these old values overboard and start appreciating people for being different. Let’s show more appreciation and respect for others. Just be yourself, there are plenty of others already. Just be crazy, then you’re already doing enough.
Social media
On social media such as Facebook and Twitter, the Dutch national character is clearly reflected in the various comments. Judgments and condemnations are quickly made. The average Dutch person shows little tolerance in this regard. Accepting deviant behavior and different views is not that simple.