Why do expats act so entitled?
Posted by Eenlepel@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 28 comments
If you’re living in another country, of course you should try speaking the language and accept the culture. Why do expats complain that natives are rude when the expat doesn’t act like they’re part of someone else’s society. You are the problem and you are actually ruining these countries by forcing your useless culture onto the existing one. stop playing the victim card and yes you’ve heard it before, go back to your country.
i know this will get downvoted by people who are weak and think the world should revolve around them. prove me wrong.
ItsReemAlBlahBlahDee@reddit
“Expats” is what white migrants call themselves. But they’re migrants just like anyone else. Scores of Brits I know in Dubai call themselves expats while complaining about migrants in the UK lo
expats-ModTeam@reddit
This discussion has been done to death and new posts on this subject are just troll attempts at this point. For the purposes of this subreddit, the terms are interchangeable.
Mean-Illustrator-937@reddit
Of course they act entitled, they are entitled to a very nice tax scheme! But without kidding, I don’t share this opinion at all? I live and work (Amsterdam) around expats and they are genuinely nice. I think we should really stop all this negativity around expats, as they bring in a lot of knowledge.
Also, look up the original meaning of expat: “ to banish, send out of one's native country,” they do not come here to eat our hutspot and put on klompen. They come here to work.
Mean-Illustrator-937@reddit
Indeed! Iam personally welcoming to all kind of immigrants, but I do understand that some people would rather have not too many ‘refugees’ immigrants.
‘Expat’ immigrants are however so completely different, it is not only that they do not cause any trouble and add value to the economy. We also simply really need them. Without expats (especially Adam finance/tech and Eindhoven tech) we would never have done this will in advanced sectors. The dutchies who say they will come take my job, are delusional. Iam personally quite thankful that highly skilled labours are willing to move to this rainy little country.
Knowlegeably@reddit
Thank you! 70-80% leave after 5 years in the Netherlands, lowest crime rate in the population, contribute to the economy, the amount coming is dropping off by 20%. But I see such negative rhethoric coming from Reddit about them.
Must be the classic case of 'things aren't going as well lately, must be every single immigrant '
Knowlegeably@reddit
From reading the post I immediately knew it was a Dutch person posting. Complaining about expats in the country, outright blaming them for things, while doing the same in Spain.
From what I understand, Dutch directness rubs off the wrong way on some foreigners unfortunately. And some are a bit taken back by how hard it is to mix with locals who collectively decided to stop making friends at 11 years old. This is debatable and indeed comes across as entitled for sure. But I hear how much people who move there have to pay or give up to get amenities that are fast and standard in their countries (fast health care, a good service industry, complete change of food, and downsizing living conditions)
Now if you aren't used to the Dutch way of life I can imagine the shock, especially when inhere the service sector and health care stories.
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
Ok but then if they “gave up” so much they should go back to their country.
Knowlegeably@reddit
Yeah they do eventually... They move for the opportunity. They like the opportunity, vent their frustration and say what they like (it goes both ways by the way).
Eventually when the scales tip they leave. A quick Google search shows that 70-80% leave Netherlands within 5 years. And the trend of expats moving to the Netherlands are decreasing significantly (I suspect due to the tax laws. Bare in mind expats contribute more than they take)
All this information is available from your CBS data.
Now my question back to you. They clearly leave the country anyway (upon your request), especially if they aren't happy with what they give up.
They contribute to the economy. They have lower crime rate compared to natives.
So what do you want now? Are you so upset because they don't speak the language enough when they plan to stay 5 years? What is it exactly?
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
Just good that they will leave. The EU is full already. We don’t want it even more full of BS.
Knowlegeably@reddit
That's fine. They've always been leaving and the trend of them coming is reducing. My question is wny are expats in Netherlands suddenly a target. Is it because the economy is taking a hit from multiple back to back crises? (COVID, Ukraine war etc) And now immigrants must take some sort of blame?
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
Aside from all real social and economic problems (that immigrants do contribute to), their excuses and complaints are all BS. Just shut up and understand you’re in someone else’s country
Knowlegeably@reddit
Fair enough. I have been respectful this entire encounter and this is your response. And you wonder why expats complain.
Read my comments again in your free time when you have the same question. The answers are there. Acting as if Dutch nights ts aren't everywhere doing the same is funny. I'm 100% sure you're just a bit hurt because things aren't going well for you. Do some self reflection and fix yourself first. Then you can have a productive conversation with some one.
In the meantime, enjoy your problems. And I hope it gets better for you
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
Same to you buddy. Enjoy your problems.
Knowlegeably@reddit
Thank you. I enjoy my problems and challenges. And honestly really happy with how I progress through it
Knowlegeably@reddit
Also I saw a post about a Dutch expat in Sweden. I asked about language, and to my suprise, many countries in Europe than invite expats / migrant workers offer free language courses. In the Netherlands, language courses cost the same as a university degree
Aggressive_Wait1733@reddit
2, Sometimes people just complain people in general are rude. I don't think anyone says "damn, the Spanish are rude" There are two kids of people in the world, good ones and a-holes. Borders don't matter.
Being part of a culture isn't really doable if you didn't grow up in it. You can like it, embrace it, but are you ever truly assimilated? No. That's what makes countries multicultural. I'm from Toronto and IDGAF if you don't start playing hockey, drinking Maple Syrup or eat Poutine.
If being critical of your own country is ok, there's no issue being critical about where you may live. There is no Utopia. There is a way to do it respectfully. I will be critical about the Spanish tax system and real estate industry forever. I think that actually makes me more Spanish.
Get off your f'n high horse and don't come to Reddit to complain about other people without knowing their story. You're worse than the people you're whining about.
Hae a great day.
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
This is just one big complaint.
Aggressive_Wait1733@reddit
I think you need a dictionary.
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
I think you need to stop making excuses and grow up
Aggressive_Wait1733@reddit
again... dictionary.
Rosycheex@reddit
Your post was one big complaint
QueenPanda26@reddit
I agree that expats should make an effort to fit into our country.
But you just sounds like an angry and mentally ill teenager.
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
Don’t project your mental illness onto anyone else.
QueenPanda26@reddit
I think you know what im saying is mostly true
expats-ModTeam@reddit
Be nice to each other. Uncivil conduct, ad hominem attacks, etc. will result in up to 3 warnings and then a temporary ban. Violent, racist, homophobic, sexist, or generally bigoted attacks and content will be dealt with immediately with a ban of a week or more.
Carrie_8638@reddit
Who hurt you?
Eenlepel@reddit (OP)
The stupidity of humans is hurting society.
Embarrassed_Key_4539@reddit
That’s a broad brush there