Some people think international students live in their own little bubble. But I have experienced otherwise.
Recently I was wondering the Jordaan with a group of students from Carleton College (Minnesota) and as we were about to walk into a cozy café, we heard a woman calling out to us, something to the effect of "Hey, come on, all of you, come help, everyone takes one, it's easy!"
We turned to find a huge pile of plastic sacks, each filled to capacity with some sort of red toy. Without thinking any further, I motioned to everyone to follow me and said "lets help her move these". Without question, they followed me and grabbed some bags.
As we walked down the street, the women balancing many bags of little red tomato shaped sponges turned to ask me questions and say thanks. She looked back at the group and asked: "Americans?" And I said, "yes, students." At that point I realized the tomatoes were a symbol for the Socialist Party and that storefront up ahead was the local headquarters. She gave me a big smile "Good! Tell them this is how it works in Amsterdam, everyone helps everyone and it is easier this way."
I didn't have to tell them anything. I could see each bag toting student was enjoying him/herself. And as we dropped off the sacks and waved goodbye, the volunteers came out of the office and stuffed our pockets with kitchen-sponge-tomatoes.
Just like that, we turned political.
Comments (2)
"She gave me a big smile 'Good! Tell them this is how it works in Amsterdam, everyone helps everyone and it is easier this way.'"
I really do wish this was true. Sadly, it goes against my experience of how things work in Amsterdam.
For example, if a car runs a red light and almost crashes into you, how, exactly, is it helpful when the driver leaps out and yells at you for not anticipating their breach of traffic law?
For example, if an old lady collapses on the platform at the train station why is it that everybody walks past or stares; leaves a young English lady to step off the train she just boarded to help the woman in distress?
For example, an old woman with a headscarf enters the overly-crowded train. There is nothing for her to grab onto for support and as such she bumps into people as the train lurches and turns and all that trains in various states of stillness and motion do. Who makes space or offers their hand to help her reach balance? Nobody, for they are too busy scowling.
I do not want to say that this is how all Amsterdammers are, rather, I am trying to challenge the idealized notion of Dutch communitarianism advanced by the woman from the socialist party and represented here. I want to challenge this notion not to disparage the Dutch, but to disparage the construction of certain myths of who helps who in this city and, also, the implication that Americans need to be taught how to help each other when, to be frank, I have always felt help from strangers and acquantances more forthcoming in my former home in the American Midwest. Indeed, isn't it curious that a group of Americans helped the lone socialist with the tomato bags? What were all the volunteers doing in the kitchen...on coffee break?
Posted by Mystery Manner | November 5, 2006 12:30 PM
Posted on November 5, 2006 12:30
My point, that seems to have gotten lost in all this.. is in fact how funny the woman was. Obviously there is no capital city in the world where everyone helps everyone.. even she knew that.. but in a charming and playful manner.. she said I should explain to americans that THIS is how amsterdam is. Its kind of a charming joke.. i mean.. if youre into that joke.
Ps-- Ive seen the exact opposite of everything you just said happen as well. Where I live in the Oud West people pay alot of attention to each other and if someone is having a problem or in need of assistance.. people take notice and do what is necessary.
Cars and Bikes.. well that is just an insane world unto itself.. which I also find fascinating in a funny and not so funny way.
Posted by bicyclemark | November 8, 2006 12:05 AM
Posted on November 8, 2006 00:05