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Máxima: Holland always multi-culturalFriday 05 October 2007 Dutch society has never been based on one single culture, princess Máxima says in this week's issue of women's magazine Magriet, reports ANP news service. 'Not so long ago, there was a system of verzuiling [compartmentalisation along political and sociological lines]’, the princess points out. 'People had strong ties within their own group but there were big differences between the compartments.' The princess, who has Argentinian and Dutch nationality, was both praised and criticised last week when she said in a speech that she had failed to find a single 'Dutch identity'. © DutchNews.nl
I know little of the Dutch royal family, not having been here that long, and finding royal families in general more hype than substance. I did not know that Maxima had two nationalities....should Geert Wilders get his way with one passport per citizen, does that mean that Maxima will also have to choose like some of us more common folk? I'm curious to know what she would do.... (Editor's note: Argentine law apparently forbids its citizens from renouncing their nationality) By arno verhoeven | October 5, 2007 1:31 PM Editor: Not apparently: We can not renounce.That's the way things are. By Ceci | October 5, 2007 5:01 PM There is indeed a distinct Dutch identity but it doesn't mean that as a foreigner living in Holland for some time, you can d discard or unlearn your identity. It comes from his/her place/culture of origin. In a way, Maxima is right, and she may be reflecting her own personal experience here. As a country which has opened its doors for trade or commercial reasons (even perhaps among the first to do so),Holland inevitably encourages in-migration and is a melting pot. By Esther | October 6, 2007 3:03 PM With a population of only 16 million, Dutchness does not have enough punch to impact recognition of its own unique identity in a world-wide playing field. Most people have commonality that is tough to distinguish. Few people in Holland will admit it but they are Germanic as curry catsup, herring, and licorice. How does anyone sniff up a Dutchman out of a multicultural society of northern Europe? I’m afraid I would agree with the princess. By Carlos Borjal | October 8, 2007 6:45 PM She was frank and this is how a new generation of a Royal memeber should be:Stop blaming her as we see now. By akira sakai | October 14, 2007 8:50 PM I am a republican so I don't believe in the monarchy, our rulers must be choosen not given... Let's be honest, Maxima was never going to be under real pressure to be a "stranger" here in The Netherlands. By elena | October 17, 2007 4:33 PM I believe if you are born of Dutch parents you are always Dutch even if you are born in another country. You can always recognize yourself with both. Take the good from each and try to discard the bad. I lost my Dutch passport because I did not renew in time but a piece of paper does not make me less Dutch. Totsiens By Lotty Velthuysen | May 8, 2008 4:27 AM
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But not as multi-racial as it was back then?
By Q | October 5, 2007 11:43 AM