Re: The Not So Gentle Art of Belgium Bashing

Hmmm...just read your "bashing" article.  Good insights...too many folk want to live some place different, as long as it's just the same (?!?!!??).  I wonder how many of the folk who bash Belgium have ever faced the DMV in New York?  I suspect the bashing
isn't what's serious, it's the people who take their bashing serious that is serious.

Unfortunately, the "ugly American" (or "ugly ex-pat") isn't dead...only sitting somewhere, whining.

Keep up the good work.

And yes, it will get better...

Murray Frick


Dear Murray

Thanks for your letter. I haven't ever faced the DMV in New York but you make it sound like I should be glad. Could be used as a bedt-time story for kids. Be good or you'll end up at the DMV. With Halloween coming up, perhaps that's where the real monsters hide...

best

Paul



Re: The Not So Gentle Art of Belgium Bashing

Dear Mr. Morris,

Great article on Belgium bashing. You are right that some expats seem to feel self-entitled to critique every thing about their host country as if they are not priviliged to live there (or as if their own country is so perfect). Those people are among the most tedious imaginable.

However, I believe you missed out on making a distinction between the foreigner who
occasionally vents legitimate frustrations of life in a foreign country, and the foreigner who seems to be searching to prove to the world the superiority of where s/he comes from.

The first foreigner is just human, the latter is xenophobic, ridiculously nationalistic, or just plain inept at adjusting. The first complains about real inconveniences and unkindnesses of people from time to time (the same stuff one would indeed complain about "at home"). The second type complains like this, "There's nothing to do, everything is ugly. Everyone is stupid", etc. etc.

These are two different creatures and I think what separates them is clear if you look.

In addition, you make the mistake of assuming there is no equal problem of expat bashing. There is. And at least in the case of living in Brussels, it is sometimes the source of our frustration. We are often treated terribly because we are expats, even when we speak French and Flemish.

For example, there are certain clubs and bars that are notorious for denying entry to
non-Belgians. Sales people will act as if they don't understand my French (which is silly
considering I have been a translator for my company for 10 years).  However, I chose to
understand these people's frustrations with the large number of foreigners and do not take it personally.

Expats will always feel frustration at times. It's not necessarily about thinking that a country is "good" or "bad". It's about being completely at the mercy of another place and its rules for every aspect of life. Fair? Yes. But trying? Yes, again.

I (hope) that I complain about Belgium the way I might complain about my boyfriend or family. I don't always love everything about them, and I sometimes have the need to express this, but it doesn't mean I don't love them our would ever abandon my allegiance to them. Likewise, if you read my Killerboob blog (in particular) you'll find a ton of praise for Belgium, with much more sincerity than any gripes you'll find against it.

A balance needs to be struck and chronic bashers seem to respond to nothing short of a reminder that they are welcome to go home anytime they like. But don't confuse a well-meaning but honest expats with self-righteous snobs.

Sincerely,
Sarah Steegar


Dear Sarah

Many thanks for your mail. You make many good points. I wouldn't consider 'well-meaning but honest expats' as Bashers; as you point out they are completely different animal altogether.

As for expat bashing by locals, I take your point. On one hand, it's true, that the town has gained many things from the expat invasion. On the other hand, it oftens depends on how the invaders act and unfortunately the 'self-righteous snobs' do the rest of us no favours and we're too often all tarred with the same brush.

best

Paul Morris




Re:  1 in 4 Belgians not happy with boss


Interesting article. Is there some study done on expat bosses working in Belgium?

Name withheld

If anyone out there knows of such a survey or has a personal experience of expat bosses (your name can be withheld too :) please drop me a line at belgium@expatica.com

Dear Paul
 
Would any of the readers know of a good burlesque club in Belgium - not pole dancing but rather Dita von Teese style? And seeing that the days and nights are getting colder, would anyone know of dinner dance venues with a grand dance floor, lovely food and ladies and gents dressed to thrill?
 
Thanks
Ilze Raath

Hi, Ilze

Thanks for your mail. If there's anyone oput there who knows, hopefull they will drop me a line at belgium@expatica.com. Meanwhile for those who don't kinow of Dita von Teese , here's a link to the website.


Dita von Teese

Best

Paul Morris
Editor
Expatica Belgium  

If you would like to contact us, please drop us a line at: belgium@expatica.com

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are not necessarily Expatica's. Letters may be edited for reasons of space and clarity.

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