Originally Posted by
Av_mediaGal320
I pointed that out as was shot down, funnily enough. People talk about egos but throw tantrums when someone disagrees with them on this forum, insult you and try to invalidate your experience. I totally agree with your point, flown with many dutch pilots, lived there too and this is only news to those who refuse to see. Either because of their socio-political biases or outright prejudices, but foreigners, whether blue colour or white colour, aren't made to feel very welcome right now there. That sentiment is shared across Europe actually and we should be ale to talk about it openly, without insults or being blocked because "you can't go against conservative pilots" apparently(so much for free speech warriors).
When it comes to CRM and attitudes, I experienced the same. At RYR and EZY they had a reputation, as much as Ozzie's have at EK. People can disagree with me but that's reality, that was my experience and you can't deny it. But then, my partner is dutch and I have a lot of love for the country, there are great things and for the right people, this could be an amazing opportunity. Just got with your eyes wide open, you need to be a certain type.
It is the same in my own country, they will speak our language to foreigners, will smile in your face but outright exclude you. France, Germany, Spain, Belgium etc you name it. I must say that the place I felt more open to different cultures in the flight deck was England(in my experience). But then, there's no language issue there as you would all speak English. I think is farcical to paint KLM and the Netherlands, as well as any other flag carrier in Europe as this utopia of multi-culturality and tolerance. None of them are, you learn the language and fit in or if not happy, leave. Unfortunately it is like that.
All true, but it is not only a language issue. Foreigners in Europe, including in my own country Italy, even if they speak the local language are treated well worse than I have been treated in Asia or the middle east as a foreigner. The rise of ultra nationalism in Europe is frightening