The story happened during April,Easter, 2010 when I, as a committee member of Asset | Economics Study Tour committee, traveled together with 20 people, in which the majority are Dutch. The first day when I arrived there I was already sick due to the 12 hours' trip of the bus and a cold breakfast at 6 o'clock.The second day I told a committee member that I didn't feel good so I would not go to the trip that day. In the afternoon, I met four girls in our group including two Board members of Asset | Economics in Prague Square which was only several hundred miters away from my hostel, and when they asked how I was, I told them that I was still sick, had fever still and I bought some medicine.
That night,there was a party,but since I was sick, I stayed in bed but couldn't fall asleep.At around 2 o'clock, two Dutch girls who were my roommates in the hostel came back and they started to talk loudly.Meanwhile, I heard one girl said to the other in Dutch, translated into English, meaning"this girl sleeps in bed the whole day, that is stupid, stupid!"Then she started to say something about Chinese which I didn't understand in Dutch. Apparently, there was only me in that room, so she meant me. After they took a shower, I told her to be quiet but she didn't want to but in the end agreed. And then I told her that I didn't go out because I am sick Then she replied so easily that"Oh, really? Someone saw you in the city center!" "I went to buy some medicine", I said.Surprisingly, she said" What a good excuse!"Then I told her that if she didn't believe me, I could show my temperature to her, after that, she stopped saying anything.And I told her that next time, don't say anything bad about me or Chinese people in our back!She replied straightly that" I'm saying that now in front of you!"Then she denied she said anything about me in my back or anything about Chinese the whole day.Until she said" I only said something in Dutch moments ago",I replied"Yes!I meant that!!"Then she didn't dare to say more.But why did she think I wasn't think even though I already told people that I was, she didn't have sympathy but being rude all the time.
However, this is not the end, after a while, more people were back, then Michelle told something to another Dutch Stefan Leeffers probably about the quarrel between me and her,then Stefan Leeffers said in Dutch " Chinees...Spleetogen", which means that "Chinese...slanted eyes". Michelle laughed with him after these words were spoken out.There were also another three Dutch people in the room and two Chinese including me, but no one stopped. To make it worse, he was saying that when he was sitting opposing the direction where Yu and I slept(both Chinese), when he made this racial slur, nobody stood out to stop him, but either silent or laughing.Isn't this racism?Isn't this discrimination?How could he do that when I was sick sleeping in bed?Isn't this mental abuse adding to the fact that they were doing so to a sick person?
The next day,the whole group was shocked when they heard the story about me that I went to hospital that day, and then they believed. Suddenly, the chairman from my committee agreed to let me leave the group by plane but not by bus with them, and I could sleep in another room since my room was too noisy and I would get some money back where I didn't spend. Compared to their rules not allowing me to do this or that, these were all done because they now really believed that I was sick and didn't want to have responsibility taken if my illness got worse!
During the trip,nobody except Yu and Caroline cared about my sickness until they saw the proof from the doctor, even my committee members said a lot of things about Chinese in their rooms (it was heard by my boyfriend since he stayed in a room next to them unfortunately) by always starting the sentence of "Chinese...", other Dutch did the same thing when I was seeing a doctor even in front of another Chinese girl!To add to it, another Dutch guy came to Yu and another American girl to say that "You should feel honored that we 17 dutch people speak English for you".
The discrimination is not only shown in this trip, but during the time when the committee was planing the trip, no one responded the e-mails from Chinese members (Yu and I) , however, when Dutch members sent something, they replied quite fast.Plus, when the Dutch committee members didn't do their responsibilities, they never blamed.
After the trip, I posted the racism and discrimination accusation of Asset|Economics on Facebook, then Asset | Economics Chairman invited me for a talk.She said she never spread the rumors about me not being sick, and they told people that I went to buy medicine, and probably Michelle said those to me because she thought on her own way. But couldn't you explain how I looked that day? I looked quite sick on my face, and you could convince them that I was sick. When talking about my committee, she thought that Chinese people work differently than Dutch people, you only focus on your own part, but do not involve with the group.However, as far as I know, even during a project, some Dutch people would do the same thing to split the task and help each other when it is needed, so why SEPARATE Chinese from Dutch?How much do you know about Chinese? How many Chinese students have you known?She not only had different opinions from me but was also protecting her own group and separated races again!Moreover, why didn't they tell this different opinion beforehand?
When talking about the racial slur of "slanted eyes", she didn't regard this as racism or discrimination, and thought that saying something starting with "Chinese" is not that bad. I would say, you only call a person where she's from instead of her name when you already know the person for around a year in the back is irrespective and rude!So far Asset| Economics asked me to remove my facebook status accusing them of discrimination and they claimed me "blackmailing" them when I e-mailed them that I would only remove if Stefan Leeffers apologized to me or the chairman criticized him in front of the people who were in that room.Up untill now, they think they didn't discriminate Chinese and there's no racism done by the organization!They never apologized to me for the racial slur and have done NOTHING with it, but only want me to shut up with no apology.
As an international student, I thought that the international office would help in this case, however, instead of helping me,the person that international office gave me the contact for forwarded my e-mail to the chairman of Asset | Economics.Even after I asked some opinions from the lady, she called the chairman again to tell the situation!And she asked us to deal with this ourselves!
So far I am so disappointed with what Asset | Economics have behaved and to announce here, I want my justice back!If any of you have any suggestions, please comment on this blog!I need support and help!
PS:For those who think "slanted eyes" is not a racial slur, or it is not offensive,check this out!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_slurs
Furthermore, update of the story has been posted.I am not as furious as I was when I posted the story,and there doesn't need to have new comments to be against anyone. What I want is just to tell the story, get your opinions(so far it is enough) and get the apology of which I deserve, not fighting against each other by commenting on the story.Thank you!
This is the frikking case with all the people who stay in their own countries in the comfort of their own cultural and national values. They will never understand your problem up until they go out and explore the wor...ld ALONE and experience situations where they do not have "their wonderful fellow collegues" to rely on...One has a big mouth until she becomes a loner.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I would like to add my support to you. I also agree that such an 'international' institution as Tilburg University -and on its behalf, any one of the offices, especially the international office - which strives for a reputation of being a great international environment- should really tackle such issues in a much more considerate way!!! ... this is ridiculous, I am really sorry to hear about this all.. People love to talk "oh we are so internationally considerate", and when it comes to issues like this, they are perfectly comfortable with doing nothin effective about it.HIDEOUS Uvt should just think about what wld happen to it w/out all the international students who are at the moment not valued at all... They get the benefits and in cases like this, they cannot give back even a little support.
The university should know how much we have contributed to their earnings and still provides this kind of crappy service!
ReplyDeleteAs an international student, we actually make a contribution to their country and do not make any trouble to them. We have done what we should do, but did not get the corresponding respects paid back. It is totally unfair!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs an international student, we do actually make a contribution to their country. we have done what we should do and do not make any trouble to them. But finally we do not get the corresponding respects paid back. It is totally unfair!!!!!
ReplyDeletei couldn't agree more with both of you. ripoff of the accommodation for int'l students, the new rule about making the thesis in teams of 2, and the discrimination from the so-called "international organization". The last one is pretty funny- International organization. The last time I checked, an International organization would use English when communicating with their international members, voluntarily and not forced. If it's such a hassle to speak in English, might as well not join an International org., or simply keep the org. exclusively for the Dutch. I'm sorry to hear what happened to you, Xu. I hope some improvement will be made!.
ReplyDeleteFigured you might want an opinion from a person who is both Dutch and Chinese...
ReplyDeleteAs a Dutch student with a Chinese background I have experienced enough discrimination to know Xu is indeed saying the truth. After reading your story Xu I immediately knew how you felt. Being around Dutch students a lot I hear all these things quite often. The most shocking part was the fact that when they say: "slanted eyes" they don't think of this as discriminating. Sadly, this is indeed the fact how most Dutch people think, but what they don't regard as racism doesn't mean it isnt, and even though I heard it so many times it still hurts. As far as I know, Chinese people indeed work in a different way than Dutch people do, however, different doesn't mean wrong! and not replying their e-mails is disrespectful, immature and just uncalled for. One might instead want to learn from the other culture. When one makes a distinction between two cultures it is indeed discrimination, I don't believe more explanation is needed. So starting a sentence with: Chinese is indeed not that bad, it is offensive! That we are proud of our culture doesn't mean we want to be discriminated at the start of every conversation. They know they are wrong they just won't admit it, so just grow up and apologize. Moreover, Assets Economics is a international study association, nobody and I mean nobody should feel honored when the whole group speak English "just" for them. You don't want to speak english then don't join this assocation! I feel really bad for you Xu that you had to experience this, and the way they treated you at the university just because you stood up for yourself. Hopefully, the will see where they went wrong.
it is discrimination with no doubt! you deserve their apologizes. you are so brave to stand out and struggle for justice. we are in their country, but it doesn't mean that they can look others down! They close themselves in their little Dutch socail network without looking at the world, and think they are the best, how sympathy is that? I support you!
ReplyDeleteSPLEETOOG
ReplyDeletePoepchinees
Stinkchinees
Afhaalchinees
Bamiehap
Bal gehakt!
It is discrimination
ReplyDeletePoepchinees
Yes its so bad of dutch students, we in dutch from asset apologize say: sorry maar je stinkt toch echt.
ReplyDeletehow many chinese students are there studying in tilburg? i believe you have a chinese student association that is big enough to organize a strike or a protest against tilburg university's racist policy. and i bet they would or should have listened, because we are big enough. if necessary we can organize a major protest that will be done by all international students, i bet that would make them listen. i think international students make up to 30-40% of the whole students, if we all just unite, i bet we'll win! you have done all of the necessary 'soft' efforts to make yourself heard, but it was apparently wasn't enough for them. so this time, let's show them what we are actually made off! you can also ask the help of your embassy if it is necessary, and i believe your case will be taken seriously. good luck! never give up! we will prevail!
ReplyDeleteja, ja, we stinken misschien wel, maar jullie moeten weten waar de woord 'apartheid' vandaan komt! jullie zijn net even als duitsers die holocaust gedaan hebben in de tweede wereld oorlog! er zijn geen verschillen tussen jullie en hitler! een woord voor jullie: racist!
ReplyDeletega jullie maar door met wilders en jullie zullen zien hoe jullie zullen stinken!
The world is a bit bigger, asset integrants.. The minimum we expect from you is to make, in your main website, a letter of sorry to all chineses and all international students on campus. Perhaps to make it better, a letter of sorry to all international students in the Nederlands. Even more, sorry to all dutch students that are now being judged and compared to a little ignorant minority that runs one of the biggest but poorest study associations of UvT.
ReplyDeleteMY MESSAGE TO ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: SORRY, this is not what we (dutch) are about!! We are one of the coolest, open mind societies, and you are more than welcome to be, live and add you all in our international community!
Now, I am wondering what Tilburg University will do about this case. We saw that the Rector of the UCLA (the US University) went public to apologize all their students and international members inside and outside his university after the outrage comments from a hypocrite student on Youtube. This often happens to chineses at Tilburg University and we advertise everyone in the world is welcome to live and study here. The chinese are being mistreated and we wont tolerate that! As a Dutch student my self, we demand that all members involved are at least expelled from Asset. Or are we going to allow our students, friends and colleagues to be treated in a discriminatory manner? Even worst, we are going to support such behavior under our wings and show that the world isn't fair?
This is ours and our university's reputation. Our Tilburg University wont permit such behavior because we are trying to set the decision makers of the future and we guarantee that no discrimination, racism will occur involving our students, our staff members, or with our concession. It is time for someone in this university to stop saying that this is not my problem and take responsibility for the actions occurred involving their students.
We are awaiting replies. I will send the blog to the rector and other university staff members. Let's see what they have to say about it!
Stay strong Xu and I hope to meet you some day soon!
I agree.. Tilburg University - DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!! It is your responsibility to educate the students!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the comments that support me!I will really appreciate if the university can deal with this case soon, because I need justice from all of you!
ReplyDeleteHope this will move to a better situation soon!!
I'm really sorry that u had to experience such a situation. I really feel you. This is indeed a racism. Their behavior is inevitably ignorant. I think you should report this case to the dean , and in my opinion Tilburg University should improve its student associations policy and international members' rights. Definitely, a strike of International Students should be held in order to solve this racism problems. How could smart dutch people studying at the university level be so ignorant???
ReplyDeleteTilburg University.. They changed the name to the English "Tilburg University" instead of UvT - it was the first and easy step towards internationalization of campus. The next steps are harder as they require change in mentality. International students on campus are supposed to be at home. Campus means not only administration but also students and associations.. the situation described is a part of the bigger issue of lack of international mentality of Tilburg University.
ReplyDeleteIt is in the interest of international and Dutch students to improve the situation as internationalization will lift Tilburg University in the rankings and improve the value of their diplomas.
Just wondering if Asset has a response to this situation? Xu- what did the international office say? Did you address anyone else from administration?
Stay strong and I wonder what will the situation bring- hopefully so much needed improvement and awareness..
Tom
To one the anonymous users above. Don't mention asset as a whole, but adress them as Asset | Economics. Since, there is a difference. The majority of Asset isn't even involved or aware about this incident.
ReplyDeleteIt is very unfortunate though, and I hope that there will be some sort of compensation. However, I doubt that expelling people from the association would really cause them to improve their behavior. There should be a more appropriate solution to this. Good luck Xu and I hope that things will work out.
Zak strond, bamiebal, bal gehakt, chinese testikels, dunne spleet in je reet kom maar op dan zak kaviaar
ReplyDeleteTo answer above, so far I haven't contacted the International Office again since they have lost my trust on them.However, if the Dutch student who made the comment before did send the message to rector of the university, I will await for their responses and hopefully we will get justice back!
ReplyDeleteI will stay strong, and thank you so much for all of you who made supportive comments on this blog!
International Office at UvT usually doesn't care at all about any problems that international students experience, unless it's related to their visa's and residence permits. then they feel obligated to help.
ReplyDeletealso, i don't think that what Xu did was "blackmail". it was a basic courtesy to notify your opponent that you are unsatisfied with their response and will be taking further actions. i'm not sure if i'd find it in my heart to be so polite in this situation, but i'm rather surprised how rude Asset|Economics were to not even be able to recognize basic courtesy.
First I would like to say that I totally agree with you that what happened on your trip is unacceptable. But...
ReplyDeleteChinese students should integrate more as well. You tend to not be very open and stick together a lot which is why other cultures such as the Dutch grow negative feelings towards you.
Furthermore I am sure you guys say something about dutch people as well (and as no one understand you it is easier) but that does not mean you are immidiately racist. Dutch tend to have a very harsh sence of humor and you should not take offence to quick.
To the ones above who wrote extremely brainless, clichéd and immature comments (who don´t even have the courtesy to put their names there): if you have nothing informative to say... I will suggest you to stop living in your small pathetic world and try to get a life.
ReplyDeleteOne anonymous said something about asset, can I assume you are a member? If so, then Asset Economics is really pitiable.
ps. if you keep discriminating then at least come up with something new and original, it gets boring.
First of all, I am a very open minded person and I have a lot of international students as my friends from everyewhere.
ReplyDeleteSecondly, even if they have negative feelings, they should not have done this kind of behavior at all.
Moreover, how can you be sure that we said something about Dutch people?Do you have evidence?I never pointed out any racial group but individuals who did wrong.
Importantly, this is not any sense of humor but racial slur and if you check above, someone claiming from Asset already said something offensive again.
hurting people on purpose is sadism, not humour.
ReplyDeleteTo the dude above:
ReplyDeleteIn Hong Kong ,you dutch students never integrate with our local students. So I am wondering now what makes you get to the conclusion so easily that you guys Dutch students are more open than our Asians? Xu didn't say any racial slur to any dutch person. Just check what those crazy Dutch said above on this page. A very harsh sense of humor? What a good excuse! Well i'm very open minded, since I need to learn your Dutch culture and the so-called 'harsh sense of humor' , then i am sure you wouldn't mind if I call you Mr. CREEPY-CHEAPY-CRISPY-DUTCH!
This is horrible, unbelievable, outrageous.... and this is a university and a student's organization which claim to be 'internationally minded'. As a foreigner over the past 3 years I have experienced discrimination I can write a book about. Then I get really pissed when Dutch students that I talk with, start telling me that I didn't care about integration. BUT how do you integrated when you are ignored or even often hated.... We can still protest against it, wish at least once our voice of INTERNATIONALS is heard in this university and town!!!! Take care Xu and please keep us informed!
ReplyDeleteWell,even I was hurt by some Dutch students in the association,and I know you are angry, but we should not say this kind of words to Dutch people.
ReplyDeletePeople are generalising way too much here. If one person from Asset says something, then everybody from Asset is alike? Drawing conclusions like everybody from a certain association is pitiable, makes you also a generalist like the ones that say bad things about Chinese people. Same with people generalising Dutch and Chinese. You can't judge a whole group or population, simply because a few people are being very offensive. It would not even suprise me that those lousy comments are from one person. Possibly not even related to Asset, who thinks it is funny to heat things up some more. Several individuals are the cause of this problem. Like Stefan or the certain members of Asset | economics which were involved and not Asset. Asset is just an umbrella organization with several associations. Asset | economics is merely one of those. So please think more carefully, before everybody starts posting generalistic hate comments.
ReplyDeleteWell, Xu I hope that this all gets solved. You could also try to contact the board of Asset itself. It is probably the best to discuss it face to face with them. Maybe, they can have Asset | economics and you sit around a table and work things out. I do not know if they will take action, but you can always give it a shot.
Asset is one organization with many sub-organizations. The main board is suppose to ensure the quality and that the overall goal is achieved!
ReplyDeleteSo in my eyes, since you members of Asset believe that you are a serious and organized association, lets compare your structure with a big company:
If AH Tilburg offers expired food in their shelves, AH headquaters needs to ensure that the manager explains why, and if necessary fire him.
Same in this case.. Or why do you have a main board?
The true is, you are disorganized, bureaucratic, and inefficient.. everything that normally a large public institution is or represents..
Take the criticism and instead of arguing, improve your self!Take a minute to think of that...
Peace out!
We shouldnt talk like that to anyone...
ReplyDeleteIn every country, culture and religion there are good and bad people.
However the brainless and stupid act they pulled on you is rediculous and respectless.
I just hope you will notice there are still nice dutch *cheeseheads* left.
Maybe you can write or phone the confidential advisor. They are there for the students too.
Its possible they can help you or give you tips on what to do.
http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about-tilburg-university/confidential-advisors/
We chinese should apologize first for we name "guinea pig" as "Dutch Pig" in Chinese............
ReplyDeletehahahahah
ReplyDeleteje moet niet z'n grapje maken eh, jullie stinken toch maar we zeggen nooit
Dus nu : STINKNEDERLANDERS!!!
Good luck, Xu! Unfortunately, racial incidents are more common then people often think. Actually, even today my friend was not let into one of the clubs in Tilburg and when he asked why, they said: because you're Polish (after seeing his ID). I wouldn't expect much from a bouncer (no offence to those who are not assholes) but from a student association? This is just wrong. I mean, even if in their opinion what they did was not wrong, they should take the fact that you got offended into consideration and apologize anyway!
ReplyDeleteSomebody above said that Chinese students often don't integrate. It might be true to some degree, but why is that the case? Is it not that the Dutch culture is very distant for them and it is very difficult to integrate into the society if you don't feel welcome? As a European, I often get this feeling that if I don't speak Dutch, I am not welcome. This is not the reason why we chose an English-speaking university and an English-speaking programme!
I came to a country where everybody speaks English for a reason. I'm sorry to say this, but I don't want to learn the language of every country I go to and I don't think investing into learning Dutch will pay back. I did take the effort to learn about Dutch culture and history and I totally respect it. But diversity and tolerance work both ways. If a society wants to benefit from foreigners, like the Netherlands is, it must also take some effort on your side, my Dutch friends, to learn about the cultures of foreigners who come to your country.
Last but not least, I would like to stress that we are talking about a small group of people who give a bad image of Dutch people but who are in no way representative of the population. Most Dutch people are very welcoming and that's great, thank you!
First of all, I think it is sad to see how this whole story developed. I believe that some things shouldn’t have been said or said differently, but I don’t think that anyone involved wanted it to turn out so bad and end like this. I am an international student here as well, and though I consider my culture to be quite close to the Dutch culture, there have been moments, in which I felt uncomfortable or even slightly offended by some people’s tendency of saying things very directly or even rudely. In these situations I sometimes felt quite frustrated, but after “cooling” off for some time, I realized that often it was not their intent to be rude, but that it was just the “normal” way to say things. Not for all Dutch people and everyone, but I found it to be true for many Dutch people. So after observing this behavior and being around Dutch students and people for three years, I truly believe that most of the times there are no hard feelings involved. They do not want to hurt my feelings or criticize me too harsh, this is just the way it is done here. And I accepted that and stopped being offended by it, because after all, I chose to come here! And what happened to you Xu, to me it really sounds like they didn’t think it would offend you or hurt your feelings, it was just “normal” for them (and I don’t mean all Dutch people). One example of this is when they asked you whether you felt honored that so many people spoke English for you. I can imagine that the person, who asked that question was “joking” around or just chose wrong words. After all, nobody spoke English as their native language, so language mistakes and unfortunate choices of words do happen. I think the sad part of the story is that you couldn’t resolve these problems in the meeting afterwards. It sounds like you explained to them that you were really hurt and offended, but that there was no understanding from their part. In my opinion, this is the really sad part of the whole story. Misunderstandings do happen and people act wrong, but we should all be grown up enough to admit mistakes.
ReplyDeleteAbout racism… I believe that there is a very thin line between racism and stating/observing cultural differences. Starting sentences with “Chinese…” is NOT racism for me. I believe that we group people all the time, may it be according to nationalities or regions or whatever. We are human beings and I think it is a natural thing to group experiences and observations and sometimes there are just striking common characteristics for one cultural group or nationality. Of course this doesn’t mean that every person behaves or acts like that, it is just a generalization of experiences and observations.
However, what I believe to be the most important point, is how we act upon these “stereotypes” or “generalizations” we have in our head. I would be lying if I said that I don’t have stereotypes of Dutch or Chinese or Americans in my head, however these stereotypes should not influence the way I approach, meet and communicate with people. Respect, dignity and politeness are still an absolute must, even with these stereotypes in my head. I want to give a chance to every new person I meet to prove me wrong, to throw away some of my stereotypes.
Xu, I think it is horrible that you felt so bad and were sick and that there was no understanding from their part. I hope that these problems get solved in the very near future and instead of fighting against each other, perhaps you could work together to improve communication and avoid misunderstandings in the future.
But what about the racial slur? What about they treated us differently when things went wrong with different nationalities? What about they never replied our questions in the e-mail?These are definitely discrimination and racism!
ReplyDeleteIf they are willing to change their views and think from my perspective, if they are really willing to solve the problem, they should just apologize and then justice will be back to me, and I will earn my dignity that everyone in the world deserves! It is just as simple as this, no apology, then no forgiveness!
Hurting me again by calling me "Blackmailing" them is not humanitarian and unacceptable
be brave and use your name especially if you want to comment in bad way, be gentle people..
ReplyDeleteXu, you may not know me and neither do i but you have my support too. be strong and don't hear any provocative comments.
i won't generalize Asset Economics as whole Dutch and Xu as whole Chinese. this is not about Dutch vs Chinese at all so don't generalize the case like that.
You did a good job, spread the case to us, not to provoke people but to ask for support and help.
i hope they won't discriminate you anymore and everything will be better, because i know for sure Dutch people are basically nice and open-minded, they won't discriminate people by race, i see many cultures mixed together in here and it's quite well so why don't just keep it that way..
i also feel Chinese are nice, because i live with 2 Chinese girls and never have any problems.
what i want to say is, racism is so "old school", we live in modern era, we have English to help us communicate to each other, and you have the ability to speak English well, start to call people by their name, not by their race, don't call them "my Dutch friend" or "my Chinese friend" just call their name, and respect each other.
regards,
Anggi
First of all, I'm an international student. I know how it feels to be the one who doesn't understand what they're talking about. But, I must say.. NOT ALL THE DUTCH STUDENTS are like that. Don't stereotype people because I know that most of Dutch people who went abroad are very open to us, it depends on the way we APPROACH them - I mean, whatever the nationality is (even he/she is in the same nationality with you) you still wanna hang out with people whom you enjoy spending time with, right?!
ReplyDeleteSecond, we must ask ourselves, "have we ever talked about someone in front of his/her face in our language?" and have you ever wondered how he/she feels when he/she finds out?
I don't know how you do it in Asset | Economics, but I know that some friends who work for other international students organizations don't have problems. I don't really think that is necessary to blame the name of the institution. Problem is the people who treated you bad.
Lastly, for those people who really want to make things worse, just leave the problem to Xu, those mentioned people and UvT. Just don't make the image your NATIONALITY become worse!
Be strong, Xu! Hope you get what you deserve!
Hi Xu, Here a note from Jacco (Paris)
ReplyDeleteI am also sorry to hear about your last experience. Unfortunately it is hard for a lot of people to empathize with foreigners, because they just think of things in a different way. Especially when they come from far.
In my experience, a lot of organizational members are not to keen about having foreigners join the group. Most of the time it is nothing personal, but it is seemed to be inconvenient (i.e. for a lot of people english is not easy to speak all the time)
International orientation is brought to these members by force. It is not what they wanted for themselves, but the university forced this upon them.
When they see they have to do things different then they would do when there are only dutch people involved, they can get frustrated. For instance, when they want to do activity A, and a group of chinese people (just an example) want to do activity B, they see them as the out-group (which brings inconvenience)
People, culture and nationalities are different, and bring different interests. It is important to talk about this and not put the "other group" or "other members" aside. Especially for the Dutch people it is very bad that they did not put efforts into letting you feel welcome. I think it is mostly the task of the Dutch (and especially the organization involved) to make sure nobody is left out of the group. This obviously didnt happen and that truly dissappoints me.
I hope you didnt feel this way when we got to Paris, I know that there also were negative thougts from some members to the foreign participants, I hope for their sake they just don't know any better.
About the racial slang, please don't feel too bothered about this. Dutch people call eachother names all the times, and they see cultural differences as just another way to make offencive jokes. I think there are not much Dutch people who get offended if you call them stupid cheesyhead all the time, and they expect from you not to feel offended when they call you slanted eyes. I can imagine that this seems strange, and you feel attacked, but for us cheesyheads it is quite normal. (at least if they don't use it as a mean to offend you, but just to sound funny)
The fact that you where treated as an outsider and where not taken serious, just because you are Chinese is of great concern to me. I hope that the Asset-economics people will see into this and apologize for their behaviour.
Yours, Jacco
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI really feel bad about your situation Xu. I am Chinese as well and I am studying in the same university as you. As in my opinion, i think if you feel discriminated or else, the best way is just quit the organization. It is better for you as well since you can now start focusing more to your study. Being treated differently in foreign states is a common thing, that is why I at least decided to stay away from them and just focusing on my purpose coming here at first place (to get the degree of course) Hope everything will be better. Best regards
@Jacco: thanks for commenting on my blog, during the Paris trip, I didn't feel excluded or anything, and I got along with people very well, people were quite friendly at least.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the things you said.However the racial slur for me is still not acceptable, since it is not a joke, he said it after Michelle told him something(probably about our quarre), then in order to help her to "defend", he said it. And they were quite happy after this.
@the Chinese student above: I already finished my duty for Asset|Economics, and I will finish my exams soon, so far I will concentrate on my study for sure.
@the comment that I shouldn't have mentioned the organization: it is not only one person who said racial slubutte most of thegroup of people of the trip didn't treat us fairly, after what had happened they still regard they didn't discriminate Chinese and was not even investigating on the issue soon. Therefore I have my right to let people know the truth and hear my voice!
Thank you all!
Some Dutch people are so narrow-minded...
ReplyDeleteDear Xu,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read that! I hope you will never ever face such a situation again, because you do not deserve that! I hope everything will turn out in your favor! Good luck! :)
I'm also an international student myself here at uvt and I was shocked about your post. Shocked in terms of how was this possible in an "international" organization, but surprised in general? no.
ReplyDeleteThe hard thing is that we tend to generalize, just like I just did. I do agree with some of the comments that starting a sentence with "Chinese" is not racism but calling you with names as they did, that is. It is true that people who have been away from their comfort zone (e.g. home country) are more likely to be aware of cultural differences and know what to say and what not, probably in this case the people who hurt you were just ignorant - but that doesn't make it correct!
I've faced similar problems with ignorance many times here in Tilburg, in and out of the uni and of course it makes me mad but its just something that you have to try to live with. I don't believe that there is one single country in the world where a foreigner would feel perfect. Someone commented earlier that chinese should integrate more... well, I myself am european, very social and outgoing and I've found it hard to integrate with the dutch. The ones that I became really good friends with I've met through the "truly international associations" like esn and iconn. These people have helped me out a lot and really changed my perception of Dutch from bad to good. But these associations don't have that many Dutch members, which I think tells something...
Like i said, I don't think any country/culture is perfect and I'm sure we all say bad things about others, either as a joke or serious. I love my Dutchies and still I make fun of them. I told them not to take me seriously,I just need to let it out. They laugh with me to the jokes and I laugh with them when they make fun of my background. But the key here is that we are friends. So I do understand your frustration as I assume you were not friends with these people.
What irritates me most is the reaction from International office. This I just simply can not understand or accept. I really do hope that things will get sorted out and that you will get peace in your mind. Good luck!
u got us as your support!!! i dont think it only happens to chinese students and i think there r many Dutch guys are stupid, its the time to let them learn!
ReplyDelete加油吖！！
--Arwen
gek nederlanders altijd gek!!
ReplyDeleteI've heard about this story, also from one of the other participants of the trip. I'm really sorry to hear about your side of the story. As far as I can judge about what happened, I do (first of all) think that the comment made by the person you mention above seems to me as it was not meant to offend you (as also mentioned in some other replies).
ReplyDeleteAlso, though I kind of understand the reasons why this happened if the whole story as told by the participant is true, I think that certainly a mistake was made by the other participants (and probably especially the committee) accusing you of faking illness.
Of course, I understand that you do feel offended and I hope that this issue will be solved properly. It seems indeed that this issue will not easily be solved if you directly talk about it with the association, since there seems to be misunderstandings from both sides. Therefore, I would recommend you to search for someone else who can help you guys solving this. I think this role could be fulfilled by for instance someone from the International Office or the general board of Asset.
Good Luck with this issue!
If the comment above that insulted Chinese people or any Asian race is not mean to offend me, then in which way do you think they mean?Sense of humor?I'm sorry, I don't accept this kind of thinking.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for your support and suggestions, so far, I still hold that I won't deal with Asset or International Office, I'll see how Asset | Economics gonna do next especially waiting for their reply to my e-mail.
Have a face to face conversation. Will probably work out better. good luck.
ReplyDeleteIts sorry to hear you feel this way. Being Dutch, I know we have a tendancy to be very direct, to a point where some cultures consider us rude. I do believe however, that especially chinese, are among the most unintegrated students on our university and therefore do not show attempts to narrow the gap between our cultures that could prevent misunderstandings.
ReplyDeleteAs mentioned, you did choose to come here yourself. That choice includes that you have to take the dutch culture, that concists out of more then just students, partially for granted.
Now as to this problem concerned; going public, especially with names included in your blog, is a weak shot in my opinion. As mentioned, face to face conversations are the only way to solve issues. Your strategy now will only lead to increased tentions.
I've read your story, and I can see that things have been said that might have heart you.
ReplyDeleteBut calling the entire board of Asset | Economics racist is making you just as much generalising as you accussed others of doing so. As far as I can see most of what you have been insulted by (either true or false) are matters of personal conflict concerning study tour travellers, you are now making the whole board look bad.
Being Dutch, being direct doesn't mean they can HURT others. Coming from a very different cultural background, we Chinese are for sure different from Dutch in many aspects, but that doesn't mean we don't want to integrate with Dutch.Sometimes when we are with Dutch people in our international program, Dutch people also stay within their own group, and even when international students try to communicate with them, they start talking a bit, then switch back to Dutch to talk to their friends again. This is a double direction communication.Both Dutch and other people from somewhere else should try to integrate with EACH OTHER.
ReplyDeleteTo point out, I have my own international friends from Europe, Asia, New Zealand and so on, we get along pretty well, and I don't have y problems with them at all.
I appreciate the directness of a person, or a culture, but in this case, if the people I mentioned are really direct, they could have told me what they thought about me, and what they were unsatisfied with me, not saying anything in font of you in another language or in your back.
I'm willing to communicate with them if they are showing the same attitude, so far there has been NO e-mail response from Asset|Economics yet,but I'll wait for that
Being very direct is different than being racist. Saying the word "spleetogen"; is that being very direct? I do not, and cannot agree. It's just plain ignorant racism.
ReplyDeleteEach time when someone starts a sentence with: "die Chinezen" or just fill in any other group, is it ever positive? I highly doubt that.
There is nothing wrong with being direct, but some people just need to grow up.
About the Board of Asset|Economics, I use Asset|Economics as the entity to "accuse" because active members are a part of the association, part of the people who treat us differently are from the committee and the Board, moreover, the Board didn't investigate on this issue but only tried to protect the active members.All these together make me to think that, "ok, so the majority of the people from the trip(who were from the association) treated us differently during the trip(also other members before the trip), and after what I've talked to the chairman, nothing has been done to me, no apology, no investigation,so I have my reasons to say this association has a problem,not racist but at least discrimination.
ReplyDeleteIf the board is willing to communicate, I would say to them" You're welcome to communicate with me!"I will wait for your result of investigation,and what I want is not much, only apology from you who treated us differently, that's all, THANK YOU.
Your argument that you use Asset|Economics as the the entity to acuse is very weak. Although active members are a part of the association, the whole association of Asset|Economics can not be accused of racism/discrimiation. That is just plain generalisation. How would you feel like to be called a racist when you get accused of something that others (that unfortunetly) were part of a group/sportsteam/religion/etnicity that you were also a part of?
ReplyDeleteWell, if the Board is not helping in this case, not investigating in this issue, it is helping the racist, moreover even the chairman does not admit racial slur is a reflection of "racism", although she admitted that treating us unfairly is not good. Nobody has done anything to solve the whole issu except saying the so called cultural difference, they only protect themselves but not facing the problems.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I left UvT. Based on my experiences the institution as a whole oozed unprofessionalism and blatant indifference. Common practices employed seemed medieval, to say the least. Unfortunately this was fortified by the manners of the local students and largely reflected upon my impression of the Dutch.
ReplyDeleteI don't enjoy generalizing, but unfortunately my vast experience among them say otherwise. All too commonly I encountered bigotry and inappropriate behaviour in situations where one would least expect. As too many times is the case, a rotten apple spoils the bunch.
I commend you,Xu, for bringing this up publicly. And remember, its never too late to make your life better with big decisions. The Uni is there for you, you are not there for them.
The behaviour of the members of Asset/Economics are making the association look bad. Accusing Xu of staining this association's rep. is ridiculous.
ReplyDeletePunitive measures do not right this wrong, but are required for any credible organization in such a case. Condoning aforementioned behaviour without such measures is unacceptable, but thats only my opinion.
I agree with you that some things said during the week are not right at all. When an association welcomes international students it should try to make them feel comfortable, especially when there is a large majority of Dutch students in the group. Although the board of asset can not be held responsible for the actions of its members, it should take the responsibility of preventing discriminatory behavior more seriously.
ReplyDeletewow.. its a nice blog.. nice information is given here... thanks alot for sharing it.
ReplyDelete