Magazine | “Self-mockery is a core value of Dutch culture”
Comedian Derek Mitchell, known for his TikTok and Instagram channel Let’s Double Dutch, on which he parodies typically Dutch characters, has by now become thoroughly Dutch himself. “When I speak to my American family, I sometimes notice that I’m a bit too direct for them.”
He was nineteen when a friend from Canada told him that Amsterdam “was the nicest city in the world”. Not long afterwards, the Chicago-raised comedian Derek Mitchell (33) settled in the city where he would remain to this day. While learning the Dutch language in Amsterdam and building up a network, he became acquainted with the many peculiarities of Dutch culture. At first, he assumed it would remain at a single parody video on social media, but when that immediately went viral it became clear: this was a winning formula. By now, Mitchell has gained half a million followers, embarked on an international tour and even performed at the Concertgebouw.
You were still quite young when you moved to the Netherlands. What was the first thing that struck you about the Dutch?
“It took a while before I became really close with Dutch people. That’s probably something sociological; you tend to click first with the other outsiders. But once I really connected with Dutch people, it was the level-headed way in which they approach life that struck me.”
So that stereotype is actually true?
“Yes, I think it is. But it’s all relative. The Dutch only respond and communicate in a level-headed way compared with, say, a Brit or an American. The comedy lies in that contrast.”
Dutch behaviour only becomes funny when you place it in contrast?
“I think so. In a vacuum it’s far less interesting. You really notice that once you learn the language. You sense that certain remarks sound very harsh and impolite in English, whereas in Dutch they’re perfectly mild. It only becomes interesting when you show how a Brit reacts to something a Dutch person says.”
“You can see that with the theme of feedback too. Many internationals struggle with Dutch colleagues or managers who give them feedback. Whereas a Brit or an American will sandwich their feedback between all sorts of compliments, the Dutch person assumes you already know that not everything is wrong, so they start straight away with the main points: this and that was disappointing.”
Can you appreciate that directness?
“Yes, absolutely. By now I can. In that respect I’ve definitely become a little Dutch. When I speak to my American family, I sometimes notice that I can be a bit too direct for them.”
Once you realised there was humour to be found in those contrasts, things moved quickly. Do you remember what that first video was about?
“It was about the phrase: eet smakelijk. The fact that it’s polite to say that when someone near you is eating. In English we don’t really have those words. You might say bon appétit, but often with a wink because it sounds rather pretentious. Only a waiter would still say something like ‘enjoy your meal’.”
“When I made the video, I really didn’t expect it to work so well. It was just the funny video of the week, but it took off enormously. I saw in the comments that many people found it very relatable.”
But you probably couldn’t have imagined back then that you would one day perform at the Concertgebouw.
“No. That was blissful. Truly amazing.”
Why do you think this form of satire works so well in the Netherlands?
“Everyone likes to be seen. In the media and in comedy, but also in love. You want validation and affirmation from others. In addition, in the Netherlands – especially in Holland, actually – self-mockery is something of a core cultural value. In the south my characters are less accurate, but there they enjoy laughing at those Hollanders I portray.”
“I also think it’s something Protestant. Taking yourself too seriously and considering yourself important is a cultural and ideological sin. Self-mockery allows you to show others that you’re not committing that sin.”
You sometimes portray American characters as well. Is that any different, since you’re from there yourself?
“I do notice that I need to spend some time there again to do it properly. It’s important that you genuinely live somewhere. You need to experience ordinary interactions, because that’s where you see the traits it’s all based on.”
Do the current circumstances in the US influence what you do and don’t post on Instagram?
“No, I’m not afraid of that. What I do revolves around small, everyday actions, so it’s not about the big political themes. Not because I don’t want to or don’t dare – I’ve made videos about the Dutch elections and about Trump – but life is already so heavy and intense. People just want to be able to have a laugh. In that sense I take my role as a comedian very seriously; I think people need that.”
Finally, on a lighter note: do you have any advice for all those international students at the UvA who are trying to connect with their Dutch classmates?
“I think a ‘us versus them’ way of thinking is a big problem. If you think, ‘I’ll never understand those Dutch people; they’re far too direct for me’, you’ll never become close to them. You have to assume that your own culture and worldview are just as limited and specific as anyone else’s. If you start from that assumption, you can also see the humour in it and laugh about it together.”
From 28 April, a new edition of Folia will once again be available in purple distribution racks. The free print magazine will be disposable on all campuses from that date onwards, featuring democracy as its central theme.
