How does the "average Dutch" feels about Flanders ?

I am originally from Flanders. Was born in Brugge, and grew up in a village half way between Gent and Brugge. Then in my 20ies I moved to Delft and lived there for 9 years, until I finally ended up in Switzerland.

So I have a bit of experience there.

Generally the opinion of the Dutch regarding the Flemish is a positive one. But you should also realise that the Netherlands itself is rather diverse. The south (Breda, Eindhoven etc...) is a lot more like Flanders. You hear that in the language, you see that in the local customs. The separation that the main European powers imposed on Belgium and The Netherlands was not wanted by most of the population, and is often perceived as tragic.

Of course, in Amsterdam they look down on everyone who is not from Amsterdam, and outside Amsterdam they find those from Amsterdam all arrogant b******s. :-)

That's an interesting and unique question here.

Are you planning on going to one or the other, or are you Flemish and wondering if you will be welcome in some part of the Netherlands?

I am American, but I found it interesting that multi-national corporate workers in the Brussels/Antwerp area seem to always use the English word "Dutch" to describe the language they speak. I do sometimes see posted notices with the word "Vlaamse", with various endings.

The reason people in Flanders use "Dutch" to describe the language they speak, is because that is, in fact, the language they speak...

Wengen, I remember when the Wereldmusem was called the Tropenmuseum, and before that, I think, The Colonial Museum! The OP question was about politics, not about semantics. The English word "Flemish", meaning a spoken language, is used a few times a year on this newsboard. So there is an ironic component to my post.

I’m very curious what’s behind this unusual question from a first time poster. I hope the OP comes back to explain and give some background. Until then I’ll refrain from saying anything, because I’m not sure how it will be perceived.

What I have always wanted to know about Flanders is why they have those giants that you see during the coverage of the Ronde van Vlaanderen? They are pretty creepy looking.

I live a few kilometers from the Belgian border so quite familiar with what happens in Flanders.

Important to know that the big Dutch rivers running roughly from Arnhem / Nijmegen to Rotterdam is not only a cultural barrier in the Netherlands, but in Europe too. Actually it divides our continent in the southern / latin part and the nothern part and dates back to the Roman Empire were the rivers Danube and Rhine formed it's northern border and still has it’s influence till today. Meaning for instance that the influence of the Roman Catholic church is somehow present and also means that in the Netherlands those living south of the rivers in general feel for this reason connected with the Belgians too. My idea is that there is more interest from the Flemish side for things that are happening in the Netherlands than the other way around.

For most living in the “Randstad”, the conurbation of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague north of the big rivers the Belgian border is too far away and my general impression is that most there have no clue what’s going on in Belgium or more specific in the Dutch speaking part Flanders. Knowledge is more superficial and limited to generalisations, unless one have friends, family living there or doing business.

I am raised with family and friends living in Belgium so a whole lot of memories. Watching often Flemish tv series, so learned understanding the spoken dialects and getting more familiar with it’s customs.

In general the mentality is despite speaking the same language very different. Dutch are more direct and easily say what they think, from time to time too easy and too much. Can be annoying or inconvenient but to my opinion not realy dangerous. Dutch feel very comfortable in their own public space and show that in an extravert way and think can doing this everywhere else too. Flemish are more introvert and more reserved about giving their opinion, feel not so comfortable in the public space like the Dutch and prefer enjoying themselves for instance in restaurants, in smaller or private circles.