By Dave Mangene
Utrecht, 07 July 2014.
Dear Your Majesty,
My name is Dave and I was born and raised in the United States but I've been living in the Netherlands for the past 21 years. I, like you, am a proud 'nieuwe Nederlander'.
I'm writing to you today because I want to offer you moral support in these trying times. By 'trying times' I mean that Argentina is playing against Holland Wednesday night which presents a real conflict of interest for you, and I want you to know that I'm feeling your pain.
I know how it is, Your Highness. Lemme give you an example:
Just last weekend, while we were driving to Zwembad Den Hommel here in Utrecht, my son's friend Koen looked up at me with big, inquisitive eyes and asked:
"Papa van Mickey?"
"Ja Koen?" I said. I speak Dutch to my kids' friends, but English to my own boys. You probably do the same, no?
"Stel dat Amerika tegen Nederland moet voetballen in het WK. Voor wie ben jij dan?" he asked.
That's a tough question coming from a 10 year old because they don't stand for no bullshit. I love that about kids, but it can be difficult at times, don't you think?
I pondered Koen's question for several seconds while I drove. It was pretty quiet in the car, and all eyes were on me.
Who, indeed, would I cheer for if America played Holland?
After what seemed an eternity, I decided to shoot straight. Koen, and my boys, wouldn't accept anything but the truth, so I had to give it to them.
"Koen, al ben ik in hart en nieren Amerikaan, als Nederland tegen Amerika speelt, dan ben ik toch voor Nederland..."
I didn't even wait for Koen to ask why because I've been a father for 10 years and I know that that question is coming
"Weet je Koen, Ik kies voor Oranje omdat Nederland mijn hart heeft gestolen. Ik woon hier. Mijn jongens worden groot hier. Hun moeder is Nederlandse. Ik coach voetbal hier. Ik kijk naar Oranje en de ere divisie op televisie. Ik ken de Nederlandse spelers. Ik ga graag naar Stadion Galgenwaard om naar FC Utrecht te kijken. Koen, als het om voetbal gaat, ben ik Nederlander geworden. Daarom ben ik voor Oranje..." I said.
"Nou, papa van Mickey, Ik vind het wel slim van je, hoor" zei Koen, "want straks wordt Oranje wereldkampioen en dan ben jij dat ook een beetje..."
Your Majesty, it wasn't an easy thing to admit. I feel like I'm being disloyal and if there's anything America hates, it's a traitor (Argentina too btw). But I'm not a traitor. Your Highness, I love America and I always will. But Holland is my home, and Holland is my future.
Do you know that feeling?
Of course, the pressure on you is far greater than the pressure on me. Mostly because Holland actually IS playing Argentina. But also because you are, well, the Queen of Holland. Lots of people will attach much significance to your choice.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this:
Your Majesty, even though you're a true Argentinian, it's OK to cheer for Oranje. It's OK to love Holland and Argentina at the same time. I know that in your official capacity as Queen of this lovely land, you have to root for Holland in a formal sense. But I would encourage you to embrace Oranje with your heart too. Con tu corazon Your Majesty, like King Willem-Alexander does.
Whichever team you choose, I'm sure you'll handle it with grace and elegance just like you handle everything, it seems.
Me, I'm cheering for Oranje till the bitter end. I'll still follow and support Team USA too, but when the day comes that I face the same moral choice as you on Wednesday night, I'll be ready. I want you to know that, without intending any disrespect to the wonderful country of my birth, if America plays Holland, I will have Orange blood running through my veins.
Enjoy the game Your Majesty, and long live the Queen!
All the best,
~ DAVE
PS - If you want top tips about American and Dutch language and culture, every Friday, click here.
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