Even though I don’t have blonde hair and blue eyes, I was born in the Netherlands. People often make the assumption that I am a ‘foreigner’. The statements:

“How well you speak Dutch!” and “You really are a hard worker as a foreigner” have occurred. Jokes are also made about pronouncing my name. 

It makes me angry and frustrated that people have these prejudices. After all, I have always worked and studied hard. I wish people would think twice before making these comments. And I am afraid they will find it offensive if I call them on it. More attention should be drawn to this issue. Not everyone with dark hair and dark eyes doesn’t speak the language (well).