Cannabis and Prostitution: Amsterdam is Misunderstood

I'll be honest and say I knew nothing about the Netherlands before I came to live here. The stereotypes I knew and heard about Amsterdam were about how it's known for their drugs and prostitutes with some tulips, windmills, and canals thrown into the mix. It wasn't until I came here and experienced the 'culture' first-hand that my perspectives changed. 

First, I'd like to clear up this stigma against the drug tolerance and prostitution. On the many tours that I've went on, I learned that yes, there is a lot of drug use, primarily marijuana, but it is in fact illegal to smoke on the streets or house the amount of cannabis that most coffeeshops typically buy - it's just not regulated as strictly. Now, I know this seems bad, but I've never felt threatened or unsafe by others because of this national tolerance of drugs. Since I've been here, everyone is super "chill" and minds their own business. I've never been approached or followed by anyone asking for or offering substances. Additionally, I've never felt pressured to participate in it. I believe Amsterdam doesn't deserve its negative drug stigma. 

one of many coffeeshops in AMS (this one was featured in Emma Chamberlain's Amsterdam vlog!)

Similarly, the stigma of prostitution and the Red Light District is misunderstood. Before I came, people put into my mind that there were prostitutes roaming around the city looking for their next client, or how I had to tell my old relatives that going to Amsterdam wouldn't automatically make me a prostitute. I've learned that the country actually has strict but humane regulations set up for the women who work in the industry. The workers don't deserve the disrespectful reputation they receive. 

I don't have any pics from the RLD but instead here are some pics showing this beautiful country

My knowledge and education on both these cultures would not even exist without living here for 4 months. I walk through the Red Light District sometimes to get to the Metro station on the way home. It's just another street and I know hundreds of people walk the same route for the same purposes. Now of course, I say all this with a grain of salt because this is based on my experiences, which have all been positive/neutral. I'm not walking around the city by myself or even with a group without situational awareness, but it's like any other city. I, in fact, feel safer walking around in city centre at night by myself than I do walking on the edge of Loyola's campus by myself at night. 

I think people shouldn't focus on their biased opinions on the cannabis and prostitution culture when they think of Amsterdam. Of course, these are part of a "Dutch" identity, but it shouldn't deter anyone from visiting or living here. 

                                 

more pictures 

The country has so much to offer, just give it a chance.