At a time when towns were surrounded by walls, everyone who wanted to enter was checked by a guard/gatekeeper, who also answered questions.
One day a journeyman, new to the town, asked the gatekeeper what the people were like.
The gatekeeper said: “First, let me ask you what the folks were like where you lived last”?
“Oh, they were honest, friendly, easy to work with, fun loving and open minded,” was the answer.
“Well, you will find them to be much the same here,” was the reply.
Later that day yet another journeyman came along, also asking the gatekeeper about the inhabitants of the town.
“First let me ask what the people were like where you just came from?”
“Oh! They were crooks, bad-mannered, grouchy and predominantly ill-disposed.”
“Well, you will find them to be much the same here,” was the reply.