Blackface for the holidays

Dutch deny racism in 'Zwarte Piet' holiday tradition.

Is the Dutch tradition of Zwarte Piet, depicting Saint Nicholas' helpers in black-face, a cultural treasure or racism? Those who love Zwarte Piet say it’s for the children and those outside The Netherlands just don’t get it. The fans claim there’s no racist intent. Those opposed argue the custom was born of the nation’s slave-trading past and it’s a harmful and stereotypical portrayal.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak to:

Quinsy Gario @nonemployees
Founder, Zwarte Piet is Racisme
nonemployees.com

Bas Heijne @Bjheijne
Writer, NRC Handelsblad

Members of The Stream community also join via Google+ hangout.

What do you think of the Zwarte Piet tradition? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

View the story "Blackface for the holidays" on StorifyBlackface for the holidaysDutch deny racism in 'Zwarte Piet' holiday tradition.Storified by The Stream · Tue, Dec 18 2012 08:42:34The character of "Black Pete" traditionally joins Sinterklaas, or Saint Nicholas, as they travel around the Netherlands, handing out candy and presents until December 6th. He is beloved in his home country, but draws critiques for his black-face makeup and dim-witted behaviour. Below is footage from festivities celebrating Sinterklaas and Black Pete. Sinterklaas parade , , De Sint met zijn 99 Zwarte pieten en Zijn Paard.mrkittekat- Christmas | Traditions -PinterestThe first appearance of Black Pete was in a children's story written by Jan Schenkman in 1850. ImageshackBlack Pete was historically a Moorish character who would kidnap bad children and take them to his native Spain. Today, he is said to have a black face because of the soot in chimneys. They're supposed to be black from coal in chimneys. Get over it.Kevin JenningsJefdejagerNTR is a public broadcasting service in the Netherlands that produces educational programming for children, including a show that features Sinterklaas and Black Pete. When asked about the controversy concerning Black Pete, NTR responded, “Weat the NTR produce a television programme that is for children and based on aDutch traditional children’s party called Sinterklaas...It is not up to the NTR to change a cultural tradition that is up to oursociety”.

http://sinterklaasjournaal.ntr.nl/#/homeAJstreamThe popularity of the Black Pete character, as well as the controversy surrounding him, has led to many comedic and satirical videos: Zwarte Pieten Stijl - Nederlandse Gangnam StylebestmusichiteverZwarte Pieten Style (PSY - Gangnam Style)kempermanharaldZwarte PietgroenbrothersLast year, protests against the depiction of Black Pete led to arrests. Below is footage of local law enforcement using force to arrest non-violent protesters. Mishandeling???? Sinterklaas Intocht DordrechtpaolalacleZwarte Piet arrestaties door politie van Miss Kitty en anderen! Beelden van camera Miss Kitty!misskittyshowThe following pictures are from protesters at festivities this year.Chad in AmsterdamPinterestChad in AmsterdamPinterestFormer Dutch colonies have altered the tradition of Black Pete. Suriname outlawed Black Pete's presence in public places, while residents in Curacao painted their faces different colors.FbcdnSocial media erupted with responses in vehement support and opposition to the tradition of Black Pete.The historical zwarte Piet is pretty racist out of ignorance. The modern zwarte Piet is nice in the eyes of a lot of people, except those with a darker skin who know the history.Jelle van der Velde@AJStream I have friends with parents who are from parts of Africa and Holland & they simply do not consider Zwarte Piet controversial.Tane Rogers-EirugIt's a tradition many of us like very much! Children don't see a difference between black and white! So why do elderly people make such a fuss of it. Let the children be happy!Gabriëlla L. BousaidRight, because a Moorish slave brought in from Spain isn't racist at all. The "tradition" was switched from an evil helper that would hit kids with a stick and kidnap them to Spain coincidentally after child abuse became a social faux pas. If it switched then, why can't it switch now? If you can take away the cane, you can take away the black-face.Malcolm StrachanIf the people in the NEtherlands do not like it , then they should leave ... simple as that . This is Dutch cultureTravis BourgeoisI think that a lot of people here are looking at it from a culturally subjective lens. It's a part of traditional Dutch culture. If you're not Dutch, you wont understand it. Why should anyone change their culture to suit delicate American sensibilities? It's all a matter of geographic location and cultural perspective. Seriously, stop making value judgments on things that you don't understand!Benjamin de RhodesI'm Dutch. They aren't slaves. They are helpers, staff.Arend van der BoomI'm Dutch and I'm deeply ashamed of this horrific tradition.Vincent van GoolThis has nothing to do with Santa, zwarte pieten are regarded as sinterklaas' helpers (sinterklaas =/= santa). And I never read anything racist in it. Kids believing in this are generally too young to be concerned with racism. And if they would, zwarte pieten are friendly people giving away gifts to everyone and doing funny stuff. So it stereotypes blacks as good and helpful.Simon Van Hoeymissen@AJStream Bizarrely, most people in Holland don't view Zwarte Piet as racist; some even saying he's just a white guy w/soot on his faceHind Makki@AJStream I was in Holland during Sinterklaas; seeing ppl in blackface was nauseating - reminded me of minstrel shows. http://pic.twitter.com/5X7YhSEQHind MakkiEvery yr the same old story about this figure, it can be racism if u see it. NOt if u dont.Barry McBeit is absolutely Racist even the "Zwarte Piet" songs are racist if you read the lyrics there is line that says "Zwarte Piet you are soo black that we can only hear you at night but can't see you". I always wondered what these songs were about. disgusting#Mona Somalina@AJStream According to myths dating to the 19th century, Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas) operated with the devil as his slave (ZP). Its racistmseka@AJStream @mseka75 Sinterklaas is a symbol, the parents give it meaning. Its offensive but also cultural. I never thought they influenced meLuiz Sanchez@AJStream ultimately the Dutch are teaching their kids that black people are bad and white people are good since punishment comes from ZPmsekaGood ol Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet. Sometimes it's so racist, it's not #happywhiteanglosaxonwinterprivilegenightJP WilliamsHaving lived in the Netherlands For 4 years I first thought people would maybe not like the Zwarte Piet concept but by living there and raising kids there you learn that Zwarte Piet is not seen as a slave or think of as less but is an essential part of the whole Sint story, kids dress as Zwarte Piets for Carneval because the Piet is fun, full of adventures and has a good heart. No everything has to be rasist, get over yourselves.Alexa CorreaBelow are pictures posted on Pinterest highlighting a variety of festivities featuring Black Pete. Caribbean ChristmasPinterestSinterklaas cakesPinterestRecipes for cakes and cookiesPinterestChad in AmsterdamPinterestChad in AmsterdamPinterestHOMESICKPinterestChristmas Around the WorldPinterestVorweihnachtszeitPinterestSinterklaas (Dutch holiday like Christmas with an old man giving gifts to children)Pinterest

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Blackface for the holidays

Blackface for the holidays

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