ARCHAIC PRACTISE OF THE DUTCH


Dispute: Supporters argue Black Pete has nothing to do with race, but critics say an 18th century book called St Nicholas and his Servant, from which Dutch traditions are drawn, show the character is based on a slave



Tensions: While the majority of Dutch people see Black Pete as harmless, the character has become a flashpoint for tensions in recent years over allegations it is racist



 Racist? As part of Dutch Christmas tradition towns hold Sinterklaas parades, where a man playing St Nicholas marches through the streets along with his helper Zwarte Pieten, or 'Black Pete'


I have not heard about this before so I thought I should bring it to the notice my readers. There is a celebration observed in Netherland in mid November called St. Nicholas or Sinterklaas . The story is that St Nicholas arrives from Spain with a little helper called "Black Pete". From my understanding Black Pete is suppose to be a slave. His character has attracted protests from the Black community in Netherland. During the celebration hundreds of white Dutch paint their faces black and put on black wig. This tradition has been observed for hundreds of years.
According to Mail on line UK , last year a UN court decided that the celebration should go on but was silent on  whether the character "Black Pete" is racist or not. I thought the Netherlands are liberal, they can not be if the still encourage such an archaic practise.  

 

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