The Netherlands Continue With Their Black Face Christmas Tradition.

Sinterklaas is the Santa Clause version for the Dutch, but it’s his sidekick that is causing some controversy. Zwarte Piet or Black Pete is Sinterklaas’s helper or his servant because of the time period the character was invented, during slavery. Each year to celebrate, White people dress up in Black face and wigs resembling afros along with bright red lipstick. Dressing up in Black face is racist or offensive because of the way White people would portray the black characters with singing and dancing. The Dutch don’t believe that it’s racist to portray the character, but rather just a Christmas tradition. VOX.com created a video explaining the whole controversy surrounding Black Pete, you can watch it below.

 

Het zit er weer op. Drukke weken, maar hele leuke dagen. Veel lol gehad !! Op naar volgend jaar !! #5december #5dec #sinterklaas #zwartepiet #sinterklaasfeest #avondjevansinterklaas

A photo posted by Sandra (@sandra171071) on Dec 6, 2016 at 8:49am PST

 

Vandaag gekroond tot stafpiet ???? #sinterklaas #dressup #playtime #zwartepiet #kids #volunteer #fun

A photo posted by Kyo/food/training/?life ?????? (@kyo_desmedt) on Dec 6, 2016 at 8:42am PST

Over ‘n paar jaar geen ruzie over #ZwartePiet maar over ‘onze’ racistische traditie #blackfriday #dwdd #pauw #nosjournaal pic.twitter.com/soWHLXCnON

— De Hofnar (@de_hofnar) November 25, 2016

Black Pete debate encapsulates anxiety, those afraid of Holland’s changing nature.
You’re missing the word “racist” https://t.co/qJog3mHrbD pic.twitter.com/ZYM4cTlhj6

— Ben Carrington (@BenHCarrington) November 25, 2016

Racist Dutch Christmas Tradition Is Black Face – Santa Claus & Black Pete Sinterklaas En… https://t.co/yAWynebYP5 pic.twitter.com/6JTtNAqFLo

— Santa Claus Blog (@SantaClausBlog1) November 18, 2016

Image and Source-VOX.com