Holland's cultural racist Christmas character

Racism comes in all shapes and forms. We have the

In the European nation of Holland, racism exists in the form of a Christmas character known as Black Pete. The black companion of St. Nicholas or Sinterklaas (the Dutch Father Christmas) is in the midst of a racial row in the country.

According to Dutch folklore, Sinterklaas comes out every December 5 (the Dutch and Belgian Christmas) to reward good kids. His companion Black Pete is tasked with the job of kidnapping kids who have been naughty all year long.

During Christmas celebrations, thousands of men in Holland dress up as Sinterklaas and parade on the streets during the Christmas celebration. Here comes the problem, thousands of white men paint their faces black (known as black face) and play the role of Black Peter.

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Blackface is a very sensitive issue in race relations. When white actors wanted to depict black people on stage they painted their faces black with big lips and big noses. This still goes in today in America though not as popular as decades before.

The culture of Black Pete is still very strong in Holland. There have been protests against the Christmas character and its racist implications. While some white Dutch people indeed see Black Pete as a racist figure, a lot of people claim that Black Pete isn't racist but cultural.

There have been death threats to people and politicians who have openly opposed Black Pete.

Change is coming but it is slow. For now, Black Pete is an ugly spot in Holland's Christmas culture.