Discarding 'Zwarte Piet' in Holland.

You've undoubtedly heard of Zwarte Piet, the companion of Sinterklaas. If not, quickly skim through this wikipedia article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwarte_Piet

The United Nations want to discard this Zwarte Piet because they see it as a racist matter. A black servant of a white man. Put it bluntly like that, and yes, it is basically slavery. But Zwarte Piet is not treated in a bad way. Legend has it that Zwarte Piet willingly joined Sinterklaas, and that they together give presents and candy to children.

I, myself, am from Holland, and was wondering what your guys' opinion is about this matter. I know alot of Americans and Canadians are on this forum, so that's why I asked it here.

So.. Keep Zwarte Piet or discard the whole thing?

 

You do know that ''Zwarte Piet'' is black because he went trough the chimney right? Not because of is race/origins.

 

Different stories man. If it wasn't about race/origins, why would the united nations want him gone so badly? Sure, white people painting their faces black is a taboo, but still. That can't be the only reason, right?

 

It's been like this for years. This is no major problem in Holland neither in other countries. The public Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet preforms on, are kids. They don't care what colour he is.

United Nations should be focusing on real issue's like Syria.

 

And that's what I was looking for. Your opinion on this matter.

 

The guy's black because he went down the chimney; I see no reason why he should be gotten rid of. If anything, making a racial issue out of something that isn't racist to begin with will do more harm than good in a fight against racism. There needs to be a re-education, not a silencing.

Besides, yeah, the UN has better things to worry about. Spending time on this matter means not spending time on more important things.

The world is stupid.

 

The only thing they should do is remove the gold earring as said in the news lol

 

Oh for fuck sakes, can I not go anywhere without this "issue" being thrown in my face?

People need to stop looking for racism in every other semi-coloured thing.
Once people stop trying to feel sorry for and stop trying to look for things that might cause racism...there would be no racism.

 

I'm from Holland as well, I think the idea should be discarded, imagine if his ''helpers'' were women instead of black guys. Also being the last country to stop with slavery doesn't help.

 

lol here we go again, the every year december discussion lol... OT: i think it's BS, I am belgian and i grew up with "Sinterklaas" and "Zwarte Piet" 10 years ago i can't remember anyone saying that Zwarte Piet is Sinterklaas's slave or it being a form of racism whatsoever. Most of the kids still adore Zwarte Piet and Sinterklaas and see them as equal -> IMO they are making it a way bigger thread than it should be.