Jolly Black Slaves

Hey there Dameaux9,

The filmmaker from JBS here. I just want to point out a few things: First of all, I took great care to get the opinions of Dutch people and by-and-large, the Dutch communities of color are not a fan of this tradition (for obvious reasons). So when you say "never try and change that country" or "don't carve your own beliefs into them," it's a bit offensive, implying that those who are against the portrayal of Zwarte Piet are in fact "not Dutch."

Also, while there are clearly cultural differences that makes it a difficult analogy, it's really hard to ignore this tradition's similarities to the minstrel shows here in the United States. And it's worth noting that though the minstrels were often portrayed as happy or having fun, that did not make the tradition any less offensive. This was an American "tradition" and it was dispanded because people acknowledged how offensive and hurtful it was.

Today, the same should be true for the Dutch's celebration of Zwarte Piet.

A few more points of note: it's true Zwarte Piet is often portrayed as happy, but he's also generally portrayed as stupid, childish, and lacking idenitity (as in, they are all pretty much the same)—all of these attitudes can be traced towards The Netherland's colonial legacy.

Your question about why Santa is white is a good one. To push further, why is Santa, a character played as a dignified adult who rides in on a majestic horse, white? And why are his helpers/slaves black? It's not a far strech to tie this back to the very offensive and repulsive colonial legacy.

Hey there Dameaux9,

The filmmaker from JBS here. I just want to point out a few things: First of all, I took great care to get the opinions of Dutch people and by-and-large, the Dutch communities of color are not a fan of this tradition (for obvious reasons). So when you say "never try and change that country" or "don't carve your own beliefs into them," it's a bit offensive, implying that those who are against the portrayal of Zwarte Piet are in fact "not Dutch."

Also, while there are clearly cultural differences that makes it a difficult analogy, it's really hard to ignore this tradition's similarities to the minstrel shows here in the United States. And it's worth noting that though the minstrels were often portrayed as happy or having fun, that did not make the tradition any less offensive. This was an American "tradition" and it was dispanded because people acknowledged how offensive and hurtful it was.

Today, the same should be true for the Dutch's celebration of Zwarte Piet.

A few more points of note: it's true Zwarte Piet is often portrayed as happy, but he's also generally portrayed as stupid, childish, and lacking idenitity (as in, they are all pretty much the same)—all of these attitudes can be traced towards The Netherland's colonial legacy.

Your question about why Santa is white is a good one. To push further, why is Santa, a character played as a dignified adult who rides in on a majestic horse, white? And why are his helpers/slaves black? It's not a far strech to tie this back to the very offensive and repulsive colonial legacy.

Why should NL get rid of their traditions just because people have recently seen it as racism?

black peter isnt portrayed as if hes having a bad time! its not like he isnt enjoying his job, it looks fun!! what if santa was black, would people complain then? yes they would, but why is santa white anyway?

i think its good having a fun icon thats different from the others, people should be greatful and happy that black peter is having a nice time and not a bad one!!

when i first found out about black peter i was amazed :D and happy.

But you shouldnt ban traditions or supress them just because others dont like it.

always have respect for a countrys principles and beliefs, never try and change that country, live as they do, dont carve your own beliefs into them, have respect!

i like this vid i think it will spark a good debate :)