Netherlands: Anti-Racists and Blacks Attacked Saint Nicholas and his Helpers

Dutch police have arrested up to 90 people as anti-racist protesters clashed at a traditional ‘Black Pete’ festival in Gouda.

Demonstrators view the celebrations as racist due to the character’s traditionally blackened face and Afro wig. On Saturday, "Sixty people were arrested for demonstrating in unauthorized areas, and 30 for disturbing the peace" during children’s festivities, police spokeswoman Yvette Verboon told AFP. The demonstrators in Gouda were divided into two camps, both for and against the ‘Black Pete’ character.

Scuffles between people supporting and protesting the historical Christmas figure began when Saint Nicholas came out on to the balcony of the main square and protesters held up a banner, saying: "Black Pete Racism".

The racial debate has been gaining traction in the Netherlands. Many have argued that the traditional Christmas figure, known as Saint Nicholas’ sidekick, is a colonial racist stereotype.

‘Black Pete’ is usually played by a white person, who paints his face black, lips bright red and dons an Afro-style wig.

"Some black kids feel hurt at this time of year," said one protester. "It's a real shame that in a civilized country, in 2014, you still have to defend equality,” a man at the procession who gave his name as Knoledge told AFP.

Meanwhile, supporters of ‘Black Pete’ argue that the figure is part of their cultural heritage, making him an integral part of Christmas celebrations. In terms of blackened faces, they adopt the view that Black Pete just came out of the chimney after delivering gifts, which is why his face is pitch black.

"This is how I celebrate, how my grandmother and grandfather and parents celebrated, and I don't think it's racist,” said one of the supporters of the tradition.

Earlier, Rutte said the community should resolve this issue, not politicians. "Personally, I think he can stay black. But this is a matter for the community. It is not a task for politics.”

Local policymakers have been discussing the idea of trying out "other Black Pete versions", including orange, yellow and even rainbow.

(RT)

Share with:

Popular products:

Recent news:

• White Students Turned Away from “Anti-Racism” Seminar for Being White
• Greek PM Warns of "Far-right Threat" in Europe
• The Dark Side of the "Liberation of Europe"
• "Former Republics of the USSR are on their Way to a Nazi Revival", Says Influential Zionist Group
• Mein Kampf: The world’s most dangerous book?
• Xenophobia Rising: Rome Removes Africans from Refugee Centre Besieged by Nationalists
• "If Jews Leave, Europe will Face Economic Disaster", Jewish Leader Warns
• Angry, White and Proud: New Documentary on English Nationalism (VIDEO)
• Golden Dawn Leadership to Stand Trial on Hitler’s Birthday
• Wreck of Kriegsmarine U-boat Located in Java Sea
• Germany’s Biggest Anti-Racism Crusader Pleads Guilty to Child Porn
• Dutch "Multicultural" Students Resist Holocaust Education
• In Germany, Fanta Ad that "Forgets Evil Nazi Past" is Pulled
• Dutch Police Investigate Sale of Soap Supposedly Made From Jewish Holocaust Victims’ Remains
• In London, Teacher Fined For Posting Hitler Picture With Words "You Were Right"
• Falsely Accused Czech Publishers of Adolf Hitler Speeches Seek Compensation
• Race Riots Coming to Toledo: National Socialists Plan Return for Demonstration after a Decade
• VIDEO: Nationalists Confront Antifa Protesters at Arizona State University
• Italians are Resisting Mass Non-White Immigration
• "Jews using Holocaust to Suck the Blood of Germans," Egypt TV Host Says (VIDEO)
• UK: "This Flat is for Blacks Only": Shocking Racist Campaign to Force White Mum Out of Home
• Norway Deports Record Number of Muslim Immigrants
• Italian Anti-Immigration Rally Draws Thousands of Nationalists in Rome
• Anti-Semitism Spreading Across Europe, Says Study
• The Witch Hunt Continues: Ex-SS Medic, 94, Charged with Mass Murder against Jews