Until the second half of the 20th century, Saint Nicholas’ helper was not too bright, in line with the old colonial traditions. Once immigration started from the former colonised countries Zwarte Piet became a much more respected assistant of Saint Nicholas, who is often a bit inattentive, but playfull.[8]

Lulu Helder’s claims that “He or she will speak improper Dutch with a low voice and a Surinamese accent.” are not true – unless she saw a Zwarte Piet who was actually Surinamese (they’re an important minority, mainly in Amsterdam) of course. It is Sinterklaas, not Zwarte Piet, who speaks in a low voice.

What hasn’t been mentioned yet is that of the two characters, Sinterklaas is generally strict and stern. Nothing like Santa Claus. Zwarte Piet is generally funny, friendly and approachable, and kids love him.

I find the ‘not safe for work’ comment very strange, by the way. But apparently the Americans have a similar character who does have racist connotations – this would explain why Americans often think the character of Zwarte Piet is racist. So in the end it all seems to come down to a misundertanding – our non-racist Zwarte Piet has similarities to an American character from the past who was racist.

In Holland we do have tremendous issues with racism, by the way. But this is generally directed against muslims (Turks and Moroccans to be precise: our two largest racial minorities are overwhelmingly muslim). We even have a racist party backing our government at the moment, and the hatred against muslims is an ongoing issue that is tearing up our country. That is where our true problems lie, not in the color of a friendly children’s character’s face.

erik smit
flickr.com/eti-eti

I.e., you may be racist against blacks, but not as you are racist as you are against other minorities!

Okay gotcha.

Excuse me while I bust a gut laughing in your face.

In all seriousness – this just serves to demonstrate how you’re sheltered and ignorant.

This reminds me of a discussion I and another African American woman had with some French people about a French expression for a ghostwriter. It’s essential the French equivalent of the “N word.”
The French folk kept saying, Oh, it’s a compliment. This person works hard …

… like an “N word.”

They could not grasp that the term was offensive.

When I saw the candy display for Black Pete, I couldn’t but think, now if this were an Asian character, and I saw a row of yellow marzipan caricatured heads, what would I think?

Sure thing, Princess.