Zwarte piet or Black Peet or Schwarze Peter is the black helper of the Dutch version of Santa Claus. Especially none native Dutch sometimes believe the appearance of Zwarte Piet is offensive. A black painted face with large red lips, frizzy hair and golden earrings could give the impression that Zwarte Piet is a black slave working for a white Master. The UN has already ruled the appearance to be offensive. The ruler however was already planning to demand a compensation for the Slavery history of the Netherlands before she was appointed as a ruler in this case. Therefor the ruler was biased.
Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet are a piece of the Dutch culture. The story is that the Turkish Saint `Sinterklaas` is very fond of children and that he will bring present if they behave good. These presents are brought down the chimney by his helpers `Zwarte Piet`. If the children have been bad they will be put in a back and Sinterklaas will take them back to Spain where they will have to work as Chimney boys, who have to clean the chimneys. That is why Piet (a Dutch Name) will turn black.
The ongoing debate asks the question if this piece of culture should change, if so how fast and in what direction. People who vote against black Piet are believed to be unnaturalized.
Retailers are struggling how they should present Zwarte piet in their stores. They need clarity. In the end the 5th of December should be a fiesta for everyone, but culture doesn’t change overnight.
