These are Zwarte Pieten, or Black Peters. For some, theyre a sacred yuletide tradition. For others, a racist symbol. Black Pete appeared the 1850s, when Dutch colonies still had slaves. Another theory is that the look of the Black Peters is based on Moorish dress from those times. The clothing being representations of the African Moors that conquered Spain and many other parts of Europe for centuries starting from & the 8th century. Many Black Dutch nationals are offended by the tradition as it has connotations to the historic Black face which was racist entertainment and in theatres for black characterisation in America in the early 1800s. Credit: VJ Movement
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 03:42:52 +0000
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