When I realized I would have the opportunity to live in the Netherlands during the early holiday season, I was ecstatic. I figured the quaint towns would be even more charming when decorated with snowflakes and tinsel. I imagined a winter wonderland, where snow fell on the cobblestone streets of Amsterdam and the locals told me about their own unique Christmas traditions. Those expectations were fulfilled and then some because I learned about a tradition very unique to the Netherlands; the celebration of Saint Nicolas’ birthday on the fifth of December. Saint Nicolas is called Sinterklaas here and as he delivers presents to children on this day, he receives the help of his valet called Black Pete.
On December 5th, towns throughout the Netherlands host celebrations that feature Sinterklaas and Black Pete. Ever since the beginning of this tradition many centuries ago, Black Pete has been portrayed as a white man wearing blackface. When I first learned about this tradition, I was shocked. In the United States, blackface is understood as a racist practice and it is a part of history we are ashamed of. Anyone seen in blackface today faces intense scrutiny and public outcry, as can be seen in the recent Julianne Hough incident. I found it hard to believe that blackface was still common in a 21st century culture. But in the Netherlands, it is normal to see Black Pete depicted on holiday cards and posters, in books, and as ornaments.
To most natives of the country, the idea that Black Pete is a racist character is just as shocking. Locals see him as an important part of a story that has existed in their culture for centuries. I have even been told that Black Pete is valued more than Sinterklaas because without his help the children could not get their presents. Joel Bohnen, a 20-year-old Dutch-American student studying in Amsterdam, told me that he is hurt when Americans misunderstand Black Pete.
“In your Dutch childhood, you never look at Black Pete in a bad manner. Dutch kids do not look at him as less worthy, they almost look at him in higher esteem than Sinterklaas,” said Bohnen.
I found his reasoning to be frustrating but at the same time, fascinating. In his perspective, which is shared by many Dutch residents, the practice of blackface with Black Pete is not racist because to them it is not being used in a hurtful way. He also said he thinks the history of black slavery is one more prevalent in America, rather than in the Netherlands. I found this sentiment hard to understand. From my perspective, the practice perpetuates negative stereotypes about the black population and also continues to trivialize a history of imperialism. The Netherlands was a country engaged in the slave trade in the 17th and 18th centuries, shipping over half a million Africans in total to the Spanish colonies.
With that in mind, a few cities in the Netherlands have begun to criticize this popular practice of Black Pete. On November 19th in the city of Gouda, 100 protesters gathered during a Sinterklaas celebration to oppose the racist overtones of the day. By the end of the day, 90 of them had been arrested. The mayor of Gouda, Milo Schoenmaker, was quoted saying to ANP news, “It’s a pity that adults from outside the city felt the need to demonstrate among the children at the end of the procession.”
He is expressing a sentiment I have heard often, that Black Pete and his festivities are for the children. Even teachers have told me that these are celebrations meant to entertain kids and they don’t want that to be spoiled. However, from an American perspective, it seems the celebration is spoiled from the beginning since it teaches children to accept racism.
When I imagined the holiday season in the Netherlands, I did not picture myself engaging in difficult conversations about racism. But these are important conversations to have, especially when two very different perspectives are being brought to the table. Through this, I’ve learned that I can never assume my perspective on something is universal and that I can’t make headway in a conversation if I allow it to be clouded by frustration. It’s hard to take a step back and listen. But after I wait my turn, I know I’ll be heard. And when it comes to things like this, that’s the most important part.