We can read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Claus, that the Dutch version “Sinterklaas” is celebrated annually on Saint Nicholas’ eve (5 December) in the Netherlands. By his side: his supporter, who goes through the chimney bringing gifts to the children. He becomes dirty in the chimney so he is called “Zwarte Piet” (= black Pete): therefore not related to any racism, because the black Pete is not an African. So the UN-verdict recently is absurd. But on the other hand: He’s doing a slaves job – what do YOU think?
title=”sinterklaas 2″ – old postcard, scanned and originally uploaded by “the ghost of me”, kindly sent to my group BLOG IT!, click on the picture to enter his galleries on Flickr.com
related:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
http://wireupdate.com/un-representative-calls-on-the-netherlands-to-end-racist-sinterklaas-tradition.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/10393916/Dutch-Black-Pete-Christmas-custom-may-be-racist-warns-UN.html
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/1205/A-traditional-Sinterklaas-debate-Is-Black-Pete-racist
http://www.dw.de/racism-controversy-dampens-hollands-sinterklaas-tradition/a-6285736
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