Activist claims victory over use of Blackface in Dutch Christmas tradition
by editors@theworld.org (Joshua Coe) from The World: Latest Stories on (#721Y9)
In the Netherlands, a character known as Zwarte Piet has traditionally appeared alongside Sinterklaus - Dutch Santa Claus - as a "helper." He shows up at parades and Christmas parties - in Blackface. Activists like Jerry Afriyie say the character normalizes and promotes racism in the country. His anti-racism organization is now ending its 15-year campaign to "Kick Out Zwarte Piet." Joining the show from Amsterdam, Afriyie explains the decision.