In the Netherlands is a yearly event which is particularly
for young kids and although the name of the old man who is the main character
here almost sounds like Santa Claus he is a different person: Sint Nicolaas,
better known as Sinterklaas. The history goes back to the 14th
century. Here is the story in a nutshell.
All the kids in Holland know that Sinterklaas comes all the
way from Spain by a huge steamboat, arriving half of November and staying in
Holland until his birthday December 6. The story goes that his helpers go through
chimneys during the night to put candies in kid’s shoes that are placed at the
fireplace. It is a feast that started centuries ago. Since the old man could
impossibly visit all the houses in such a short period he needed helpers. Chimneys
have to be cleaned out during the warm season the cleaners were jobless in
November. Now they could be good help since they knew exactly how to go
through chimneys and of course, they brought their stick brooms plus a bag in
where the dust and soot could be collected. Of course, they turned black doing
their job and thus Blackface was born, an acrobatic and fun making the help of
Sinterklaas. It is fair to call this event a tradition.
Lately, there is a lot to do about Blackface. People consider
it to be discrimination. They say that Blackface is actually a black slave.
With all respect, the majority of the Dutch people never ever saw it like that.
For them (me included) this had nothing to do with discrimination of black
people. Sure enough, the Netherlands did very well centuries ago by selling
slaves. In Dutch history books, this period is even called “The golden age”. In
fact, it is a dark period in our history. What surprises me, however, is how
people were able to connect these two facts that have nothing to do with each
other. Nobody before had even thought about it. Not because we all were
ignoring the fact. It just was so unrealistic. And for very good reasons! Long-time ago Blackface’s role wat to threat ‘naughty’ children to beat them with
the stick broom and/or put them in his bag to bring them to Spain. Later he
became more friendly and a joker. His outfit was very colorful and on his hat, he had big colored feathers. The lips were extremely red and he had to wear
giant golden earrings. Nobody with common sense ever saw a reference to black
people.
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| inappropriate? |
For a few years now the opponents have been protesting
against Blackface. Supporters gave feedback. But the atmosphere hardened. This
week the opponents declared that for several years they have tried to convince
the country but did not succeed. So they will become more aggressive in the
near future. A minority who wants to force
others to think different. I can tell that isn’t going to work. The supporters
by now are sharpening their knives of course (so to speak). Recently opponents
were openly attacked by angry supporters.
Today I have been reading about the matter and could see that
it all fits in the society as it is right now. People do not want to discuss
matters openly anymore. They do not want to listen and look for acceptable
compromises. It seems to be a disease all over the world.
What strikes me most: What low self-esteem does one need
to have thinking that Blackface is representing the black people? If it was not
that serious I could laugh out loud!
Love the ones you’re
with and be loved in return.
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