Opponents say such depictions promote racist stereotypes, while supporters defend the helper of Sinterklaas, the white-bearded, red-robed Dutch version of St. Nicholas, as a traditional children’s character. AdvertisementHundreds of anti-"Black Pete” protesters gathered in a park in The Hague, where blackface Petes formed part of the official parade, for a peaceful demonstration. A row of three umbrellas carrying the messages “Black Lives Matter,” “Black Pete is Racism” and “Stop Black Face” was laid out on the grass by demonstrators. “Kick Out Zwarte Piet [Black Pete]” demonstrators gather in The Hague on Nov. 16, 2019. (Peter Dejong / Associated Press)Some Dutch cities, including the capital, Amsterdam, have stopped using blackface makeup in their Sinterklaas parades.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 17, 2019 01:07 UTC