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Stop Zwarte Pete, it is an insult to the people of African decent |
1 Signatures |
Published by Khalil on Nov 02, 2009
Closed on Nov 04, 2009
Closed on Nov 04, 2009
Category: Culture
Region: Netherlands
Target: The Ministry of Jutice
Result:
This petition is closed.
Background (Preamble):
Zwarte Pete (black Pete} is a companion of Saint Nicholas (Dutch: Sinterklaas) The Sinterklaas is a feast in the Netherlands usually on the evening of 5 December. During this time, Sinterklaas distributes presents to children. But what makes this feast controversial is the portrayal of people of African descent.
Zwarte Pete is the companion of Saint Nicholas, This character is a white person painted black wearing afro wigs and bright red lipstick accompanying Saint Nicholas as his servant.
We think that this is offensive and insulting to the people of African decent living in the Netherlands.
Zwarte Pete is the companion of Saint Nicholas, This character is a white person painted black wearing afro wigs and bright red lipstick accompanying Saint Nicholas as his servant.
We think that this is offensive and insulting to the people of African decent living in the Netherlands.
Petition:
To Ernst Hirsch Ballin/the Ministry of Justice
I want to alert you to the fact most people of African descent living in the Netherlands find Zwarte Pete {Black Pete} very offensive and demeaning. This practice was created in 1850 when slavery was extant in the Netherlands. Zwarte Pete is a reminiscent of slavery.
Some people might argue that this is a Dutch culture and has nothing do with black people or slavery. This is not true, it has everything do with black people, it portrays them as buffoons and subservient.
I presume you responsibility as Minister of Justice is to uphold and protect constitution, fight injustices and manage politically incorrect matters in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is different from what it used to be in the 18th century; today the country is multicultural society. I urge you to immediately intervene and stop this offensive ritual.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
I want to alert you to the fact most people of African descent living in the Netherlands find Zwarte Pete {Black Pete} very offensive and demeaning. This practice was created in 1850 when slavery was extant in the Netherlands. Zwarte Pete is a reminiscent of slavery.
Some people might argue that this is a Dutch culture and has nothing do with black people or slavery. This is not true, it has everything do with black people, it portrays them as buffoons and subservient.
I presume you responsibility as Minister of Justice is to uphold and protect constitution, fight injustices and manage politically incorrect matters in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is different from what it used to be in the 18th century; today the country is multicultural society. I urge you to immediately intervene and stop this offensive ritual.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
The Stop Zwarte Pete, it is an insult to the people of African decent petition to The Ministry of Jutice was written by Khalil and is hosted free of charge at GoPetition.
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