Netherlands: UN request to abolish traditional “Sinterklaas” celebration triggers national uproar

The UN has provoked uproar in the Netherlands by opening an investigation into whether “de zwarte Piet” (= “the black Pete”), a character traditionally accompanying St. Nicholas in the Dutch folklore, is a “racist stereotype”.

Every December 5, Sinterklaas, the Dutch Father Christmas, who is white, brings presents for children. He is helped by mischievous servants dressed as pageboys, wearing black make-up and curly wigs.

The UN’s high commission for human rights has no written an official letter to the Dutch government expressing concerns over this tradition and accusing the authorities of failing to react to complaints of racial discrimination.

“Some practices, which are part of cultural heritage, may infringe upon human rights”, the letter says.

In the Dutch public, this newest manifestation of UN-style political correctness has caused astonishment, incredulity, and anger. A “Pietition” is open for signature on the internet, and has received more than 1 million “likes” in one single day on its facebook site. Not bad for a country with 16 million inhabitants, is it?

View online at: https://c-fam.org/turtle_bay/netherlands-un-request-to-abolish-traditional-sinterklaas-celebration-triggers-national-uproar/

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