[]N.S. Liberal photo with Dutch blackface Christmas character sparks debate Nova Scotia MLA Joachim Stroink has sparked online debate after he deleted a photo of himself posing with the Dutch blackface Christmas character "Zwarte Piet" or "Black Pete" from Twitter on Sunday. Storified by · Mon, Dec 02 2013 09:07:44
Stroink -- who is the MLA for Halifax Chebucto -- deleted the original picture, but not before it was re-tweeted many times.
Some traditions need to be retired. Cringing at #NovaScotia MLA @joachimstroink posing with "black peter" #nspoli http://t.co/jBIY63NtC4Suzanne MacNeil
Later Stroink tweeted an explanation for why he had deleted the image. He noted that in the Dutch tradition, Black Pete is considered a sidekick to Santa, much like the elves. While the history of Zwarte Pete and the blackface have contributed to perpetuating negative stereotypes, he said, to ignore or to disavow Black Pete would be to "ignore that history within the Dutch community."
Yesterday, my family and I participated in a Dutch cultural event that marks the unofficial start of our... http://t.co/ccDIYYLSYEJoachim Stroink
He added: "As a child growing up and celebrating the Sinterklaas and Zwarte Pete tradition, the blackface did not lead me to think less of my African NS neighbours and friends, and as such I was not sensitive to the potential to offend through my participation, with my family, at Sunday's 2013 Sinterklaas event held in Halifax."
Stroink's photo and explanation prompted a discussion over the Dutch tradition, with many accusing him of passively supporting a racist ritual:
Zwarte Piet is no worse than dressing up as an Aboriginal person for Halloween, right? Right. #racismBen Sichel
Disappointed that @joachimstroink needs to uncritically support blackface to avoid "disavowing his heritage". #TryHarderJenna LeBlanc
My thoughts today are with anyone who finds themselves wearily explaining why dressing up in blackface is never, ever OK.Chad Lucas
@joachimstroink - every time I see a Zwarte Piet I cringe in embarrassment for my Dutch heritage.John van Gurp
But some defended Stroink, stating that it is the tradition itself and not Stroink's actions that are misguided:
@joachimstroink J not racist. known him 24yrs, was my roommate, bestman, is my best friend! accusations are hurtful. http://t.co/Ltys8gQrq3Felix Omolayole
Stroink had photo taken at a traditional holiday celebration. Black Piet is distasteful, but NS politicians have been caught doing far worsegregpoirier
@joachimstroink is not racist and it is ridiculous to accuse him of that. People need to stop jumping to conclusions ugh. #nspoliGillian McDonald
The debate over Black Pete has been going on for years in the Netherlands, but this year the debate became more polarizing after it emerged that a UN panel of cultural experts was looking into whether the holiday tradition is racist. In October more than 2 million people endorsed a Facebook petition to keep Zwarte Piet's image unchanged.
Polarizing debate over Dutch blackface holiday tradition continuesThe Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus arrived in the Netherlands on Saturday to the delight of thousands of children. But even as the Sinte...
