NPR

A Dutch Holiday Tradition: Protesting A Christmas Character In Blackface

In the Netherlands, this Christmas season was ushered in with festive parades, gift-giving, and protests over a character in blackface.

The figure at the center of the controversy is – Black Pete – often portrayed by people who don Afro wigs and paint their faces black. In recent years, public debate over the character has peaked as he appeared inhanding out candy to children.

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