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mk · 4686 days ago · link · · parent · post: Is it racist that Santa Claus has a black servant? Is it racist to portray him in black face? Yeah, duh.
I think this is a valid interpretation, however it isn't the only one. Consider that you dressed as Zwarte Pieten in a parade, and then afterwards went in costume for a drink in a bar with predominately black patrons. The problem with that situation points to the problem with other valid interpretations of Zwarte Pieten. If elves were real, there would probably be some issue taken with the American custom, and definitely with Keebler Cookies.My point is, the Zwarte Pieten are the elves of Sinterklaas. They help him to complete the monstrous task ahead of them. Dutch children see Zwarte Piet as American children see the elves of Santa. As the helpers who make everything possible.