Meldpunt Discriminatie Regio Amsterdam is in favor of an inclusive Saint Nicholas celebration. Black Pete has no place in this. Black Pete is racism and does not belong in today's society. In 2019, the Meldpunt Discriminatie supported the action group Kick Out Zwarte Piet in the registration and handling of reports of incidents with a discriminatory character during the local entrances. Through peaceful protests, Kick Out Zwarte Piet has been fighting for years for a Saint Nicholas celebration for everyone.
Also this year, the Meldpunt Discriminatie encourages everyone to make reports of Black Pete. It is important to start the conversation with schools, companies, care institutions and other organizations about the way they celebrate how they celebrate Saint Nicholas and how the party can be celebrated inclusively. celebrated. In order to have these conversations we first need to know in which places the Saint Nicholas celebration is not yet Black Pete-free. That way we can also these places as well. Is Black Pete still part of the celebration celebration at your children's school or workplace? Then report it to us! This can also be done anonymously.
Curious to learn more about why Black Pete racism and how St. Nicholas can be celebrated inclusively? Fortunately there are already many resources available:
A fun Spotify list of inclusive Sinterklaas songs, compiled by Kiind magazine: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2eJ06NVo6xLmGvxt8eR6h1
A detailed explanation of why Black Pete racism is: https://nederlandwordtbeter.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Zwarte-Piet-de-feiten.pdf
An overview with the most heard arguments for Black Pete and their refutation: https://nederlandwordtbeter.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/De-meest-gebruikte-argumenten-voor-Zwarte-Piet.pdf
A plan of action including sample letter for parents who do not want their children to be exposed to the racial caricature on December 5 Black Pete:
https://nederlandwordtbeter.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Voorbeeldbrief-ouders-5-december.pdf Should you need or want assistance Discrimination Agency offers free support in this process. process by writing (complaint) letters and conducting counseling and mediation between schools and parents. Please contact us via the website www.mdra.nl, via discriminatie@mdra.nl or call us at 020 638 55 51.
The Holland Becomes Better Foundation offers free teaching packages on the history of Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet: https://www.nederlandwordtbeter.nl/projecten/lespakket-geschiedenis-sint-en-zwarte-piet/
A website with information on inclusive entrances, sample letters for schools, petitions to municipalities and inclusive businesses: https://feestvoorallekinderen.nl/
Do you have tips on other useful resources or toolkits that are not already mentioned? If so, feel free to email us at discriminatie@mdra.nl.