Representation of a Controversial Figure (Zwarte Piet) During a Time of Racial Injustice and Unrest
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Date
2021-09-13
Authors
Teeuwen, Iris
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Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
This thesis considers the blackface holiday figure of Zwarte Piet, part of the Sinterklaas holiday tradition in the Netherlands, within a context of political unrest and broader questioning of institutional racism. It examines how an annual festival and parade connects to community identity and how the country’s history with colonialism and slavery influences institutional racism. It focuses on how representations of the Zwarte Piet figure is actively changing due to protests inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. Research done on YouTube explores how towns and cities in the Netherlands choose to represent this controversial figure in the opening celebrations and arrival parade of the Sinterklaas holiday.
Description
Keywords
Controversy, Folklore, Netherlands, Racisim, Sinterklaas, Zwarte Piet