For me it is clear that Zwarte Piet clearly represents or is a charicature of a Moor. I don't believe the black is from a chimney, or at least not alone from that. The red lips and afro kind of prove that. The person of Zwarte Piet did change over time.
Children now are taught that the black does come from the chimney. He is not stupid, nor is he a slave. Kids love him, more than Sinterklaas actually.
I am discussing if the fact that this has a racist background is offending to a lot of people.
IF thats the case (thats why I thought a survey would be good) then the Dutch people need to reconsider that image. Drop the afro and red lips, and maybe make it look like its actually chimney shit on his face, not a total black skin.
For me there is a difference between something having a racist history and something that till this day is still offensive. However considering I am not the group concerned, it is not for me to decide.
http://completeborneo.com/images/monkey.jpg
The Proboscis monkey, called by Indonesians The Dutchman because he's white and has a huge nose.
Racist? Probably. Do I care... no not really