Raven Prime
Member
I would agree with you if they weren't given the option to protest. But they were given the option, and it was the best option they could be given. There is a freedom of speech, but it can't get in the way of public security, so no matter how I see it, the protesters were wrong, even when the local government was too.
The problem is that they aren't protesting something abstract, or a decision that is unfavorable. They are in fact protesting against something that is forbidden by law. The problem however is that the establishment isn't acknowledging that fact. Even though we have one court ruling claiming that Zwarte Piet is offensive and in fact racist.
Since the issue at hand is at the heart of the constitution and is so clear for those aware of the history, it must be protested at the spot. Not in some area where it is simply ignored. Yes Sinterklaas attracts many children, and it's unfortunate the parents lack the wisdom to boycott these events. But that is exactly the matter that is being protested. Just as much for those old and wise today, it must be protested to protect the innocents so they don't get injected with this poison.
Yellow Pete = Asian I guess? Wow that's some "compromise." More like a double-down.
(Sorry if already discussed)
The yellow Pete wouldn't hold any reference to a specific etnicity. In fact before the colonial age there were already traditions that involved helpers for St. Nicholas and his forebearers that were painted black in Europe. However under the influence of colonial thought the Dutch version transformed into a caricature of Sub Saharan Africans.
Personally I just want a Pete with the majority of his face covered in soot, but enough left open so you can see someone's actual skintone, regardless if that would be a dark or light skin. I also always find it curious that people of South East Asian decent are considered yellow, since many people that are considered 'white' also have yellowish or orange complexions, but that's another matter.