When Did Complaints About Black Pete Begin?

The first complaints about Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) have been part of Dutch holiday traditions for centuries, but his portrayal hasn’t always been without criticism. While debates about his appearance have become more heated in recent years, the first concerns were voiced nearly a century ago. Let’s explore when these discussions began and how they developed over time.

Watch the Full Video for the full story of Sinterklaas and Black Pete!

Our in-depth video on the history and cultural significance of Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) and Sinterklaas, including how these debates started, is now online! Check it out to learn more about this fascinating topic.

The First Complaints: 1927

The earliest recorded objections to Black Pete’s appearance go back to 1927. At the time, people began to question the use of blackface makeup and exaggerated features like bright red lips and curly wigs in Black Pete’s portrayal. Although these criticisms weren’t widespread, they marked the start of public discussions about the character’s depiction.

The concerns stemmed from the belief that Black Pete’s appearance reinforced racial stereotypes. For some, his image seemed out of place in a society striving toward fairness and equality, even during that period.

The 1933 Newspaper Incident

In 1933, a troubling event highlighted how Black Pete’s depiction could lead to offensive comparisons. A black girl was referred to as the “niece of Black Pete” in a Dutch newspaper. This incident wasn’t an isolated case; over time, reports surfaced of black individuals being mocked or called “Black Pete” by both children and adults.

For critics, these examples showed how the character’s portrayal could harmfully influence societal behavior and attitudes. While some dismissed these incidents as harmless jokes, they became part of the larger conversation about how Black Pete’s image impacted people’s lives.

Shown in the Algemeen Handelsblad newspaper on November 25, 1933.

Mid-20th Century: Complaints Begin to Grow

As the years passed, more voices joined the conversation. By the mid-20th century, it became increasingly common to hear about individuals being compared to Black Pete in derogatory ways. These reports made it clear that Black Pete’s depiction wasn’t just about holiday celebrations—it was also affecting how people of African descent were treated in everyday life.

Even though these criticisms were becoming more frequent, they were often dismissed by those who viewed Black Pete as a harmless and beloved figure. Still, the growing discomfort with his portrayal laid the foundation for the larger debates that would come later in the 20th century and beyond.

Shown in the Vrije Volk newspaper on December 6, 1958.

Why Did It Take So Long for Change to Start?

For much of the 20th century, Black Pete was widely accepted as part of Dutch holiday traditions. Many people saw him as a joyful character who brought fun and excitement to children during the Sinterklaas festivities.

It wasn’t until later in the century—when discussions about racism and cultural sensitivity became more prominent—that Black Pete’s portrayal faced significant scrutiny. These broader social changes sparked debates about whether it was time to rethink how traditions like Black Pete were represented.

Conclusion: A Debate That Started Nearly a Century Ago

The first complaints about Black Pete in 1927 and the 1933 newspaper incident show that the debates surrounding his portrayal aren’t new. These early concerns laid the groundwork for today’s discussions about tradition, representation, and inclusion.

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When Did Complaints About Black Pete Begin?

The first complaints about Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) have been part of Dutch holiday traditions for centuries, but his portrayal hasn’t always been without criticism. While debates about his appearance have become more heated in recent years, the first concerns were voiced nearly a century ago. Let’s explore when these discussions began and how they developed over time.

Watch the Full Video for the full story of Sinterklaas and Black Pete!

Our in-depth video on the history and cultural significance of Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) and Sinterklaas, including how these debates started, is now online! Check it out to learn more about this fascinating topic.

The First Complaints: 1927

The earliest recorded objections to Black Pete’s appearance go back to 1927. At the time, people began to question the use of blackface makeup and exaggerated features like bright red lips and curly wigs in Black Pete’s portrayal. Although these criticisms weren’t widespread, they marked the start of public discussions about the character’s depiction.

The concerns stemmed from the belief that Black Pete’s appearance reinforced racial stereotypes. For some, his image seemed out of place in a society striving toward fairness and equality, even during that period.

The 1933 Newspaper Incident

In 1933, a troubling event highlighted how Black Pete’s depiction could lead to offensive comparisons. A black girl was referred to as the “niece of Black Pete” in a Dutch newspaper. This incident wasn’t an isolated case; over time, reports surfaced of black individuals being mocked or called “Black Pete” by both children and adults.

For critics, these examples showed how the character’s portrayal could harmfully influence societal behavior and attitudes. While some dismissed these incidents as harmless jokes, they became part of the larger conversation about how Black Pete’s image impacted people’s lives.

Shown in the Algemeen Handelsblad newspaper on November 25, 1933.

Mid-20th Century: Complaints Begin to Grow

As the years passed, more voices joined the conversation. By the mid-20th century, it became increasingly common to hear about individuals being compared to Black Pete in derogatory ways. These reports made it clear that Black Pete’s depiction wasn’t just about holiday celebrations—it was also affecting how people of African descent were treated in everyday life.

Even though these criticisms were becoming more frequent, they were often dismissed by those who viewed Black Pete as a harmless and beloved figure. Still, the growing discomfort with his portrayal laid the foundation for the larger debates that would come later in the 20th century and beyond.

Shown in the Vrije Volk newspaper on December 6, 1958.

Why Did It Take So Long for Change to Start?

For much of the 20th century, Black Pete was widely accepted as part of Dutch holiday traditions. Many people saw him as a joyful character who brought fun and excitement to children during the Sinterklaas festivities.

It wasn’t until later in the century—when discussions about racism and cultural sensitivity became more prominent—that Black Pete’s portrayal faced significant scrutiny. These broader social changes sparked debates about whether it was time to rethink how traditions like Black Pete were represented.

Conclusion: A Debate That Started Nearly a Century Ago

The first complaints about Black Pete in 1927 and the 1933 newspaper incident show that the debates surrounding his portrayal aren’t new. These early concerns laid the groundwork for today’s discussions about tradition, representation, and inclusion.

🎥 Don’t miss our video! Subscribe now to learn more about the fascinating history of Sinterklaas and Black Pete.

Share on:

Leave Your Comment