Tradition ("we have always done that") is never an excuse for racism or mocking someone else's color, gender, sexual orientation, etc. Let us not forget that slavery was a traditional way of life, torture was a traditional means of punishment, and traditionally children were sent to work in sweatshops. Imagine how you would react if someone else treated you badly

Also, most minor "traditions" turn out to be invented rather recently without any significant historical basis. Look antique books and pictures and you never see Zwarte Piet.

By Matt | August 29, 2008 4:47 PM

Well said Matt!

By Pip | August 29, 2008 10:51 PM

Some people have nothing better to do with their lives except make a fuss over everything. Politcizing something as innocent as this takes away some cultural richness that was built over time as part of community tradition. What these idiots get out of complaining does not really serve anybody any good but destroys their own heritage. The Museum should have shown some backbone and not permit these low life thugs to get away with their threats.

By Carlos Borjal | August 31, 2008 1:49 AM

Zwarte Piets racist tradition???
Come on, if there is nothing serious to talk about just SHUT UP and relax.
Unless somebody find this kind of obsessive complaining relaxing.

By MP | September 1, 2008 10:13 AM

The 'Traditional' institution of Zwarte Piet is a blot on the Dutch landscape. Maybe the traditionalist would like us to to buy and sell black slaves in the famous squares of Amsterdam. Every year I am shocked and sickened to see white people dressing up and mocking people of colour. It isn't innocent as some like to claim. It is baltantly racist and an insideous aspect of Dutch life. Come on Holland. Catch up with the rest of the world before your nasty little secret becomes internationally known!

By Mr Craig | September 1, 2008 1:05 PM