Posted by Boris
on 30/10/2009, 11:53:30, in reply to "A certain tradition/connected with a royal good cause"
Marianne, different countries do have different cultural traditions and different attitudes towards them.
The tradition of Sinterklaas' helper 'Black Pete' is one thing, the tradition of Blackface in entertainment, formed in Vaudeville theatre, another. It includes the rather deplorable misrepresentation of a cliché black figure as stupid, clumsy and inferior, ridiculed for a multitude of shortcomings.
It's therefore seen as racist in many countries; no US American in an official position would ever choose be seen at an event featuring these kind of stereotypes, which IMHO has more to do with good common sense than with a petty kind of political correctness.
I don't know if FrankS is American, but I see two traditional Blackface figures with clown collars on the pic as well, with no Sinterklaas in sight and no Christmas time yet.
Anyway I don't think there's a need to promptly chastize someone for 'screaming' comments if he reacts sensitive towards the issue.
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