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rot wrote

Black Pete is caucasian. He appears black because gets covered in ashes when he goes down the chimney.

Why is he painted brown then?

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Sunset_Peach wrote

Yeah, and that doesn't explain the red lipstick either.... looks 100% like a racist caricature.

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rot wrote

His appearance dates from a 19th century story by Dutch children’s author Jan Schenkman, illustrated with pictures of a dark-skinned Spanish Moor as the sidekick of St Nicholas.

Somebody didn't read the article. (it was lavender22)

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Lavender22 wrote

Hi Rot,

I did read the article. I also, however, have a father who grew up with the tradition of Black Pete. I consider him to be a primary source regarding the celebration, contrary to the article’s outside look.

In regards to the “original story,” not all stays true to the original text. For example, in the original Cinderella, the stepsisters’ eyes were clawed out by birds. That isn’t the Cinderella story we all know and love, though, is it?

Black Pete is not blackface. However, I cannot account for others’ wrongful interpretation of a wholesome celebration. As I have stated, he is caucasian. His face is black because of the chimney ashes rubbing off on him.

I don’t understand why you felt the need to be rude, I was merely attempting to explain my interpretation of the article.

Lavender

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rot wrote

Not trying to be rude, just light mocking.

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