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KOZP Protests Against Zwarte Piet
KOZP protests against the depiction of Sinterklaas' helpers, even those with soot faces and minor alterations, due to continued racist undertones.
Dutch
Netherlands
Human Rights ViolationsNetherlandsGender IssuesProtestRacismSinterklaasZwarte Piet
NosNtrKozp (Kick Out Zwarte Piet)Sinterklaascomités
Jerry AfriyieSumeyye ErsoyEdwin BoomstraBart Kester
- What are KOZP's future plans concerning their activism?
- KOZP is ending its activism after ten years, handing the responsibility of maintaining a racism-free Sinterklaas celebration to Dutch society, as their next year will be their last.
- How have some municipalities responded to KOZP's concerns?
- Several towns and villages initially planned to use fully black-faced Piet but changed to soot-faced Piet after dialogue with KOZP. Some towns on KOZP's list already used soot-faced Piet and are surprised to be included.
- What is the current status of Zwarte Piet in the Netherlands?
- The NTR stopped using fully black-faced Piet in 2019, and since then, only soot-faced Piet has been seen in the national parade and many other municipalities. However, some municipalities still use blackface Piet, leading to protests.
- What is KOZP's main objective regarding the Sinterklaas celebrations?
- KOZP (Kick Out Zwarte Piet) is protesting against soot-faced Piet with what they consider "racist characteristics", such as lipstick and earrings, in several Dutch towns and villages. They have a list of 23 locations where they plan to demonstrate.
- What are KOZP's specific demands for a racism-free Sinterklaas celebration?
- KOZP's demands for racism-free Sinterklaas celebrations include the removal of red lipstick, earrings, and afro wigs from soot-faced Piet and the replacement of any Zwarte Piet imagery. They aim for a celebration inclusive for all children.