The Ministry of Defense is discontinuing the use of the traditional Zwarte Piet in Sinterklaas celebrations. “Sometimes it is necessary to change traditions,” said a letter distributed to defense personnel.
The website GeenStijl published the letter. Defense confirms the message. “Everyone who works at the Defense organization should feel safe and valued,” say Secretary General of Defense Gea van Craaikamp and Commander of the Armed Forces Rob Bauer.
Traditions change
“Defense is a modern organization, but at the same time an organization with age-old traditions,” the letter states. “Traditions give us our own face, make us strong and we feel comfortable with them. But sometimes it is necessary to change traditions.”
This happens, says the letter, “because it appears, for example, that stereotypes are used and people inside and outside our organization feel hurt by these traditions.”
Time to say goodbye
It is time to say goodbye to Zwarte Piet’s ‘traditional black appearance’, the letter says, ‘so that everyone who works here can feel safe and appreciated’.