Letter to employer:

 

Celebrating Saint Nicolas at the annual company party:

To the Head of HR

CC:  Head of Corporate Social Responsibility

CC:  Head of Marketing

 

Dear [………………………..]

 

It is an annual tradition in this organisation to hold a party for the children of employees and have a visit by Saint Nicolas. He is always accompanied by Zwarte Piet/Pere Fouettard. In recent years there has been increasing debate about the role and presence of Zwarte Piet/Pere Fouettard in a modern society that prides itself on being non-racist and tolerant. Wearing ‘blackface’ is the practice of blackening up one’s face, wearing an Afro Wig and painting in big red lips.  There are many who can point to undeniable links between the character of Zwarte piet/ Pere Fouettard and the racist caricatures of colonial times.

While the Sinterklaas/ Saint Nicolas celebrations are undeniably popular and a much-loved tradition, one needs to raise the question of whether the character of Zwarte Piet/Pere Fouettard belongs in a modern workplace setting?

The values of [insert company name here] are outlined on the company website as [insert quote here].

The company position on diversity is [insert quote here].  

 

In most countries around the world wearing blackface is considered to be highly offensive. As [insert name of company here] is an organisation with international reach, it is in nobody’s interests to portray an image of the organisation that encourages a practice that might be out of line with international standards of taste and decency.

 

I would like to respectfully suggest that you discourage [insert company name here] employees from wearing blackface Zwarte Piet/ Pere Fouettard costumes at this year’s company Sinterklaas/ Saint Nicolas party. There are alternatives, such as just having Saint Nicolas arrive alone, or having a helper without a blacked up face. Not only do you avoid potentially embarrassing international public relations problems but this would be an opportunity for [insert company name here] to advocate progress and allow a party that is fun for everyone. 

 

I await your response,

 

 

[………………………..]