We Dutch have a lot of
racism. A number of studies are showing this.
However, in that sense
we are not an exception. The surprise is that Dutch racism runs counter with
our name of aiming at equality, freedom, tolerance and democracy. This idea
seems to be false.
Equality, freedom,
tolerance and democracy are reserved for the original Dutch population. If
newcomers do not assimilate into that Dutch culture they run the risk of
getting socially excluded or seen as inferior. This is the paradox of Dutch
culture.
In contrast to
tendencies of exclusion and stigmatization, official policies were to ignore
cultural differences and hope for foreigners to smoothly assimilate into the
Dutch culture. But this assimilation did not work out fast and smooth and with
the population becoming vocal, racism exposed itself more publicly.
Along with this change
in Holland, there is a worldwide reaction against global integration,
disregarding its material and immaterial benefits. The explanation may be that
the reassuring sense of national identity gets undermined. Moreover,
international affairs grow both beyond our understanding and beyond the control
of national governments.
This creates all over
the planet a rising fear. It is this fear that spurs nationalism and racism
that, in Holland, disregard the culture of equality, freedom, tolerance and
democracy.
And, in the next step, it spurs reactions against nationalism and
racism. That is why radical social currents in favor and against the blackness
of Black Pete are fiercely battling now.
And, in the next step, it spurs reactions against nationalism and racism. That is why radical social currents in favor and against the blackness of Black Pete are fiercely battling now.
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