honestly it wouldn’t hurt, been able to cut it down to 362 but it’s hard so a fresh pair of eyes wouldn’t hurt. And it’s in English ;)

Exactly. Also he was the best at playing the violin

People not in blackface or in a wig and just called “piet” and just covered with the slightest smudge of soot since traditionally a Piet comes through the chimney. The tradition is visually changing but it’ll take a while

But there is nuance to be had about it, as in where other people are coming from. Not saying it is right or that I agree in any way but it is simply not the same connotation as it is in the commonwealth. Anyway most official Saint Nicolas festivities nowadays feature

Which is a beloved tradition from childhood. It takes critical thought and thinking further to be able to see the problematic side of it and also how it reinforces stereotypes today. But many people simply just do not see it as blackface or a mockery. I do think it is racist and blackface

Though I do think there is a slight nuanced conversation to be had about it. Though I think it stems from racism and blackface people here simply don’t see zwarte piet that way. They give zwarte piet equal standing to Saint Nicolas, as in that they’re both important to the tradition,

He’s so self aware 😍

Hang in there soldier

isn't it funny being kept on your toes?

TEN?!

Do not ask the average Dutch/Belgian person about zwarte piet 💀 like you’d rather not know

It’s because he has to beat the “dumb American” stereotype

Usually same but our version (the og ;) ) is way funnier and the candidates and format is way less serious, the Dutch version takes itself really serious. Like I said in Belgium it’s less about actually being the smartest and winning and more about being funny and memorable

It mixes real hard questions with funny stuff and there’s “judges” which are basically just comedians who make jokes. Playing de slimste mens is less about being super smart and more about being really funny

I kinda don’t wanna watch cause I’m afraid he’s gonna bomb. But the quiz is also funny with some funny tasks here and there so I’m sure those will surface, looks like tonight they’re gonna have to play a violin?

Agree but all athletes usually don’t last long, they do however (for any type of person) tailor the questions a tad cause no one wants to bomb on national television, but I think athletes are often also not busy with The World and news given their sometimes intense lifestyle

Plus the war on woke here is sooooo 💀 our prime minister has written a book against woke

Most likely and most Belgian pros probably are. Belgian sentiment is very much “but I’m not actively discriminating people and I’ve got good intentions so I’m a good guy!” But when “woke” points out there’s more to it all than active discrimination they get very mad and butthurt

Jock stereotype I am so sorry