I am a freshman at the University of Michigan. Right now, I'm studying Calculus, World Politics, Linguistics/ Psychology, and Dutch: Amsterdam Culture. I'm also on the club tennis team here at Michigan. We practice together a few times a week and travel around the country to play against other schools.
I am from Redondo Beach, California, which is a suburb of Los Angeles. I love going to the beach, surfing, playing tennis, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends. The first picture is of my hometown last winter (the weather is very different from Michigan's).
The second is my pet dog. Her name is Lucy and she's a yellow lab who just turned six years old. She is very hyper, but is always super happy. She loves people and meeting other dogs.
The last picture is my and some of my friends at Coachella, which is a music festival in the desert in California. Thousands of people come to hang out and listen to live music by their favorite bands.
What are some of your favorite musical artists? What do you think of Americans? What are some of the stereotypes you have?
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| Redondo Beach, CA |
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| My pet dog, Lucy |
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| Coachella (I'm on the left in the blue tank top) |
The tradition of Zwarte Piet was shocking to me when I first learned of it. It seems extremely racist, especially after hearing the context and history to which it was brought into Dutch culture. The idea of "black slaves" as part of a child's holiday tradition would be extremely controversial in America, as racial conflict and slavery are sensitive parts of our history. It is important to people to treat these topics delicately, and remain politically correct in any speech regarding them. However, after hearing the Dutch point of view, I understand that Zwarte Piets are not thought of in a remotely racist manner. While black people and Zwarte Piets are entirely separate in Dutch people's minds, Americans would take offense to this tradition and find it inappropriate. The attached link explains more about how Americas find the tradition racist.
Hallo Erin. Ik heet Veerle van der Put. Ik ben 15 jaar oud. I live in Eelde, which is close to Groningen (maybe you can find it on the Dutch map!) I noticed that schoolsystems here, differ from the States. I love songwriting, singing and playing piano. I used to play fieldhockey but I quite last years, because of to little time. I think this project is super fun, and a good way to learn something about different cultures!
ReplyDeleteI get that your idea of Zwarte Piet is racist. In my opinion it is not though. The idea of Sinterklaas is that he freed slaves to give the a decent job, and let them have joy in their lives. Nowadays, Zwarte Piet comes to Nederland in November to help Sinterklaas with giving out presents to kids. To kids, Zwarte Piet has no racist meaning, to them Zwarte Piet is normal. They see them as friends. Which says that kids live in peace with everyone. I think that adults are making big point out of this tradition, meant for kids!
Kind regards Veerle
Ps. I couldn't send any pictures...