Muhammed NAqqash FOr NAqqash Sports
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Even more so since in Belgium once I had to explain to two female friends why it was probably not acceptable to say they were renting their house to a family of “negers” – something that would land you in court in the UK probably. But, they really didn’t see anything wrong with it, their intent being descriptive rather than racist.

As with your ‘negerzoen’ as a child I enjoyed “Black Jacks” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Jack_%28confectionery%29

At that time they even came individually wrapped with a picture of a gollywog on it

I think they are now called something else, thank goodness. Still, that was at the time when there was a “comedy” (I use the term loosely) programme on the TV which had the scenario of people living next to a black family as its premise: “My N****r Next Door” or something (I exaggerate the title for effect). And also the egregious “Black and White Minstrel Show” which featured popular old-time songs performed by “blacked-up” performers (a la Zwarte Piet).

We have come a long way since then!

A similar case that has actually led to renaming, is one of my favourite childhood treats: the ‘negerzoen’ (chocolate-coated-marshmallow-like treat). Although this name is definitely debatable, as a child I never had any such connotation. They are now called ‘Buys zoenen’ with ‘Buys’ the producing brand (http://www.buyszoenen.nl).

I understand (and appreciate) that outside the Netherlands people may frown on the concept of ‘Zwarte Piet’ but as a child I only remember the excitement of the presents, and de ‘Zwarte Pieten’ throwing candy into the classroom and through the letterbox. Actually only in recent years this has become a real debate.

I ask this as somebody who once stood on a street corner with mouth agape in astonishment as Zwarte Piet trundled along on Sinterklaas-avond…

Keep up the good work, I’m loving the insight!