What is it about?
Although they appear in different national contexts, Black Pete in the Netherlands and Native American mascots in the United States share a commonality: both are cultural traditions that feature stereotypical caricatures of marginalized communities. We found that dehumanizing perceptions of the affected communities help explain support for these traditions in both nations.
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Why is it important?
For decades, Black communities in the Netherlands and Native American communities in the United States have protested these stereotypical caricatures, arguing that they are harmful to the self-image of their communities. Yet despite such protests, many people continue to support keeping them in the public eye.
Perspectives
I hope our article helps people realize that dehumanization is not only relevant in times of extreme violence, but also in culturally diverse societies still struggling with their colonial hangover.
Dr. Daudi van Veen
Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Our colonial hangover? Blatant dehumanization plays a role in support for contested cultural traditions., Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, August 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000769.
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