Seeing Blackface in Public Is Worse Than I Expected

Blackface endures because White people have a fascination with our bodies

Some attendees come to the parade dressed as Zwarte Piet in support of the current tradition during the celebration of the arrival of Sinterklaas on November 16, 2019 in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Photo: Nacho Calonge/Getty Images

I was visiting my cousin and her partner in the Netherlands at the start of the holiday season when she told me about the Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) celebrations. Her explanation happened through a circuitous route. She gifted me with a welcome basket, and…