TV star vs Dutch racism

BACKLASH: NEW PARTY LEADER TACKLES DISCRIMINATION

Television, radio personality leaves media career to fight inequality.

The Dutch have long had a reputation for being tolerant, open and laidback. But the leader of the country’s newest political party, Sylvana Simons, believes if you scratch the surface, you’ll expose deep-seated racism.

After being bombarded with death threats and hate mail for calling out a TV show guest for a racist remark, the well-known former TV presenter decided the country needed a new kind of political tone and message – one of inclusiveness and equality.

In a little over three months since its launch she has garnered enough support to field 20 candidates in today’s elections with her new party – Artikel 1.

It’s named after the first article of the Dutch constitution which states that “all persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally” and that there shall be no discrimination.

“We feel the first article of our constitution is under pressure. It needs to be defended and rightfully executed,” Simons said.

Leaving behind a two-decade successful TV and radio career was a tough decision, she acknowledged, particularly to enter the harsh, unforgiving battleground of politics.

“I just couldn’t deny any longer that we have structural and institutional problems with inequality regarding male-female issues, black and white issues, immigration issues. I just couldn’t let it go any more,” she said.

Artikel 1 wants to abolish Black Pete – a Christmas blackface character – and establish July 1 as a day to mark the abolition of Dutch involvement with the slave trade. –