So something pretty big happened yesterday here in the Netherlands: Prime Minister Mark Rutte has offered a formal apology on behalf of the Dutch state for the Netherlands’ historical role in the slave trade. He acknowledged that the Dutch state had “enabled, encouraged and profited from slavery”.
The apology, including its timing, isn't perfect, but it is a watershed historically speaking.
The Netherlands has traditionally had a 'forgetful' relationship with its colonial and slavery past. In the last 10 years or so, there has been more public debate & reflection on #racism in Dutch society, in particular around the figure of #ZwartePiet.
While slow and long overdue, there has been a noticeable shift in public opinion towards recognizing the long-term effects of #slavery, the persistent #racism, and traces of #colonialism in Dutch society.
Will this entail compensations?
Prof. Catarina Dutilh Novaes
Clockwork ☃️✒️