There is a clash of cultures taking place in the Netherlands that is dividing many people in a land known for its tolerance.

The controversy involves a character named Zwarte Peit (Black Pete) who is the companion of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) and part of the annual feast of Saint Nicholas when the saint is welcomed with a parade as he arrives from Madrid. This Dutch Santa Claus leaves well-behaved children presents and punishes those who have been very naughty. The tradition is that Zwarte Piet is black because he is a Moor from Spain and first appeared in an 1850 book by Amsterdam schoolteacher Jan Schenkman.

So what’s the problem? Many Dutch people (the white ones) put on blackface makeup with curly wigs and light red lipstick to portray Zwarte Peit. Some protesters consider the figure to be an insult to their ancestry while supporters consider the character to be an inseparable part of their cultural heritage.

Many schools and business in Holland are taking notice by changing Zwarte Peit’s clothing and look all together. The U.N. even declared that it was a “vestige of slavery” in 2015 and many cities including Amsterdam and The Hague have reimaged him or done away with him altogether.

Growing up, my parents belonged to a Dutch Club where people who immigrated from Holland came together to meet and socialize. My dad was often chosen to play Sinterklaas and I was given the role of Zwarte Peit with blackface makeup and all to help him hand out presents. I did not think about it at the time, but today can see how it would offend people.

Morales and society change over the years, leaving older generations to lament the good old days and younger ones wondering what were you thinking. I am not smart enough (or Dutch enough) to know what the answer is, other than I hope this can become a teachable moment where people can better understand where we came from and where we can go moving forwards.