Matt Y
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Boston University
Expertise
International Affairs and Cultural Anthropology
Bio
How can people from different cultural identities live together peacefully and enrich their lives? This has been my driving question throughout my studies and beyond. Liberal democracy is a good start but increasing globalization, new media technologies, ongoing conflicts, and new social movements keep challenging modern institutions. I am passionate about using public and foreign policy making tools to explore the possibilities of making the world a more livable place for all embracing our differences rather than denying them. I currently live in Istanbul with my wife and three children. I enjoy hiking and camping in the outdoors and play soccer with friends. As an avid fisherman, I go for anchovies in the Bosphorus, but miss going fishing for catfish on the Mississippi River and bluefish from the beaches of New England.Project ideas
(Un)Dutchable Multicultural Citizenship
Netherlands is well-known for its multicultural policies accepting people from different backgrounds including from its former colonies. However, a recent controversy over "Black Pete" during Christmas parades requires rethinking of Dutch pluralism. Every year on December 5th, tens of thousands of Dutch people paint their faces black, dress up in antique costume, and assume the persona of Zwarte Piet (“Black Pete”) to help Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) distribute candy and presents to children throughout the Netherlands. In recent years, Dutch citizens of Caribbean ancestry have spoken out against the portrayal of Black Pete as a racist caricature. In early October of 2013, Quinsy Gario, a Curaçao-born Dutch performance artist, argued on TV that Black Pete perpetuates a stereotype of African people as second-class citizens in Dutch society. Most people and Amsterdam's mayor are willing to make some incremental changes to the "Black Pete" character. This year, they have removed the earring. Next year, they might paint the character with lighter color to fit the story line that Black Pete is black only because he enters homes from chimneys to drop the gifts. However, Geert Wilders, the leader of the far right Freedom Party, has proposed the adoption of a law to protect Black Pete against any alterations in his appearance “to protect our (Dutch) culture.” This incident is one among many that indicates that once “received” understandings of integration, including various models of multiculturalism, are now in question. This has pushed questions of pluralist co-existence to the center of discussion in the Netherlands. What are the best public policy options to address the rethinking of Dutch multiculturalism?
