Discrimination in books

Being a store for everyone, means that everyone should be able to visit our store and feel welcome there. Feeling welcome is not compatible with a product range that incites discrimination or hate and, therefore, is perceived as offensive. In order to properly assess what is perceived as controversial, discriminatory or offensive, we listen to feedback from our customers and partners on a daily basis and engage in dialogue with authorities and external experts. 

We remain of the view to be careful with freedom of expression and so we strive to make as many books available as possible. Nevertheless, on rare occasions we may decide not to sell certain books or take them offline. This applies to books that incite discrimination or hate. For other controversial books, we may decide to label them with a special label with additional information to educate and inform. 

Black Piet

It’s important that everyone can come to us without feeling discriminated against by our range. The priority is that we don’t want to unnecessarily offend people through stereotyping. We ask you to take this into account in the way you promote your items.

• Use the term ‘Piet’ instead of the term ‘Zwarte Piet’
• Don’t post images of people who are fully painted dark and instead use models who are unpainted, partially painted or painted with a pattern.
• Don’t offer items that contain a stereotypical caricature with an emphasis on skin colour or ethnicity, such as Zwarte Piet.

Skin colour

Through bol, items are sold in all kinds of sizes, styles and colours. The more specific the description of the item is, the faster our collective customers can find what suits them. Instead of the term ‘skin colour’, use a more specific description for the colour of your item. For example, beige, brown or light pink. 

Creoles & Slave bracelets

Never use the terms ‘creoles’ and ‘slave bracelets’. We sell earrings and bangles within the ‘Jewellery‘ category. If you use the terms ‘creoles’ and ‘slave bracelets‘ , we will take your item offline until the term is adjusted.