Scrapping of Berlin swimming day for Black children becomes latest in long list of race-linked pool rows
Summary
A planned swimming event in Berlin for Black children and their families was cancelled after it sparked controversy and racist threats. This incident highlights ongoing racial tensions linked to public swimming pools seen in many countries over many years.Key Facts
- The event was meant to give Black children and their families exclusive access to an outdoor pool in Berlin.
- Right-wing politicians and groups criticized the event, calling it unfair and comparing it to apartheid.
- Organizers received racist emails and threats, leading to the event being scrapped.
- Other groups have used exclusive pool times without any problems in Berlin.
- Similar pool-related racial conflicts have happened in Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Romania.
- Swimming pools have a long history as places where racial segregation and discrimination occur.
- In the U.S., public pools were segregated throughout much of the 20th century, leading to a racial divide in swimming ability.
- Experts suggest that more public investment in community pools could help bring people of different backgrounds together.
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