Race discrimination case over child’s swim puts ‘Dutch paradox’ in focus
“She saw that every white child was simply allowed to walk through, and every black child, without exception, was asked for their passport,” Duiker said, reflecting on that Friday evening in 2024. “Maybe it is … but it’s pretty awful to show children of 10, 11 and 12 that they are not equal. You are showing them that whatever you do, however you live, you are never the same as a white child.”Duiker complained to the pool management on the day of the incident.
- ▪“She saw that every white child was simply allowed to walk through, and every black child, without exception, was asked for their passport,” Duiker said, reflecting on that Friday evening in 2024.
- ▪“Maybe it is … but it’s pretty awful to show children of 10, 11 and 12 that they are not equal.
- ▪You are showing them that whatever you do, however you live, you are never the same as a white child.”Duiker complained to the pool management on the day of the incident.
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Henri Duiker: ‘I am a Dutchman … but I’m still a foreigner for some people.’ Photograph: Judith Jockel/The GuardianView image in fullscreenHenri Duiker: ‘I am a Dutchman … but I’m still a foreigner for some people.’ Photograph: Judith Jockel/The GuardianNetherlandsRace discrimination case over child’s swim puts ‘Dutch paradox’ in focusFather of boy refused entry to pool says case is reminder that some Dutch do not acknowledge reality of racismSenay Boztas in ZoetermeerWed 8 Jul 2026 07.52 EDTLast modified on Wed 8 Jul 2026 08.20 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen Henri Duiker went to check whether his 12-year-old son and his friend were enjoying their first “disco” swim evening alone, he was baffled.
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