WHY BLACK GIRLS DON’T SWIM

1 Nov 2012
Comments: 9
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Have you read ‘Dry Run’ on page 54 of the ELLE November issue? If not, you need to. Lerato Benjamin tells us what lies behind the stereotype that black girls don’t swim and includes her own reasons for shying away from aquatic activities. It’s a funny, insightful read that has us wondering how many of you also don’t take the plunge, and why! Tell us your thoughts by commenting below – we’d love to hear what your views are.

Dry-Run

Illustration: Loretta De Goede

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GUGULETHU LEETO on 11/1/2012: I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT, BEING A BLACK GIRL WHO USED TO SWIM A LOT IN SCHOOL AND WAS EVEN REFERRED TO AS A SHARK IN WATER, I COULD TOTALLY RELATE TO IT AS I HAD ALSO GROWN INTO THE WEAVE PHASE I UNDERSTAND EXACTLY HOW IT FEELS. BUT I STILL LOVE WATER AND WOULD NOT THINK TWICE ABOUT DIVING IN,(WELL I GUESS IT EASY TO SAY SO NOW THAT I'VE GONE WITH THE SHORT).
Prudence Marule on 11/2/2012: I just loved this piece! Unlike the author my reaction to the statement “black girls don’t swim!” – was you best believe they don’t! Everyone knows black women don’t play that...to quote Mapula (am I the only one who see the irony in that name though?) anyway to quote Mapula the "drowned rat look just isn’t hot" and it definitely goes back to the hair thing -it’s the same rules that apply to rain there is way too much money, time and effort that goes into me looking cute (weave or no weave) I cannot just randomly dive into a pool or boldly walk out into the rain with an umbrella or checkers for protection, who am I trying to impress vele? I myself have never even learned how to swim despite having cousins who have a pool and having holidayed by the coast as a child and I’ve never had any “FOMO” when it came to water.
Prudence Marule on 11/2/2012: I just loved this piece! Unlike the author my reaction to the statement “black girls don’t swim!” – was you best believe they don’t! Everyone knows black women don’t play that...to quote Mapula (am I the only one who see the irony in that name though?) any way to quote Mapula the "drowned rat look just isn’t hot" and it definitely goes back to the hair thing -it’s the same rules that apply to rain there is way too much money, time and effort that goes into me looking cute (weave or no weave) I cannot just randomly dive into a pool or boldly walk out into the rain with an umbrella or checkers for protection, who am I trying to impress vele? I myself have never even learned how to swim despite having cousins who have a pool and having holidayed by the coast as a child and I’ve never had any “FOMO” when it came to water.
Nokulunga Magubane on 11/4/2012: Well All 'Black Girls' are different, sometimes its just a matter of where one grew up and not so much a 'black' thing so to say. For Example my sisters and I grew up in different environments therefore we are bound to have different preferences, I prefer to swim but they don't. All I am saying is the stereotype has not got sufficient backing and I think as black women we must stop using our hair as an excuse and rather tell the truth, there is no shame in your background.♥♥♥
lungile mbanjwa on 11/7/2012: I could happily not swim for the rext of my life. I don't even think about it. And it's not a matter of "can't", I really just couldn't be bothered. because then I would have a towel, swimsuit and dont forget the bodylotion, (I look very ashy after I've been in water.) The comb, the hair moisturiser?Where would I change? In the changeroom? AGH Please!!! Too much admin.
lungi on 11/7/2012: I could happily not swim for the rext of my life. I don't even think about it. And it's not a matter of "can't", I really just couldn't be bothered. because then I would have to pack a towel, swimsuit and dont forget the bodylotion, (I look very ashy after I've been in water.) The comb, the hair moisturiser?Where would I change? In the changeroom? AGH Please!!! Too much admin.
Lebogang Mashego on 11/8/2012: I loved it! I'm in high school now, as well as an avid reader of Elle Magazine, and I feel the article holds some truth. I swim, when I have to, and Iove water, but hair is an issue. I don't wear weaves, or braids, but keeping straight hair, even with the help of a flat-iron can be a mission. This is coming from an ex-team swimmer & waterpolo player. I've grown up in a very white environment, and swimming, has been a huge part of my life since I was young. I might love the water, but the fact remains: you can't live in water and still expect to have good hair.
Ntombi Mtshali on 11/8/2012: one of my short-term goals is to learn how to swim
MPHO MASHUDU DITJOE on 11/9/2012: I personally run away from any aquatic activities with no reason but the excuse of being allergic to HTC, ME and my friends often joke about it and now that I think about people who do go in water have fun... I would actually love it.