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In my time and throughout the regions of the country I have traveled, I have found one set of skills to be particularly lacking in the African-American community, knowing how to swim. Upon joining the navy many years ago I remember the separated the incoming recruits at the pool by those who could swim and those who could not swim. Those who could not swim raised their hand, openly admitting it, and were then administered swimming lessons during basic training.
Many of my black friends also claim to not know how to swim. When watching water sports, diving, swimming, boating, etc,you will notice there are very few if any African Americans in these sports.
Anyone care to dig up the truth on why the majority of African Americans do not learn how to swim?
In my time and throughout the regions of the country I have traveled, I have found one set of skills to be particularly lacking in the African-American community, knowing how to swim. Upon joining the navy many years ago I remember the separated the incoming recruits at the pool by those who could swim and those who could not swim. Those who could not swim raised their hand, openly admitting it, and were then administered swimming lessons during basic training.
Many of my black friends also claim to not know how to swim. When watching water sports, diving, swimming, boating, etc,you will notice there are very few if any African Americans in these sports.
Anyone care to dig up the truth on why the majority of African Americans do not learn how to swim?
Are you sure the majority can not swim? Based on what? A few random observations?
A more interesting question is why do you use a sample of about a couple dozen people to project the swimming capability to tens of millions of people?
Are you sure the majority can not swim? Based on what? A few random observations?
A more interesting question is why do you use a sample of about a couple dozen people to project the swimming capability to tens of millions of people?
That question is dull. Facts are facts, if we were to do a scientific poll I would be willing to put money on it that over 50% of African Americans do not know how to swim.
That question is dull. Facts are facts, if we were to do a scientific poll I would be willing to put money on it that over 50% of African Americans do not know how to swim.
OK, I think you are correct in your assumption (I did a quick internet research). However, your original post would be more valid had you cited some data rather than some arbitrary observations.
for example:
"According to the USA Swimming Foundation - 70 percent of African-American and 60 percent of Hispanic children can't swim."
That question is dull. Facts are facts, if we were to do a scientific poll I would be willing to put money on it that over 50% of African Americans do not know how to swim.
I'm not denying the observation is probably accurate, but he is asking 'why'. The explanation in this situation is simple, no one taught them. If he is looking for a physiological reason for it be stopping blacks, I can assure there is no merit to that if that is what you are seeking.
OK, I think you are correct in your assumption (I did a quick internet research). However, your original post would be more valid had you cited some data rather than some arbitrary observations.
for example:
"According to the USA Swimming Foundation - 70 percent of African-American and 60 percent of Hispanic children can't swim."
They claim 70% of black youth do not know how to swim.
Yes, but I see so many threads on city-data asking questions based on assumptions or flat out wrong statements. At least a pointer to a reputable data source will validate the questions being asked.
Trying to make this about race doesn't compute. This is a class issue. I am guessing if you look at family incomes and locations of those families you'll find your answer. Seriously, very few statistics actually end up being about race. It is socio-economic class.
Compare that to the number of Blacks and Hispanics statistically that live in crowded urban areas. How many have access to a pool? A lake? Wise Words: Patrick Larkin | Educator Studio
Also this is a more recent development. Previous generations of Black kids had more access and encouragement.
I believe that Diana Ross was a member of her swim team. Many boys were encouraged to swim as Boy Scout members in 50's-70's. Funding dried up for a lot of these venues in the 1970's so access to swimming spots and lessons were limited.
I,myself, am only a fair swimmer as a result of adult classes. I was greatly influenced by a generational fear of water from my mother and both sisters.
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