Daycare center in Rostock cancels Indian” festival – parents react outraged!

Daycare center in Rostock cancels Indian” festival – parents react outraged!

In a Rostock daycare center, the decision to change the theme of a planned summer festival is causing heated debates and divided opinions among parents. Originally, the children at the crèche, 82 in total, were supposed to celebrate under the motto “Cowboys and Indians”. But after a complaint from a father, the “Fischbank” daycare center was forced to rename the festival – a decision that was not well received by everyone.

The daycare center apologized in an official letter and explained that the term “Indian” was historically loaded and was forced on the North American natives by European conquerors. The name therefore does not reflect the diversity and cultural significance of the indigenous peoples. However, many parents were dissatisfied with the daycare management's move and described the renaming as "bad", "totally outlandish" and "absolutely idiotic" [Nau] reported. Ultimately, the summer festival was celebrated under the new motto “Horses and Ponies” and costumes, even with feather headdresses, were permitted.

Social tensions reflected

The controversy surrounding the term “Indian” is not just limited to Rostock. The GRA Foundation against Racism and Anti-Semitism has also classified the term as problematic and historically loaded. The public debate therefore emphasizes the need to use more respectful terms and points to the colonial past marked by violence and displacement. The current discussion about cultural sensitivity and identity remains emotionally charged and reflects social tensions over the use of racist and colonial terms [HNA].

Political voices from the region cannot be ignored either. Daniel Peters, the CDU leader of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, said that no indigenous people would be bothered by children playing in Germany and criticized the over-correctness as divisive for society. This statement shows how the discussion about cultural sensitivity is also finding its way onto the political stage and causing a stir [HNA].

A look beyond the borders

In the context of the discussion about indigenous life, the situation in Brazil is just as explosive. President Jair Bolsonaro recently ran for a second term in office and his government has been heavily criticized for protecting indigenous populations. As the government pushes ahead with vaccinating the indigenous population against Covid-19, the actual protection of indigenous reserves and rights is being questioned. It turns out that the protection of existing reserves has decreased in recent years, which is leading to further discussions and conflicts [Focus on Latin America].

The debate surrounding the use of colonial terms and the rights of the indigenous population is not just a local phenomenon, but has wide implications and touches on fundamental questions about respect, history and identity. With its decision, the Rostock daycare center has initiated a discourse across society that goes far beyond the festivities.