The claim
White visitors have to stay outside at the colonial exhibition in Dortmund on Saturdays!
Our conclusion
The claim is false. On Saturdays, all visitors are allowed to enter the colonial exhibition in Dortmund, despite the preferred times from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPoC)
The rumor mill is churning: White visitors to the Zeche Zollern museum are supposed to stay outside on Saturdays at the colonial exhibition. But how much truth is there really behind it? We followed up.
Myth vs. Reality: The Saturday Rules of the Colonial Exhibition
Every rumor has an origin. This began with the news that the Zeche Zollern Museum offers exclusive opening hours for blacks and people of color on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. On the website you can read:
Colonial exhibition: “Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the exhibition workshop is reserved for “Black, Indigenous and People of Color” (BIPoC).”
But contrary to the flying misinformation, the museum does not prohibit anyone from entering. Christiane Spänhoff from the LWL Museum makes it clear to Focus : “Even during the four hours, we are not banning anyone’s access - contrary to the misinformation that is currently circulating.”
Safer Spaces: Protection or Segregation?
A safe space should be a protected space, free from any form of discrimination. It's not about excluding certain groups, but about giving others a space to feel safe.
But why actually in the museum? Because art and culture are places of reflection and exchange. It's about respect and sending a signal that the museum is taking the issue seriously.
The Reactions: Controversy or Conversation?
Any decision, especially such a bold one, will provoke reactions. However, the extent and aggressiveness of some of the reactions surprised many, especially in the museum itself. There was still positive feedback, and the safer space was seen as an important sign.
(Post-)colonialism: A topic that affects us all
The exhibition “ This is colonial ” aims to shed new light on the colonial legacy of Westphalia-Lippe. Through innovative approaches, such as the creation of safer spaces, she challenges all visitors to think about their own role in this story.
Summary
- LWL Museum Zeche Zollern and its initiative:
- The LWL Museum Zeche Zollern has an exhibition workshop entitled “This is colonial”.
- Every Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., this workshop is set up as a “safer space” specifically for BIPoC.
- What does BIPoC mean?
- The abbreviation BIPoC stands for “Black, Indigenous and People of Color”.
- It refers to individuals who do not define themselves as white or are not viewed as white by others.
- Many of these people have experienced racism in society.
- Understanding a Safer Space:
- A safe space is a protected area designed to protect people from further discrimination, especially racism.
- This space allows BIPoC and Black people to retreat and share in a safe environment without fear of judgment or criticism from white people.
- Such safe environments are rarely available in everyday life and in museums.
- The reason for the Safe Space in the exhibition workshop:
- The exhibition workshop is a place for experimentation and trying out new methods.
- The Safer Space was created to provide BIPoC visitors and partners with a space where they can openly discuss topics such as (post)colonialism, without fear of discrimination.
- Discrimination and white people:
- White people may also experience discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation, or membership in certain groups.
- The main difference is that they do not have the constant experience of being discriminated against because of the color of their skin.
- For white people, it is often a privilege to be able to enter spaces without fear of discrimination.
- Admission procedure to the exhibition workshop:
- There is no strict control or monitoring of entry.
- The system works on a trust basis. Visitors are expected to respect and support the Safer Space and its intention.
Conclusion: A safe space for thoughts
The myth of the “white ban” in the Zeche Zollern Museum is exactly that – a myth. But it has opened an important debate. Museums are not only places of the past, but also mirrors of our present. The Safer Space is an offer, an opportunity for everyone to think about how we can live in a more inclusive and fair society.
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