Numerous online portals fuel hatred towards moms and spread the image of motherhood as “a series of torments,” according to the Do Rzeczy news portal. One recent promotion at a water park gained cheers from many, while rustling others’ feathers.
Claiming that portals such as Onet, Wysokie Obcasy and eDziecko regularly publish texts showing suffering mothers and promoting getting a dog instead of having children, Do Rzeczy felt a kids-free day at one park fell into this category of propaganda.
“Do you dream of spending the whole day at the pool without squealing, splashing and lines for the slides? On October 19, only adults will be having fun at Aquapark Fala. Children are not allowed. Among the attractions are a relaxation zone with loungers, a dunk tank, massages, a bar for adults and other surprises,” read the ad by the water park in Łódź.
Many on the internet agreed, with one commenter noting they could enjoy a day of rest “without cash-eaters.”
“A great campaign! You have won a huge amount of sympathy from childless people with this post, people are already talking about you on child-free groups,” read another comment. One person posted: “Finally! One day when you can relax in peace,” with another adding: “Finally someone thought of it. No brats in large pools is a dream.”
Do Rzeczy claims these posts were mild compared to others, adding that many were also notably disturbed by what they saw as a growing trend of anti-child propaganda.
The advert also featured an image of a crying, several-month-old child in a red circle, reminiscent of a road sign prohibiting entry. Also raising eyebrows was the fact that Saturday was chosen for this child-free day, when families typically spend time together.
President of Aquapark Fala, Krzysztof Babij, said that “this is a response to the needs of our customers, who regularly ask us to organize events without the participation of children.”
He added that companies are increasingly pursuing 18+ hotels, restaurants and cafes for adults and other places where children are not allowed.
“This is understandable because children and adults relax in completely different ways, and it is quite difficult to reconcile their different needs,” he said.
Babij also noted that their water park has numerous family-centric days during the year, so they “can, with a clear conscience, give this one day of the year exclusively to adults, including parents who would like to take a break from their children for a while.”
The news portal pointed out that the park’s current president is a long-time collaborator of the mayor of Łódź and member of Prime Minister Tusk’s Civic Platform, Hanna Zdanowska, while its former director was Dariusz Joński, now a member of parliament of Tusk’s Civic Coalition (KO).
Perhaps the graphic used was a poor choice.
One left-wing party, Razem (Left Together), however, had a pointed response: “Children are an indispensable part of urban society. It is unacceptable for them to be excluded from a water park managed by a municipal company. It is similarly unacceptable to use graphics that stigmatize any social group,” assessed the Łódź branch of the Razem party.
Its MP Paulina Matysiak added: “Are there any plans for more ‘without someone’ days? Without teenagers? Without those born on even days? Without left-handers? Absurd!”
