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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be shocked and actually quite sickened by this t shirt?

126 replies

geordieminx · 08/01/2011 16:24

I was in River Island earlier today, huge big display, centre of which was a (mens) t shirt emblazoned with "born in the uk".

Have I missed some totally innocent explaination for this? As far as I can see it's a poor excuse for racism and xenophobia.

It actually made me feel quite sick, it would be something I would expect to see on a BNP march, not in a high street store Sad

OP posts:
Honeydragon · 08/01/2011 22:17
TwoIfBySea · 08/01/2011 22:21

Nice tat Honeydragon, I'll growl at you in the Murrayfield stand next time we're being pelted by your lot! :o

Honeydragon · 08/01/2011 22:24

TwoIfBySea

I'll blow you kisses and bask in superiority Wink

bethelbeth · 08/01/2011 22:25

It gets a bit boring when it's the same trivial pish repeated HoneyDragon.
OP has already stated that she didn't think her opening post through.

And in any case implied racism is entirely different from pride in your heritage so a lot of you are barking up the wrong tree entirely

Unrulysun · 08/01/2011 22:27

Wow - overreact much?

The thread I mean, not the OP.

Shock
LadyOfTheManor · 08/01/2011 22:27

Hmmm would you be shocked to see say, a black, Muslim man wearing this T-shirt...even if he was British?

TO me it relates to those bloody awful "Made in England" tattoos I've had the unfortunate experience of seeing on fat middle aged mens' stomachs. Nice.

newwave · 08/01/2011 22:32

If anyone is offended by that I have a corker to be worn the day Maggie dies, It is a picture of her with a stake through her heart and the words "the bitch is dead across the front". My mates daughter made it at art school and I intend to have copies made for guests at the celebration party.

Honeydragon · 08/01/2011 22:32

Agree with

And in any case implied racism is entirely different from pride in your heritage so a lot of you are barking up the wrong tree entirely.

100% there.

But I still find it interesting that so many of us, me included, over analyse everything in case we might be thinking the wrong thing.

I make T-Shirts and other personalised items and have only ever refused two orders on the grounds that I would not do the job. One was racist and the other was slander. What I do get is a lot of "Is that ok. Will people maybe think that I mean this?" etc, a lot

Zondra · 08/01/2011 22:34

Sickened??!
Surely, a bit strong?

I would never want my dh to wear a t-shirt like this but, that's because I hate slogans on clothes & to me River Island's signature style is a bit rubbish.

gleechie · 08/01/2011 22:34
Biscuit
LadyOfTheManor · 08/01/2011 22:34

lol New Wave, is your daughter old enough to remember Maggie T?

Honeydragon · 08/01/2011 22:35

LadyoftheManor

those bloody awful "Made in England" tattoos I've had the unfortunate experience of seeing on fat middle aged mens' stomachs.

as a English/British manufacturer I must admit they don't help my cause. I have yet to see them on buff six packs Grin

LadyOfTheManor · 08/01/2011 22:37

ha ha ha! Sadly I don't think hot men tend to go down that road...would make the occasional football hooligan highlights a better watch on the news though..!

newwave · 08/01/2011 22:38

LOTM, mates daughter not mine, I have two sons for my sins but I have told them all about her.

peasandlove · 08/01/2011 22:46

I'm from New zealand, and people frequently wear those sorts of t-shirts. We are a patriotic bunch who love our country. I found it really weird when I first went to the UK (lived there for 10yrs but now back home) that the british were so unpatriotic.
I think this whole PC business is destroying the UK.

cupcakebakerer · 08/01/2011 22:47

I think it's inappropriate. Perhaps 'Made in the UK' as it comes across lighthearted and, as suggested, that the wearer is proud of where they are from. For some reason 'Born in the UK' doesn't seem to come across in that same cheeky way.

LadyOfTheManor · 08/01/2011 22:49

Apart from an unwritten constitution and the likes of Shakespeare and Yeats, I don't see too much to be patriotic over. Then again I wasn't born here.

Doesn't mean I'd have a T-shirt stating;

"I like stately homes and Shakespeare".

I agree with whoever said that Made in the UK has a different ring to it.

My ds has a little baby gro which says "Made with love". Much better.

cupcakebakerer · 08/01/2011 22:56

Just mentioned this to hubby and he straightaway asked if it was a play on the Bruce Springsteen song title 'Born in the USA'. Shit and not amusing but at least that's an explanation?

peasandlove · 08/01/2011 23:20

there is a range of clothing here in nz by a label called "born here". I guess they wouldnt go down well in the UK ;)
My little one has a t-shirt with "made in the UK" on it, I think it's cute

mommmmyof2 · 08/01/2011 23:34

YABU and i think it is the little things like this is what creates racism that really is not there!
We live in the UK what is wrong with that, It is ok to be proud of where you come from.I actually get annoyed when we are all told in the UK to play it down that we are proud, why not fly a flag or wear a t.shirt!Things are over thought!

Vallhala · 08/01/2011 23:38

I'm not usually a fan of tattoos, honeydragon, but I do like that one.

Wrong sport, obviously, all too barbaric for me :o, but I like the style and the sentiment.

Val - Born In England. :)

rockinhippy · 08/01/2011 23:41

YABVVVVVVVVVVU Hmm,

its exactly that kind of tripe that DOES breed racism & it gets right up my nose Angry.....get a grip, Racism & Patriotism are NOT the same thing, & a bit more Patriotism might do this Country a World of good.....WHATEVER Colour, Race or Creed you are, theres nothing wrong in being proud to be British, we ARE aa fter all Multi race country

reelingintheyears · 08/01/2011 23:41

Yup...
Nowt wrong with it.

2shoes · 08/01/2011 23:42

yabu
wtf is wrong with anyone being proud of where they were born

mommmmyof2 · 08/01/2011 23:45

I wonder what the reaction would have been if she actualy seen someone wearing it!
I think this is why a lot of people do not show how proud they are of this country as there are too many people with the wrong opinion.