AIBU to be annoyed by GAP? And feel like they should REALLY know better...

[SuzySheepSmellsNice]

(quote from their website)

In light of the above statement and taking into consideration the current social and political climate of increasing racial intolerance and xenophobia, why on earth would GAP deem this to be an appropriate statement to write on a child's T-shirt? Though it may have been created with a different message in mind, 'Locals Only' is not the kind of message that I would expect to see on a shirt, how is that helpful? Aren't we supposed to be promoting tolerance, inclusion and understanding? And I have contacted them directly and they appear to not give even the tiniest of craps.

It's a surfing term.

Surfers will talk about beaches being "locals only" - i.e. They're for the local surfing community, not for tourists. It's very bad form to tell tourists where the locals only beaches are.

It's not racist or anything, it's just about making sure local communities have somewhere peaceful they can use.

None of this is a good reason to put it on a fashion T-shirt sold mainly to non-surfers.

I don't think non surfers will buy it secretly hoping the romanians will at last get the message. They will buy it in the hopes that others will believe they are a cool surfer dude.

It's quite obviously a surfing terminology for anyone that knows that sort of stuff.

Talk about jumping to the wrong conclusion. I genuinely think people look for reasons to be outraged.

Agree it's a surf/beach thing and I've never lived anywhere remotely near the sea I have however been to beaches hence why I recognise it... plus the palm trees and style of shirt make it pretty clear.

Wouldn't buy it though, it's an ugly shirt!

You can't dismiss the possibilities just because that's not how you personally interpreted it though. I just think Gap were very sloppy.

Face it OP. You is not down with the kidz no more innit.

Face it OP. You is not down with the kidz no more innit.

PMSL

So it's a surfing term 'everyone knows' about keeping tourists (people who bring finance to, for instance, Cornwall) off the nice quiet beaches.
It's still hostile and likely to be misunderstood. GAP should have a think about this tee shirt.

I had no idea about the surfing lingo here. If you don't know it's a 'thing' (which I imagine a lot of people don't) then it's not great at all. Especially in the current climate where racist, xenophobes feel they have a mandate to spout their opinions in public.

I have however been to beaches hence why I recognise it - I have lived in a seaside town my entire life where lots of surfing goes on and I have never heard this phrase.

Yep to the last 2 posts, that was my point. Thank you

Previous to semi!!

Yes, thanks Maudlin I was assuming it was the Royston Vasey branch of Gap. But seriously, if I'd walked in to a store and seen that I'd have been thinking WTF? Not because I'd have though it xenophobic but just because it makes no sense whatsoever. I've got a lot of nieces and nephews and often buy them clothing for birthdays and Christmas and frankly have to dodge so many pointless/meaningless slogans on clothing. What is going on?????

I should have added, I too live in a coastal town. Never heard it.

Omg the overreaction.

It's printed with a background of palm trees not the Calais jungle.

OP you clearly don't think you are being anything but reasonable so unsure why you posted really.

I personally would never step food in Gap as it's for middle class frumps.

to the use of OMG on Mumsnet. Things have changed round here!

are Gap going bump? they are on 40% sale seemingly constantly.

It's badly thought out indeed. Someone's getting fiiiiired.

Doubtful anyone will be fired if the shirt has been around long enough to have a 40% discount. I appreciate the sentiment though