Principal wants boycott of 'man-bashing' Farmers stores

Nelson, New Zealand, May 6th, 2004

Nelson College headmaster Salvi Gargiulo today called for a boycott of Farmers stores over "man-bashing" products advertised in their Mother's Day catalogue.

Mr Gargiulo said he had received three letters from people disturbed by slogans such as "Boys are stupid: throw rocks at them" and "Stupid factory: where boys are made" printed on slippers and bags in the catalogue.

Mr Gargiulo has been instrumental in developing a Good Man project at the school, as part of the scheme by former prison head Celia Lashlie to work with students at boys' schools, talking about such things as what makes a good man.

Today in school assembly he urged students to boycott Farmers when they shopped for Mother's Day gifts.

He said he realised the items were supposed to be funny, but they gave a "terrible message to young boys".

"If you keep on telling young boys that men are stupid, then they'll believe it."

He said it was time for people to stop finding humour by putting people down.

"I think a lot of bashing goes on under the heading of humour, but it's not humorous. If you joke like that you condone it."

He said if similar slogans were printed about women, there would be a huge outcry. He believed society accepted the mocking of men, and he wanted that to change.

Farmers group managing director David Norman said he apologised for any offence caused, but said the range was popular.

He said the statements on the products were "quite clearly tongue in cheek and not meant to be taken seriously".

"The teenage market to which these garments are targeted understand this and appreciate the somewhat unusual humour," Mr Norman said.