Unfortunately, today, groups of thugs or self-described “locals” still populate the coastline and harass anyone they deem to be a “non-local” often using violence to prevent their fellow Americans from using public space.
According to Larry Herzog, Professor of Urban Planning at SDSU, localism reflects “the increasing ecology of privatization and socio-economic segmentation in American cities. We have become a nation of gated communities,and the ‘ecology of fear.’ Surfers – without realizing it… are channeling a preference for personal space, fenced yards or marked territory, and the unfamiliarity with being ‘public,’ or gracious about sharing a public space, like the ocean.”
“Aggressive localism..reflects more the weakening of class and racial boundaries..along with increasing density and diversity,”said Edward Sojoa, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Studies at UCLA. “Nearly everyone feels their space is being invaded. In defense, they re-territorialize, buy guns and guard dogs, defend their turf, buy advanced security systems, move into gated and armed guarded communities, and hang out signs that tresspassers will be shot.”
I asked Kevin Keenan, the Director of the San Diego branch of the ACLU if the act of harassing or intimidating anyone from using public space, in this case the coast and ocean, violates fundamental American civil liberties?
“In U.S. v. Allen, the 9th Circuit,” wrote Kevin, “held that a band of racist thugs who patrolled a public park and kicked out some people through threats and intimidation based on their race were violating their federal civil rights (a federal crime). You could argue that Civil Rights law protects against chasing people off a beach or wave based on their race, color, religion, or national origin, but should also extend to other kinds of groups, like where a person resides. Not incidentally, given segregation in our society and other reasons, where a person resides often relates closely to race, color, religion, and national origin.”
The sad fact is that most surfers don’t practice localism, but most do little, if anything, to prevent the bullying, violence and thuggery they witness by “locals.”
Engaging in localism is different than regulating a lineup. That can be done quietly and requires the type of leadership skills that hothead angry “locals” just don’t have.
I only wish that the true definition of being a surfing local meant that a person was invested in the stewardship and conservation of a surf spot. Instead of berating those of us who violate their “territory,” angry “locals” should instead take leadership to conserve the beaches, waves and coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife that grant us the good fortune of enjoying the blessings of surfing great waves and immersing ourselves in the ocean.
Imagine a world in which surfers worked together to save our surfing areas instead of screaming and fighting with each other over who has the right to enjoy the coast and ocean.
We would surf more, be happier, and have a greater number of spots to enjoy.
