Top Gear on Hold - Clarkson suspended by beeb.

[TAKTAK]

I'd like to personally thank the BBC for using the term "fracas"; it has been my main source of entertainment derived from listening to the sheer number of disparate pronunciations going around on news shows.

[opel80uk]

And theres the problem. Thinking shouldnt ever be a crime, its actions and intent that matter.

So, despite the fact that you can quite clearly hear him actually saying it and he subsequently admitted and apologised for, saying it, this is deemed a 'thought crime'? I think some people need to bone up on what the term actually means.

I'm staggered by people who get upset by such things. It was said, off camera, it's a rhyme which, despite been many decades his junior, I knew as that (without realising the implications of the term).

But now presumably you do realise the implications of the term, so I'm staggered that your staggered about the fact that some people would find that hugely offensive because, aside from the decent impression he gives, Clarkson is a grown adult. Putting to one side the rather nauseous connotations that him singing the rhyme has, of a white man talking about holding a black man up by his feet and waiting for him to squeal, it wasn't said off camera and was aid whilst Clarkson was in his professional capacity.

Obviously, if people think watching someone call some random Asian bloke minding his own business a slope constitutes 'entertainment', that's their right, in much the same way as some people might like to watch Bernard Manning and Jim Davidson. No one is saying that they are not allowed to think the things they do, or even say them. But on the other hand, you can't really then complain when large numbers of the public, who pay your wages, say that they think it's wrong (presumably because they too understand the implication of these terms). I'm pretty sure that, if I was to come into work and say something like that, there would be repercussions. The notion that I could, or should, use the 'I don't think you should be offended because I'm not' line is, frankly, absurd.

[peterb]

BBC being a bit holier than thou, (or upholding standards, depending on you PoV)

As for the rhyme, I can't actually hear what he said, although having learned and chanted the rhyme before it became politically incorrect, my brain might subconsciously think I can hear it.

As for the other word, new one on me, hope the Armed services know they can no longer slope arms, or slope off early from work. And as for that small slope on my drive to allow rain water to run off, I hang my head in shame.

But, as all these clips were recorded, where was the editor, or perhaps they weren't aware that slope has morphed into an allegedly racist term.

(for the avoidance of doubt, the above use of the word 'slope' refers to a military term referring to the angle of a rifle when carried for ceremonial purposes; slang for leaving something early and slightly furtively; a surface that is slightly off the horizontal plane)

[Dooms]

Sigh. There is far worse offending things going on in the world. Why the hell is everyone so sensitive these days? If you don't like what someone says go "man I don't like that guy" and be done with it.

I would hate to work in proximity to the people that moan every day to the BBC, I probably would of been fired for miss using a word that in another country, in another language means "you are a fat wart".

[The Hand]

The petition to save him here: https://www.change.org/p/bbc-reinstate-jeremy-clarkson is going up by about 25,000 an hour! It'll be well over 500,000 by the end of the day.
He does come across as being a belligerent (but entertaining) knob, but to get rid of him might be a turning point for BBC with allegations of having a left of centre bias gathering strength etc.

[peterb]

But then some people find the word 'racist' offensive. But I guess if you are really determined, you can take offence at most things.

However, I was reminded that the term 'politically incorrect' is now politically incorrect, and the term culturally insensitive is the new euphemism. Which does make some sense, and could certainly be applied to Jeremy Clarkson, who is probably more culturally insensitive rather than racist.

[directhex]

The Mirror are reporting that he punched a producer for not getting him his dindins fast enough.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/j...er-top-5309060

[Dooms]

The Mirror are reporting that he punched a producer for not getting him his dindins fast enough.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/j...er-top-5309060

Then that's an issue between the 2 of them and the police like any other assault charge, it's not like hes on TV punching people and telling people to go beat up their colleges

[Biscuit]

So, despite the fact that you can quite clearly hear him actually saying it and he subsequently admitted and apologised for, saying it, this is deemed a 'thought crime'? I think some people need to bone up on what the term actually means.

How is it 'quite clear'. Im sorry but its not, its mumbled, very mumbled but was even taken out of the show deliberately.

Seeing as the clip in question is being taken out of context, I think its only fair that the apology is also presented to bring things back down to earth. The explanation seems utterly reasonable from where i'm sitting.

Sigh. There is far worse offending things going on in the world. Why the hell is everyone so sensitive these days? If you don't like what someone says go "man I don't like that guy" and be done with it.

I would hate to work in proximity to the people that moan every day to the BBC, I probably would of been fired for miss using a word that in another country, in another language means "you are a fat wart".

I agree, I have no idea why it seems to be so acceptable to whinge and whine about things instead of ignoring them and moving on. If things have zero impact on people then they tend not to continue being used in offensive ways.
Christopher Hitchen and Stephen Fry have discussed this at length on various podcasts, and I am actually 100% behind them. I don't really care if people find spoken, written or drawn things offensive. In my opinion the person who is offended is the person with the real problem.

However, I was reminded that the term 'politically incorrect' is now politically incorrect, and the term culturally insensitive is the new euphemism. Which does make some sense, and could certainly be applied to Jeremy Clarkson, who is probably more culturally insensitive rather than racist.

Although I think the word is actually more appropriate for its usage, I still cant help but roll my eyes!

The Mirror are reporting that he punched a producer for not getting him his dindins fast enough.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/j...er-top-5309060

If true... and that's a big if given the source... then perhaps it is time for him to get the boot. I don't feel right about protecting someone who feels they can ride their name and position to get away with physical violence.

[directhex]

Then that's an issue between the 2 of them and the police like any other assault charge, it's not like hes on TV punching people and telling people to go beat up their colleges

It would be a disciplinary issue at any other job if one member of staff attacked another member of staff on company time.

[Dooms]

It would be a disciplinary issue at any other job if one member of staff attacked another member of staff on company time.

Yeah sorry I didn't mean the beeb should keep out of it but meant more of a public involvement....

Meh I don't even know what I'm saying anymore lol.

[abaxas]

My betting is top gear is canned, then the BBC fail to prove anything, Jezza gets a 10 million + compo and moves to a different channel.

Win win win win win win for Jezza.

[Dooms]

My betting is top gear is canned, then the BBC fail to prove anything, Jezza gets a 10 million + compo and moves to a different channel.

Win win win win win win for Jezza.

BBC drops Top Gear, DAVE steps in and takes over

[Knoxville]

Then that's an issue between the 2 of them and the police like any other assault charge, it's not like hes on TV punching people and telling people to go beat up their colleges

As his employer the BBC also then have an obligation to suspend him and investigate his conduct in the work place should that turn out to be the case. At that point, especially as his profession gives him a soapbox in front of an international audience, it makes sense to suspend any programming he's involved in at the same time.

If you worked for any subsidiary of Whitbread for instance and I'm using them as an example simply because I was a manager there and know the code of conduct and disciplinary procedures well. Let's say you worked for them and you punched a fellow employee in the face while chatting in the stock room you'd still recieve similar if not harsher treatment even if the incident didn't occur in public view and no charges were pressed by the other party.

At the very least you'd be looking at suspension, probably without pay for the duration of what would be a very short investigation followed by your dismissal given the circumstances. The only difference is it wouldn't make the news because you're Joe Bloggs not Jeremy Clarkson and people will miss Top Gear being on this Sunday.

*edit* appears directhex beat me to the punch (pun intended ) */edit*

[peterb]

Then that's an issue between the 2 of them and the police like any other assault charge, it's not like hes on TV punching people and telling people to go beat up their colleges

Not really, if it occurred at the workplace. It could then be classed as gross misconduct, which could result in instant dismissal.

(And beaten to it by Knoxville! and directhex)

[virtuo]

If my nan presented Top Gear she'd have been sacked years ago..