keep clarkson on top gear

[hawkes]

Jeremy Clarkson is under threat of loosing his job after comments he made on the Topgear show on Sunday 2nd November 08


http://petition.co.uk/keep_jeremy_clarkson_on_top_gear

[hawkes]

The BBC is at the centre of another "bad taste" controversy after Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson joked that lorry drivers spend their time "murdering prostitutes".

His comments were aired on Sunday night, in the midst of the public outcry over obscene phone calls made by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand to Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs.

The pre-recorded remarks made by Clarkson were cleared for broadcast by senior BBC executives.

But they have prompted nearly 200 viewer complaints and a furious response from victim support groups and road hauliers. Ofcom, the media regulator, has also received complaints and is considering an investigation.

Clarkson and his co-presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, were taking part in a stunt for the BBC2 show which involved driving lorries around an obstacle course.

Climbing behind the wheel, Clarkson mused: "What matters to lorry drivers? Murdering prostitutes? Fuel economy?"

He went on: "This is a hard job, and I'm not just saying this to win favour with lorry drivers. It's a hard job - change gear, change gear, change gear, check your mirrors, murder a prostitute, change gear, change gear, murder. That's a lot of effort in a day."

The Road Haulage Association, which represents Britain's 9,000 haulage companies, has demanded a public apology from the presenter. Spokeswoman Kate Gibbs said: "Road hauliers are having a hard enough time as it is without the kind of ridiculous comments being made. In a week following thousands of similar complaints to the BBC over comments made by Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand, this is in particularly poor taste. It is just another example of celebrities having the licence to say absolutely anything they like.

"This is an unacceptable ... slur on the character of lorry drivers and the character of the industry, and it is grossly unfair. It's up to the BBC what action they take against Clarkson but we are certainly demanding an apology over these disgraceful comments."

A spokesman for the United Road Transport Union said it had been inundated with complaints from its 17,000 members. "We would absoltuely condenm what he said about murdering prostitutes. It ebggars belief that those words can be broadcast on TV. The BBC is an institution that is paid for by the licence fee and they should not be allowing this kind of sick joke."

Clarkson's joke is believed to be a reference to 'Suffolk Strangler' Steve Wright, jailed earlier this year for the murder of five Ipswich prostitutes. The Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, who killed 13 women, was also a lorry driver.

Victim Support denounced the presenter's "deeply offensive and insensitive remark", adding; "It is impossible to understand why Mr Clarkson believes that making light of the murder of women is acceptable as light entertainment."

A spokeswoman for the English Collective of Prostitute said: "This is a truly heartless comment. In the wake of the murders of five young women in Ipswich and the killing of over 60 prostitute women in the last 10 years, how did this remark come to be broadcast? Mr Clarkson should apologise immediately to prostitute women and our families, especially those of us bereaved by murder."

The BBC was roundly criticised for its poor handling of the Jonathan Ross affair. However, despite the latest complaints, the BBC defended Top Gear.

It issued a statement which read: "The vast majority of Top Gear viewers have clear expectations of Jeremy Clarkson's long-established and frequently provocative on-screen persona. This particular reference was used to comically exaggerate and make ridiculous an unfair urban myth about the world of lorry driving, and was not intended to cause offence."

[Weeble]

If the BBC fired/suspended Clarkson, they would literally be committing social suicide. It's not something that's likely to happen.

[f0xx]

Mr Clarkson should apologise immediately to prostitute women

Can I see a rofl?

It was just a joke ffs, people should learn to have a sense of humour and recognise when someone is making a joke for fun other than trying to insult.

I ain't surprised though, lorry drivers have such a high IQ.

[Azzer]

"Political Correctness is destroying society. Next thing you know we won't even be able to make jokes or cartoons about certain ficticious religious characters either... oh wait."

(was my signature on the petition)

[BlackWolf]

Shows how far people are going with their BS...
I can understand both sides of the story, yet I dont get what is that big deal on the way he said it. He didnt accuse anyone particulary or anything like that.

[Tapey]

500 complained....25 000 000 didn't. Whats the problem????

quote from sumwhere

[Alcibiades]

Nice quote Azzer. And I agree with you all so far; people need to lighten up about jokes. Especially comments that are blatantly made in a joking manner or are obviously meant to be exaggerating a stereotype so as to make it appear ridiculous. People need to get the stick surgically removed from deep within their rear cavities and learn to laugh.

[pinpower]

this is one of the things that annoys me most about the society we live in...it was a joke...im finding it hard to imagine lorry drivers sitting at home and being outraged at that? Its obvious it was a joke...

grr, hearing this has genuinely made me mad

But, they wont fire him...if there is only 200 complaints then there is no chance...also, getting rid of him would basically destroy topgear...the most that will come out of it is that they will have to do a public apology and prob donate a few grand to some sort of prostitute appreciaion society (;))

[Mattheus]

Yeah madness etc

But, they wont fire him...if there is only 200 complaints then there is no chance...

The funny thing is, in the Jonathan Ross/Russel Brand case there was only 2 or 3 complaints when it was first aired. Then the Daily Mail got wind of it and ran with it in full *****ing mode. After that thousands of people suddenly 'decided' they were offended and complained. Complaints were still coming in a week later. Sheep the lot of them :/

[Welshie]

Although I disapprove of this kind of over-reaction, it seems to me that the "free speech" activists are also going overboard. I quote the title of the petition:

Once again the minorities are having a go at JC, sign the petition and show your support for one of the only people on the box who's not afraid to speak his mind.

"Not afraid to speak his mind?" - He's not making a political statement against lorry drivers, he's making a joke. If he was trying to make a political statement then those people complaining would be in the right. But he's not, he's making a joke which probably has no bearing on what he actually thinks or believes. In defending Clarkson, you can take 1 of 2 stances:

1. He's right. Lorry drivers are prostitute-murdering scum - Let's kill them all.
2. It's a joke.

The title of that petition seems to imply that the people who wrote it have adopted stance number 1.

[Azzer]

I think that's just down to stupidity more than anything Welshie, I don't think anyone actually think's JC has taken a political stance against lorry drivers and is now being persecuted for it.

And in reply to Mattheus - I like the wording there.... and it's exactly what happens... people "deciding" to get offended, rather than actually getting offended... and this seems to be the case in almost all of these sorts of things. Somebody deciding they want to be offended and join in, not actually getting personally offended as their first and initial reaction the first time they heard it.

[Harbinger]

PC gone mad is one argument - and then there is respect :mad:

The death of 5 prostitutes by lorry driver Steve Wright was only 2 years ago - his trial was less than a year ago I think - it is still fresh in the public's conscience and will always be fresh in the minds of the relatives. Telling a joke in a pub with your mates is one thing (and I accept it was a joke - albeit in bad taste) - telling it in front of millions on television is something quite different - an audience that may well have included members of the victims' families.

Should he be sacked? No I don't think so. Should he be reprimanded? Yes Should he make a public apology? Most definitely.

The show is recorded on a Wednesday for transmission on the Sunday - the editor and producer should also be reprimanded for an appalling lack of judgement.

P.S. it's interesting how all those who have posted above, and who are defending Clarkson, are male :roll:

[tobapopalos]

Maybe that's because there are only like 2 or 3 women that frequent these forums compared to a hell of a lot more males? I don't think there's anything interesting about that, but maybe that's because I'm not looking for evidence of some sexist conspiracy.

I see this entire episode as a bad joke. I was hoping that it was merely a piss-take of the whole Ross/Brand event. I've looked around for some evidence that this whole thing is a hoax, but unfortunately it seems that it is not.

Some people just need to stop *****ing and moaning about every little thing and develop a sense of humour.

[timtadams]

WTF? why the heck are people whining about some stupid joke that some dude said on television? Comedians joke about serious things, such as murder and crime all the time! And it is not uncommon for a stereotype to be grossly exaggerated for others amusement. Now why is it that when Jeremy does both that he is castrated for it?! Why dont we just fire every comedian while we are at it? and its usually the brutal comedians that are the best, crossing that line all the bloody time! So get over it! If some people cant take a joke, then they shouldn't be watching Jeremy Clarkson.

btw, dont people have better things to be worrying about than a JOKE?

[Illumination]

Id be offended if I were a prostitute. But since Im not a prostitute, I dont feel that I should be any more offended than males who are not prostitutes. I may have missed it, but I dont remember reading anywhere that said lorry drivers like to kill only female prostitutes.

There, a woman from the game has spoken. *Flings back hair and goes to finish reading Cosmopolitan*;)

[Twigley]

Signed!

I just said "Axe Clarkson and Axe your ratings".

[aGit]

Clarkson IS top gear

[Defender]

I ain't surprised though, lorry drivers have such a high IQ.

you would be supprised, a;though i'm not a lorry driver by trade i do have all the liscences for it, and it is a lot harder then driving a tiny car around.
also my IQ isnt to shabby at 130+

[Defender]

also i dont think they can axe clarkson from topgear, i'm pretty sure that between him may and hamster they own the actual rights to the show.

[Azzer]

PC gone mad is one argument - and then there is respect :mad:


I think you need to watch more comedies on the BBC and "main channels" in general, you'll probably go crazy about the lack of respect comedians have. Try Jimmy Carr or George Carlin or Michael Moore or something. Plus it's not like he actually named any individual cases, which is part of the joke, the generalisation - not targetting any actual specific individuals or cases. If you're adamant about your opinion, then I'd suggest avoiding a lot of the comedians and funny people of the world, and things like satire (imagine how upset the families of politicians get when they see Have I Got News For You... those poor people....). Methinks we're going to have to agree to disagree as to what we consider "taboo subjects nobody should joke about" and what is acceptable subject for humour in the modern age.

As for the women comment, well proportionate to the amount of females:males that frequent these forums, I'd say the female:male ratio of replies on this thread seems about right... and if you want a list of females that would defend Clarkson, click the link in the OP to the petition, and have a look through at how many Mrs. and Miss people have signed it... there's more than a few.

[CFalcon]

Why is everyone ignoring the fact that the BBC allowed this to go out? The comment was made on one of their pre-recorded tests, it wasn't live. It's like a take going badly, Clarkson spewing profanities, and then the BBC deciding to air the swearing. Clarkson's fault how??? Unless we've decided that nobody should be allowed to make any kind of indecent comment anywhere ever. Yay for fascism.

[Harbinger]

Why is everyone ignoring the fact that the BBC allowed this to go out? The comment was made on one of their pre-recorded tests, it wasn't live. It's like a take going badly, Clarkson spewing profanities, and then the BBC deciding to air the swearing. Clarkson's fault how??? Unless we've decided that nobody should be allowed to make any kind of indecent comment anywhere ever. Yay for fascism.

Didn't they teach you to read at that there university James? ;) I made that point already :P

OK - let me clarify. Did I say Clarkson should be sacked? No. Did I say that all tasteless or indecent comments should be censored? No . All I said was that it shouldn't have been broadcast and that the editor/producer was guilty of appalling judgement.

My comment about male/female opinion was not a reference to the disproportiate number of silly boys who frequent this forum - it was an observation. And I guarantee that if you presented the facts to a random sample of the population made up of 50% male and 50% female, that the females would by a considerable margin, find Clarkson's comments offensive seeing as it relates to a specific case of five women being brutally murdered..

My main point was linked to the recency of the offences and subsequent trial and conviction that Clarkson was clearly inferring to - his 'joke' was not a generalisation.

And Azzer, anybody who knows me would testify to my sense of humour - Carlin is one of my comedy heroes (God rest his soul - although Carlin of all people wouldn't be expecting salvation and everlasting life in heaven!!) .

So where do we draw the line Azzer - are you saying that anything goes on these forums? I'm allowed to make tasteless jokes about the recent child brutality case? Take the piss out of jews for the holocaust? Spout racist bigotry? Are you saying that these forums are not censored?

Hypocrisy - what a crock of **** you sometimes talk. :roll:

[CFalcon]

Didn't they teach you to read at that there university James? ;) I made that point already :P
The show is recorded on a Wednesday for transmission on the Sunday - the editor and producer should also be reprimanded for an appalling lack of judgement.

The only letters I see these days are variables, and most of those are greek....

But having been reminded of this reading malarky, I would note that you said "also be reprimanded" ;)
If JC has to do anything more than make an apology I'll be ashamed of this country.

My point was more towards the whole controversy surrounding this. The majority of people defending Clarkson are using the PC gone mad, learn to take a joke argument, which isn't conclusive or (depending on your view) even that convincing for the reasons you brought up. But the point that 'if you're offended, take it up with the BBC not Clarkson' is pretty rock solid.

[Azzer]

My comment about male/female opinion was not a reference to the disproportiate number of silly boys who frequent this forum - it was an observation. And I guarantee that if you presented the facts to a random sample of the population made up of 50% male and 50% female, that the females would by a considerable margin, find Clarkson's comments offensive seeing as it relates to a specific case of five women being brutally murdered..

Oh that makes perfect sense now.... all those that disagree with your opinion are silly boys, and those that agree with you must be women or mature sensible adult males. Gotcha ;)

[Harbinger]

My comment about male/female opinion was not a reference to the disproportiate number of silly boys who frequent this forum - it was an observation. And I guarantee that if you presented the facts to a random sample of the population made up of 50% male and 50% female, that the females would by a considerable margin, find Clarkson's comments offensive seeing as it relates to a specific case of five women being brutally murdered..

Oh that makes perfect sense now.... all those that disagree with your opinion are silly boys, and those that agree with you must be women or mature sensible adult males. Gotcha ;)

Astute summary there Azzer, in this particular instance, that pretty much sums it up - although there will be some women who don't agree with me, and some immature males who might agree :P

I didn't complain to the BBC - I don't believe Clarkson should be sacked (see above) - and calls for it are way over the top (the producer maybe, for simply not doing his job right). Anyone who believes it was right for that particular comment to be broadcast, in light of the recency of the case, is an idiot in my opinion (present company NOT excepted :P).

[Azzer]

I didn't complain to the BBC - I don't believe Clarkson should be sacked (see above) - and calls for it are way over the top (the producer maybe, for simply not doing his job right). Anyone who believes it was right for that particular comment to be broadcast, in light of the recency of the case, is an idiot in my opinion (present company NOT excepted :P).

Well it's a fair opinion and I can't argue with that, you're not exactly being unreasonable with the opinion itself (eg not demanding JC be sacked or anything crazy - you're blaming the producers not just JC. etc.). But personally I don't think, for television broadcasting, what he said was particularly bad or offensive, or was unreasonable to air - mainly as he didn't specify any particular case (and there's been more than 1 or 2 cases in history). I'd say it's comparable to any 'current affairs' comedies (as I mentioned in a prior post, something like "Have I Got News For You"... think about the families or victims of all the people affected by whatever news story they ever take the mick out of there! Ok generally it's much more light hearted/"family" show, but generally speaking...).

Besides, how long after an event occurs should you wait before you can make a (non-specific) joke that might relate vaguely to that event, is there a set time? I assume you must have a figure in your head, since you said that your main point was the recency of a particular event relating to the general subject of lorry drivers that might kill prostitutes, so what's the limit of that recency? Do you have to wait until all direct family members/friends of anyone involved in something are dead? Some people can remain sensitive to something for years, decades... others can remain sensitive for mere days/weeks/months. Also who is limited to making jokes about it until this "time-period"? Any public media? Local media? Any form of media or area that is not entirely "private" (eg a joke at the pubs with your mates will obviously always be ok... but what about small publications, local newspapers, websites with a particular type of user, etc.?).

I think that because of all the unknowns and haziness (how offended can a person be, how many people can be offended, just how offensive is something to the average person... how recent was something, how many cases of something has there been/how specific to a particular case is something... what media is or is not allowed to joke about it), this can only be a matter of opinion, not a statement of right/wrong - which is why I was highlighting your accusation that anybody that disagrees with you must be a silly boy - there is absolutely no way that your perception of what is allowed or not allowed can be an actual 'right' compared to all the "silly boys" being 'wrong'.

(sorry for the wall of text :P)

[Harbinger]

I think that because of all the unknowns and haziness (how offended can a person be, how many people can be offended, just how offensive is something to the average person... how recent was something, how many cases of something has there been/how specific to a particular case is something... what media is or is not allowed to joke about it), this can only be a matter of opinion, not a statement of right/wrong - which is why I was highlighting your accusation that anybody that disagrees with you must be a silly boy - there is absolutely no way that your perception of what is allowed or not allowed can be an actual 'right' compared to all the "silly boys" being 'wrong'.

(sorry for the wall of text :P)

Accusation? Strong word. It wasn't an accusation it was an opinion :P All opinions are subjective - and all subjectivity assumes that the 'subject' is 'right' in their opinion.

I wasn't saying people couldn't disagree with me - quite patently they will, as is their subjective right - but that in my 'opinion' they would be wrong to do so.

There is no 'right' - there are very few absolute truths.

[Charlie_B]

While this discussion is interesting, you're all missing out on the most important point: Clarkson is a terrible presenter and the world would be a much better place if he was never allowed to darken our TVs again.

[timtadams]

While this discussion is interesting, you're all missing out on the most important point: Clarkson is a terrible presenter and the world would be a much better place if he was never allowed to darken our TVs again.
Hmmm, you will have a hard time convincing me of that, however, this gave me an idea, why dont we see what everyone thinks of this, but in a different thread, since that would be going off topic

http://www.bushtarion.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2115

[Cheese]

Clarkson IS top gear
I would much rather say the 3 of them are top gear as with any one of them being removed the show it just wouldn't be top gear no more

I might have to resort to watching 5th gear or what ever that lame excuse of a show on channel 5 is if clarkson gets the boot