Clarkson Recommends Executing Striking Workers In The Interest Of "Balance".

[fatpie42]

Comments

[chaya]

Because his show makes unbelievable amounts of money. Top Gear is hugely popular internationally.

[chaya]

Clarkson is the ringleader of them all, and frankly, there's an interpersonal dynamic between the three of them that, when they aren't being privileged dicks, is a very strong draw on the show. He could wear blackface to a fancy dress event and he'd still only get some bad press and letters.

[rex_dart]

Is that not the international standard for people who show up to fancy dress events in blackface?

[chaya]

The fact that he'd wear it or the fact that there'd be some rumblings but he'd still get to be a public figure?

[tiger0range]

I don't think the dynamic is irreplacable. I think there are several people who would mesh in, such as Tiff.

[ailurus]

Charlie Brooker hit the nail on the head for me: I hope the BBC don't sack Jeremy Clarkson. Imagine how much he'd go on about it. It'd be like hurling wanker fuel into a prick engine.

I certainly wouldn't shed a tear for him if were to be sacked, though.

[erunamiryene]

It'd be like hurling wanker fuel into a prick engine.

That's kind of an amazing description right there.

[not_emily]

<3 Charlie Brooker

[kyra_neko_rei]

*giggles at the metaphor*

Couldn't BBC or whoever fine him a few grand for every such joke he makes and donate it to an organization that works to combat hatred toward the group being "joked" about?

A few episodes, a realization that he's spending three-quarters of his pay on the matter, and I bet he shuts it.

[tiger0range]

I'd bet he would crank it up, and brag about paying his 'blood money' all the while.

Maybe put up a running ticker.

[fatpie42]

To be fair, he wouldn't have his job if he didn't say outrageous s**t. It's pretty much his trademark.

[fatpie42]

Yeah, I'm just saying that it's essentially a particularly bad taste version of the sort of stuff he normally says. That's why he won't lose his job over it.

When it comes down to it, I don't think people should lose their jobs for telling bad jokes. But while he's trying to be intentionally extreme for comic effect, the point behind the joke is pretty right wing too.

To start with it seems like he's decided to engage in a right-wing rant...

Then you see the context and realise that it's him trying to make a joke...

Then you realise the joke is supposed to be "satirising" 'PC gone mad' on the BBC...

It's like a whirlpool of fail. Y'know?