to be unsurprised that Jeremy Clarkson used the N word?

[lessonsintightropes]

Abject apology here.

Surely the Beeb will have to sack him now?

He didn't say it.

That's all there is to it.

'I didn't know it was offensive. My definition of the word is a slight incline. I have honestly never, ever heard it in any other context. I clearly don't mix with people who make racist remarks.'

'Does that mean I can't describe the road outside my house any more other than saying it is on a slight hill?'

I don't mix with people who make racist remarks either, I'm just clearly more informed than you are.

And your comment about the road outside your house is idiotic. Are you always this dense?

Sorry boneybackjack, it is a link to my blog but I thought that was OK as it was directly relevant.

I should have elaborated though.

It's not acceptable just because it was commonplace a generation ago. It matters. It matters that people don't have the respect required to not use it.

Clarkson knew exactly what he was doing and really should know better.

Not big, not clever.

I believe it is the BBCs most successful export

You're probably right - certainly it would explain why his ridiculous, oafish face seems to be constantly on the BBC channel broadcast in America

I hadn't realised this incident happened ages ago, but I doubt he objects to the publicity even if it IS a non-story. As for the BBC, no matter what he does (or doesn't do) I can't quite see them getting rid of such a money-spinner

... and no, I'd never heard of "slope" being used in an insulting way either

I had heard of 'slope' as a racist term, I used to watch lots of australian soaps as a teenager and I think its commonly used in australia as a racist term for 'asian' persion, specifically of oriental background.

I'm sure JC knew this.

You have all married men who never ever act, or have ever acted, in a remotely blokish manner?

I'm not my husband's gatekeeper and he's not mine.

But thanks for the window into your world nomama

I had never heard of "slope" as an offensive term either. That is because it just isn't where I come from. Call me idiotic if you like.

Perhaps nobody should ever again refer to "ski slopes" or anything like that.

My house is also on a "slight incline". That is, a slope.

Terminology can, of course, take on different meanings in different countries, so I will try to remember never to use the word slope if I ever again visit Australia or the Far East.

It's ridiculous, he didn't say it he muttered it. Bad taste, but isn't that part of his personality? (the jeans, the hair, the rest of the program etc). I don't think it's awful. If he's going to be sacked, then the rule should be applied universally and radio stations should be banned from playing rap songs. Reasonable? no.

'Perhaps nobody should ever again refer to "ski slopes" or anything like that.'

Oh do shut up.

Oh don't be daft, of course you can refer to an incline as a slope, however if you refer to someone of Asian origin as a slope or slope head, then you would be an arsehole.

I don't listen to any stations which play rap songs which include that word... Are they there?

They don't, that is why record companies produce, radio friendly edits.

"I don't listen to any stations which play rap songs which include that word... Are they there?"
Of course there are! Radio 2 plays pop songs which include that word! I don't know if BBC 1Xtra plays songs which include the word, but commercial rap stations will certainly do so.

The last time I took my DS to London we were on the tube at hammersmith and a group of lads used it countless times, to and about, each other. We are mixed race. He was horrified.

I would love to know how to explain who can and cannot use it. It's always been utterly taboo; worse by far than the c-word.

But he asked me how it was for those lads to use it.

Any ideas?

"Clarkson's arrogance is just breathtaking." Absolutely TinklyLittlelaugh,

I wish people would stop being so disingenuous. If you see no problem with using racist terms, and/or do not like people from other races have the bloody courage of your convictions and ADMIT you're a racist.

There are a many racists on this thread. All fucking cowards.

I have never heard of "slope" as a racist term and I am sure that if the BBC had realised it could be deemed offensive then it would never have been broadcast.

It was in the context of a conversation with RH that clearly showed they were talking about an incline.

This N word row is just people who hate success (and he is successful, whether you like him or not) trying to find a reason to take someone down. I have listened to it several times as has DH (who is black) and we both think that he didnt say it, didnt want to say it and this is total non story.

Why did he do the Eeny Meeny rhyme in the first place? So he could miss a word out which would make everybody think about it. He was aiming to put the word in people's heads without having to say it.

The slope comment? Done in a way that he can deny.

I believe he uses racism as a "joke". I'm not sure whether he's racist on purpose or an accidental racist.

Sorry, radio 2 plays songs with the word nigger in them? Seriously? Such as what?

Oliver's Army? Possibly?

With Tiggy 100%. It was, oooh, look at me, naughty Jeremy clarkson sailing close to the wind! You thought I was going to say that naughty word, didn't you, but I sort of didn't! Because the PC brigade would have gone mental if I did!

The slope comment? Done in a way that he can deny.

Bollocks. JC "There is a slope on it" RH "Yes its definitely higher at that end" Do you really think that the BBC would open themselves up to accusations of racism by showing that if they thought it was racist?

James May said (paraphrasing) "he is a monumental bellend, but he is not a racist. I could not work with one."

And why did he use eeny meeny? Because for people of a certain age (of which I am one) that is the first things that pops into your head when deciding between two things. That and "Ip Dip Dog Shit..." which (ironically) wouldnt be allowed due to watershed.

Yes Olivers Army. The lyric is " all it takes is one itchy trigger, one more widow one less white N word." But it is played uncensored in the middle of the day. I would guess the argument would be that the modifier "white" makes it less of a racist term. And the fact that it was paid uncensored back in the day and censoring it today would make the BBC look back, similar to the argument against censoring "fairytale of new york".

Oh and before I get accused of racism, it goes (for me) eeny meeny miny mo, ner ner ner ner ner ner ner, ner ner ner ner ner ner nerrrrr, ner ner ner ner ner ner NER! I dont think I know all the words these days, offensive or not.

Oliver's army was censored last year on radio 6

This N word row is just people who hate success Bullshit

Bogeyface. Do you think that because your husband is black your view is more legitimate? Why else would you say what race he is. Because I think that is crap.