Top Gear Race Row: BBC Velly Solly For Calling An Asian Man A Slope
ON Top Gear’s colonialism-in-a car-style trip to Myanmar, Jeremy Clarkson looked at the bridge her and his two sidekicks had built over the River Kwai (did you see what they did there?) and observed the “slope” on it.
The show’s executive producer Andy Wilman says it was a “joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it”.
He is velly solly for an offence caused. It was all done accidentally on purpose, maybe.
The BBC tells us:
The use of the word – which is a derogatory term for people of Asian descent – led to complaints and the threat of legal action from Equal Justice, a law firm specialising in discrimination cases.
Acting on behalf of actress Somi Guha, the firm accused Clarkson of “clear gross misconduct” and said his comments made the BBC appear “institutionally racist”.
Yes, you did read that right. Somi Guha, 36, an actress, claims the BBC is guilty of unlawful discrimination by a public body.
“We were not aware at the time, and it has subsequently been brought to our attention, that the word ‘slope’ is considered by some to be offensive,” Wilman said in a statement. Although it might not be widely recognised in the UK, we appreciate that it can be considered offensive to some here and overseas, for example in Australia and the USA. If we had known that at the time we would not have broadcast the word in this context.”
Says Guha:
“Casual racism in the media by established BBC stalwarts is constantly brushed aside. Discrimination within the industry is accepted. Racial profiling of roles is accepted and expected. I find it offensive that Jeremy Clarkson refers to people of different races in pejorative terms. What is that saying to children who watch him? – that it’s OK to bully and make racist comments. Jeremy Clarkson has made derogatory comments about Mexicans. Now he bullies an Asian person. It has to stop.”
Bullies? Clarkson is a pillock. But bullying is the language of the playground, much like name calling.
Time for everyone to grow up…
Posted: 23rd, April 2014 | In: Celebrities, TV & Radio Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
