Top Gear now facing potential legal action thanks to insane equality laws

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1353230/Top-Gear-faces-legal-action-Mexican-woman-Richard-Hammonds-jibe.html

Mexican takes legal action against Top Gear after Hammond calls her nation 'lazy, feckless and flatulent'


http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/01/article-1352604-0D017C0F000005DC-210_468x286.jpg
Top Gear: James May (left), Richard Hammond (centre) & Jeremy Clarkson (right) discuss Mexican cars



A Mexican has instructed lawyers to bring a test case against Top Gear after her countrymen were branded 'lazy, feckless and flatulent' on the hit show. Iris de la Torre, a jewellery design student in London, is bringing the claim under a new equality law. Her lawyers claim it could cost the BBC £1million in damages. They have demanded the hit BBC1 motoring show is taken off the air and an investigation made into the comments. The lawyers, Equal Justice, have previously taken action against Channel 4 over comments about Indian actor Shilpa Shetty, made on Celebrity Big Brother.

MPs have also now demanded that the BBC apologises over the 'ignorant, derogatory and racist remarks'. In a Commons motion, a cross-party group of six MPs said the comments were 'unacceptable and untimely'.

They said: 'This level of ignorance is far below anything expected from anyone in the public eye and illustrates a serious lack of judgment by the programme-makers.' The group wants the BBC to apologise as a 'matter of urgency' before Nick Clegg visits Mexico this month in case the row upsets diplomatic relations. On Sunday night's show, Richard Hammond was discussing a Mexican sports car and suggested that vehicles reflect the national characteristics of the country they are from. He added: 'Mexican cars are just going to be lazy, feckless, flatulent, leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat.’

He also referred to Mexican food as 'refried sick' while fellow presenter James May said it was 'like sick with cheese on it'. Host Jeremy Clarkson then claimed the ambassador to the UK wouldn't complain because he would be snoring in front of the television at his embassy. But the ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza did make a formal complaint to the BBC and called on the presenters to make a public apology for stirring 'bigoted feelings against the Mexican people'.

Oh here we go again, can't say anything nowadays without having the word-Nazis (the ones who spout on about tolerance, yet are intolerant of other views including jokes and humour) clamping down on us all. All I can say is thank god for Jeremy Clarkson and co, the man who famously wound the PC crowd up by describing Gordon Brown as "a one-eyed scottish idiot" - the below comments sum this up perfectly;


I am English and England is full of fatties. Oh I appear to of offended myself !! Or shall I grow up??- Jason, Poole Dorset, 3/2/2011 21:49

Indeed, its time people grew up and learnt to take it on the chin.

Thoughts?

[Conservative,]

Jeremy Clarkson is a legend. I love the way he's so outspoken. I think it's ridiculous a bit of good humour can't go by without someone getting offended.

It was blatantly a joke, I don't know how anyone could see it otherwise? It's ridiculous how people can sue for things like this.

[Chippiewill]

There's no such thing as a joke which doesn't offend someone. Mexicans need to learn to man up and take the abooose.

[xxMATTGxx]

I think too many people take the jokes on Top Gear seriously and just watch it for the sake of having to send in a complaint to the BBC or ofcom. I doubt many of them are actually insulted by what is said on the show? I don't find an issue with what was said last week but meh, it's stupid if any action does happen over this.

[Conservative,]

I think too many people take the jokes on Top Gear seriously and just watch it for the sake of having to send in a complaint to the BBC or ofcom. I doubt many of them are actually insulted by what is said on the show? I don't find an issue with what was said last week but meh, it's stupid if any action does happen over this.

I think there's a load of green peace organiser who sit in their little eco-friendly sheds every Sunday watching Top Gear to complain about everything potentially offensive to try and shut down the show because it's "bad for the environment" and "encouraging misuse of precious resources and unnecessary pollution" lol.

[Jordy]

I disagree with the legal action, Top Gear have done nothing wrong and PC has gone OTT.

However I question why Top Gear did this in the first place? They said at the time they were expecting complaints from the Mexican Ambassador for what was said. What's the need to say it then? I'm beginning to think Jeremy Clarkson just said it to cause controvercy rather than because it was funny, he seemed to know the consequences of what he's going to say before he does. It's meant to be a motoring show, not Jeremy Clarkson increasing his presence or going to war with the PC-Police. So to conclude before someone savagely attacks me. Yes he's totally within his right to say it and I disagree with the equality act and any legal action taken over this. But I do question Top Gear and Jeremy Clarkson's intentions, which were bad from the beginning and not relevant.

Edit: I'm just going to get lynched by Top Gear fans anyway but there's my view.

[Chippiewill]

Because they know that nothing will actually happen and that the media will ('Have' now) blow it out of proportion.

[Jordy]

Because they know that nothing will actually happen and that the media will ('Have' now) blow it out of proportion.Therefore they are just attention-seeking in the media and trying to boost their profile, which is what I'm trying to say.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Clarkson is known to be outspoken against political correctness, and i'm on his side in that battle - if he can show it up for what it is (ridiculous, over-reactionary nonsense) then good for him and good for the rest of us before we all end up in court for being 'offensive'.

[xxMATTGxx]

It seems the BBC have issued a formal apology, not sure if this is correct or if the source is valid.


“The Executive Producer for Top Gear has written to the Mexican Ambassador and apologised for the comments made about him during the show. On the broader issue of comments about Mexicans as people, the show has explained they were making comic use of a stereotype; a practice with which regular viewers of Top Gear will be familiar.

“We are sorry if we have offended some people, but jokes centred on national stereotyping are a part of Top Gear’s humour, and indeed a robust part of our national humour. Our own comedians make jokes about the British being terrible cooks and terrible romantics, and we in turn make jokes about the Italians being disorganised and over dramatic; the French being arrogant and the Germans being over organised. When we do it, we are being rude, yes, and mischievous, but there is no vindictiveness behind the comments.

“This stereotyping humour is in itself a factor in the tolerance which the ambassador states is so prevalent in Britain.

“In line with that tradition, stereotype based comedy is allowed within BBC guidelines in programmes where the audience has clear expectations of that being the case, as indeed it is with Top Gear. Whilst it may appear offensive to those who have not watched the programme or who are unfamiliar with its humour, the Executive Producer has made it clear to the Ambassador that that was absolutely not the show’s intention.”

[Jordy]

Clarkson is known to be outspoken against political correctness, and i'm on his side in that battle - if he can show it up for what it is (ridiculous, over-reactionary nonsense) then good for him and good for the rest of us before we all end up in court for being 'offensive'.By all means have this battle I support him. However I'm beginning to think he's just desperate for attention and there's no need to give Top Gear a bad reputation or risk it's future by constantly being controversial. It's risking becoming political by taking stances on issues and it'll just be dropped by the BBC if it continues to get bad press, I'm a massive TG fan and I'd hate to see it go due to Jeremy Clarkson wanting the limelight or trying to prove a point. He needs to make his point elsewhere.

[xxMATTGxx]

If I remember correctly, didn't Richard Hammond say the main comments in regards to all of this? Then Clarkson joined in then commented that they don't expect any complaints from the ambassador.

If any of the current hosts leave Top Gear or get fired then Top Gear won't be the same.

[Niall!]

You think top gear would be half as funny if it wasn't so in-your-face controversial? Dream on.

I agree whole heartedly with Clarkson and more surprisingly Undertaker. Political correctness is ******* stupid, and this is coming from an irishman, the butt of alot of english jokes!

No one will get fired.

[Chippiewill]

If I remember correctly, didn't Richard Hammond say the main comments in regards to all of this? Then Clarkson joined in then commented that they don't expect any complaints from the ambassador.

I think they probably preprepared the gag anyway so they're all to blame for 'racism'.

[Conservative,]

If I remember correctly, didn't Richard Hammond say the main comments in regards to all of this? Then Clarkson joined in then commented that they don't expect any complaints from the ambassador.

Yes pretty much. Hammond said that the car represents the country, so the car would be "lazy, feckless, flatulent, overweight, leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat." Then Clarkson said their food was basically "refried sick" and that he wouldn't get complaints from the ambassador because "they'll be sleeping". lol.

[Jordy]

You think top gear would be half as funny if it wasn't so in-your-face controversial? Dream on.

I agree whole heartedly with Clarkson and more surprisingly Undertaker. Political correctness is ******* stupid, and this is coming from an irishman, the butt of alot of english jokes!

No one will get fired.Most of Top Gear is pretty darn funny, most of it's funny without needing to be controversial.


If I remember correctly, didn't Richard Hammond say the main comments in regards to all of this? Then Clarkson joined in then commented that they don't expect any complaints from the ambassador.

If any of the current hosts leave Top Gear or get fired then Top Gear won't be the same.I believe Jeremy Clarkson writes the scripts for what is said on the show, whilst all three of them come across as presenters, it's essentially JC's show, he does most the writing.

[xxMATTGxx]

Most of Top Gear is pretty darn funny, most of it's funny without needing to be controversial.

I believe Jeremy Clarkson writes the scripts for what is said on the show, whilst all three of them come across as presenters, it's essentially JC's show, he does most the writing.

Even so they still have their own part within the show and if it wasn't for them three Top Gear wouldn't be what it is today, any changes to the cast could ruin the show more like.

[Jordy]

Even so they still have their own part within the show and if it wasn't for them three Top Gear wouldn't be what it is today. Any changes to the cast could ruin the show more like.When did I suggest a presenter should leave the show..?

[xxMATTGxx]

When did I suggest a presenter should leave the show..?

I never said you did, I brought up the following: If any of the current hosts leave Top Gear or get fired then Top Gear won't be the same.

You then told me how it's JC's show and then I decided to reply even if that is the case, all three of them still make what Top Gear is and any changes made to the presenters could ruin it.

[GommeInc]

It was a joke... What more can you possibly say about this? Some people need a damn good slap.

[Jordy]

I never said you did, I brought up the following: If any of the current hosts leave Top Gear or get fired then Top Gear won't be the same.

You then told me how it's JC's show and then I decided to reply even if that is the case, all three of them still maker what Top Gear is.Good. It's the way in which you quoted me and then made the remark about hosts leaving which implied I said something about hosts leaving. Well he does write the content and do more things behind the scenes, hence why I called it JC's show. But yes I do agree all three make Top Gear what it is.

[Nemo]

Surprised they could be bothered to file a complaint, darn mexicans

[dbgtz]

Surprised they could be bothered to file a complaint, darn mexicans

haha

I'm sure top gear has insulted pretty much every country including us? I don't get why they're taking this to heart. I might just try and find some mexican TV (if there is any) which insults us and send it to the ambassador.

[Gibs960]

It's stupid how Family Guy is allowed to make fun of Britain and Mexico and others place I cannot be bothered to list, but Top Gear isn't!

[Hecktix]

If anybody is idiotic enough to take what is said on top gear as serious it really worries me, they are barely factual about the cars nowadays and it's much more of a comedy kind of show than a factual show as it started out, not that I'm complaining I love Top Gear.

If these comments had been made on a show not known for it's somewhat sadistic humour, for instance the news then yeh they would be out of place and perhaps inappropriate, however like someone else in this thread there isn't anything that Top Gear hasn't taken the piss out of and if anyone is weak enough to be offended by what they say then it's the persons problem, not Top Gears.

I think big corporations such as the BBC are too quick to jump and apologise in these instances too, the same with SkySports the other week with those off-air sexist comments.

[Jam]

BBC1 is called BBC One and Top Gear is shown on BBC Two. Brilliant journalism there.

[Eoin247]

I agree that taking legal action is overreacting. However why they felt they needed to make those comments, which would obviously create a controversy, i don't know.

[Ajthedragon]

If people don't like something on TV then don't watch it. Top Gear are so true to their words.

[Moh]

What do you expect when you watch Top Gear? They're taking the piss out of everybody. So either they're hypocritical, watching it knowing other countries get ragged or they just watched it to make some sort of complain.

The most annoying thing is that the BBC is funded by the TV Licence, so if somebody in the UK makes a complaint and they have to pay a fine, it's tax payers money that's getting wasted. idiots.

[alexxxxx]

Clarkson is known to be outspoken against political correctness, and i'm on his side in that battle - if he can show it up for what it is (ridiculous, over-reactionary nonsense) then good for him and good for the rest of us before we all end up in court for being 'offensive'.

i thought the whole of the BBC was part of the PC-Brigade and hated normal british mail readers!!!!!!

[-:Undertaker:-]

i thought the whole of the BBC was part of the PC-Brigade and hated normal british mail readers!!!!!!

The BBC is biased, now confirmed by a number of sources, see mainly;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349506/Left-wing-bias-Its-written-BBCs-DNA-says-Peter-Sissons.html

(also);
http://www.globalbritain.org/
http://biased-bbc.blogspot.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350206/BBC-propaganda-machine-climate-change-says-Peter-Sissons.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350534/Peter-Sissons-battle-Barbara-Maxwell-BBC-show.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349871/Peter-Sissons-BBC-bosses-ordered-downplay-Queen-Mothers-death.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352290/The-Climate-change-sceptic-loses-court-battle-BBC-right-reply.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339674/Our-immigration-coverage-weak-admits-BBC-Director-General-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7976318/BBC-was-biased-against-Thatcher-admits-Mark-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7982601/Catholic-church-accuses-BBC-of-anti-Christian-bias.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100074116/meet-the-sceptics-another-bbc-stitch-up/

Indeed it is amazing that Top Gear is even run by the BBC, but of course it does need its token shows to keep the masses happy so people such as yourself can turn around and say 'how on earth could the BBC be a politically correct left wing organisation when it allows Top Gear to run?' - very much like the Tory Party needs itself to have a few token eurosceptics in order to convince conservative-minded people that its a conservative party. I've heard in the past also that Top Gear also is one of the only BBC shows which makes a profit, so a pretty useful show. I mean if the BBC wants to be biased as it is then thats fine by me, but don't impose a tax on the public in order to fund it. Time for the BBC to compete in the real world and be privatised/broken up.

But of course, this is all another issue.

[Conservative,]

The BBC is biased, now confirmed by a number of sources, see mainly;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349506/Left-wing-bias-Its-written-BBCs-DNA-says-Peter-Sissons.html

(also);
http://www.globalbritain.org/
http://biased-bbc.blogspot.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350206/BBC-propaganda-machine-climate-change-says-Peter-Sissons.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350534/Peter-Sissons-battle-Barbara-Maxwell-BBC-show.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349871/Peter-Sissons-BBC-bosses-ordered-downplay-Queen-Mothers-death.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352290/The-Climate-change-sceptic-loses-court-battle-BBC-right-reply.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339674/Our-immigration-coverage-weak-admits-BBC-Director-General-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7976318/BBC-was-biased-against-Thatcher-admits-Mark-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7982601/Catholic-church-accuses-BBC-of-anti-Christian-bias.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100074116/meet-the-sceptics-another-bbc-stitch-up/

Indeed it is amazing that Top Gear is even run by the BBC, but of course it does need its token shows to keep the masses happy so people such as yourself can turn around and say 'how on earth could the BBC be a politically correct left wing organisation when it allows Top Gear to run?' - very much like the Tory Party needs itself to have a few token eurosceptics in order to convince conservative-minded people that its a conservative party. I've heard in the past also that Top Gear also is one of the only BBC shows which makes a profit, so a pretty useful show. I mean if the BBC wants to be biased as it is then thats fine by me, but don't impose a tax on the public in order to fund it. Time for the BBC to compete in the real world and be privatised/broken up.

But of course, this is all another issue.

You got a point there. JC is very right-wing, I love it when he talks about politics because it all makes sense to me lol.

Anyway, I'm not surprised really, as you said the BBC need a few token shows to try and make it seem unbiased, and this is ideal because of JC's views - he makes it seem "balanced" as it were.

[MrPinkPanther]

but don't impose a tax on the public in order to fund it. Time for the BBC to compete in the real world and be privatised/broken up.

I can agree to disagree with you on certain subjects but this is not one of them, you're just plain wrong.

I'm not going to comment on bias because we've had this argument several times and as I have said the BBC always balances out Political panel shows with opposing parties and actually considering how irrelevant parties like UKIP are in non election times (since they do not have MP's, quite wrongly may I add) they are represented quite well in my opinion.

The BBC. British Broadcasting Corporation. You talk about how great Britain is and yet you want to cut the BBC? It's the largest broadcasting corporation in the world, just think about that for a minute and then think about what you are saying. The BBC is quite possibly the most internationally renowned and respected media company in the world and you want to cut it? Just think about how much revenue it generates in the UK through investment, tourism and the like. Programs like Doctor Who and Little Britain are popular not just in Britain but worldwide which is why the BBC generates £0.8 Billion a year from its commercial arm. Sure the BBC is funded by the taxpayer but no one has to purchase a TV licence do they? The reason the TV Licence is so cheap is purely because, unlike if it were private, it doesn't need to make a profit. You privatise it and costs to the end user increase and the consumer base shrinks. Talk about making it profitable through advertising, not about privatising it. But you know what? I think you like it nationalised, it gives you and your UKIP cronies something to whine about. I've had enough. Please for the love of god just shut the **** up.

[Chippiewill]

Who cares about them being biased when you don't have to watch adverts?

I don't.

[Conservative,]

Who cares about them being biased when you don't have to watch adverts?

I don't.

Me, because then the ridiculous amount of people who watch the BBC on a regular basis...whatever the percentage is (I'd estimate probably 70%+ of the adult population) are being influenced by their scam. I'd be happier with a right-wing TV company with adverts than a left-wing one without. It's not the fact that it's left wing though. It's the fact they lie about it and hide behind the pretence of being "mutual". They're not, and it's completely immoral to lie to the public when trying to gain whatever they seek to gain, I don't know what that would be. Recognition for the top dog's favourite party? Who knows, who cares. I just want them to admit they're left-wing ;l

[MrPinkPanther]

Me, because then the ridiculous amount of people who watch the BBC on a regular basis...whatever the percentage is (I'd estimate probably 70%+ of the adult population) are being influenced by their scam. I'd be happier with a right-wing TV company with adverts than a left-wing one without. It's not the fact that it's left wing though. It's the fact they lie about it and hide behind the pretence of being "mutual". They're not, and it's completely immoral to lie to the public when trying to gain whatever they seek to gain, I don't know what that would be. Recognition for the top dog's favourite party? Who knows, who cares. I just want them to admit they're left-wing ;l

But I'd argue it's just not true. It all depends on your own political viewpoint, if you believe that the 3 main political parties are all left wing then of course you're going to believe the BBC has a left wing bias because it's mandate is to provide content to the 90% of people who voted for those 3 main parties. The vast majority of BBC programs have no political content at all. The only ones that do are the News and Political programs such as Question Time and Daily Politics. Now the News is...well...the News, not much goes on there. They report whats going on which is what people are most interested in which is OBVIOUSLY going to be disproportionately about the Government, the cuts etc. Now for political programs such as the 2 mentioned ones, they are driven by the politicians themselves. I mean I've seen Dan post videos of Farage on panel shows many many times. So please if I am so misinformed, name some programs which are bias?

[Conservative,]

But I'd argue it's just not true. It all depends on your own political viewpoint, if you believe that the 3 main political parties are all left wing then of course you're going to believe the BBC has a left wing bias because it's mandate is to provide content to the 90% of people who voted for those 3 main parties. The vast majority of BBC programs have no political content at all. The only ones that do are the News and Political programs such as Question Time and Daily Politics. Now the News is...well...the News, not much goes on there. They report whats going on which is what people are most interested in which is OBVIOUSLY going to be disproportionately about the Government, the cuts etc. Now for political programs such as the 2 mentioned ones, they are driven by the politicians themselves. I mean I've seen Dan post videos of Farage on panel shows many many times. So please if I am so misinformed, name some programs which are bias?

The News mainly. I never, EVER saw once during Labour's catastrophic reign of finanical horror the news mention ONCE..."horrendous debt" or "Government loans spiralling out of control". And considering I watch the news every day, and have done since I had the capacity to listen and understand it properly, I I'd have noticed if they did. But now EVERYTHING is about the cuts in some way.

I believe Labour are left wing, Lib dems slightly left wing but pretty much central, and Conservative right wing, all be it Labour & Conservative only mildly compared to previous eras. However, from how I have seen reports change in the last year during the transition from Labour to Conservative/Lib Dem, I've also seen a change of emphasis in the news from the Government doing well, and everything is fine and dandy, to the Government making "disastrous cuts" or "ruining the economy"...

The panel shows are often fair, although the one with Nick Griffin was heavily weighted against him - not that I support him in any way, but it was very unfair on him.

But I think just in general the shows, most except Top Gear, have a left-wing edge on them.

[Recursion]

The BBC is biased, now confirmed by a number of sources, see mainly;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349506/Left-wing-bias-Its-written-BBCs-DNA-says-Peter-Sissons.html

(also);
http://www.globalbritain.org/
http://biased-bbc.blogspot.com/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350206/BBC-propaganda-machine-climate-change-says-Peter-Sissons.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1350534/Peter-Sissons-battle-Barbara-Maxwell-BBC-show.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1349871/Peter-Sissons-BBC-bosses-ordered-downplay-Queen-Mothers-death.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1352290/The-Climate-change-sceptic-loses-court-battle-BBC-right-reply.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339674/Our-immigration-coverage-weak-admits-BBC-Director-General-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7976318/BBC-was-biased-against-Thatcher-admits-Mark-Thompson.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/7982601/Catholic-church-accuses-BBC-of-anti-Christian-bias.html
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jamesdelingpole/100074116/meet-the-sceptics-another-bbc-stitch-up/

Indeed it is amazing that Top Gear is even run by the BBC, but of course it does need its token shows to keep the masses happy so people such as yourself can turn around and say 'how on earth could the BBC be a politically correct left wing organisation when it allows Top Gear to run?' - very much like the Tory Party needs itself to have a few token eurosceptics in order to convince conservative-minded people that its a conservative party. I've heard in the past also that Top Gear also is one of the only BBC shows which makes a profit, so a pretty useful show. I mean if the BBC wants to be biased as it is then thats fine by me, but don't impose a tax on the public in order to fund it. Time for the BBC to compete in the real world and be privatised/broken up.

But of course, this is all another issue.

I love Top Gear, and support Tories, but please, dear god, stop reading the Daily Mail.

[Catzsy]

i thought the whole of the BBC was part of the PC-Brigade and hated normal british mail readers!!!!!!

LOL. It has had a viral effect around the world and the citizens of Mexico are not so enamoured with GB now but it will all blow over. Clarkson is good at what he does although I don't think he uses a car to get to work he just rides his ego.

[xxMATTGxx]

Me, because then the ridiculous amount of people who watch the BBC on a regular basis...whatever the percentage is (I'd estimate probably 70%+ of the adult population) are being influenced by their scam. I'd be happier with a right-wing TV company with adverts than a left-wing one without. It's not the fact that it's left wing though. It's the fact they lie about it and hide behind the pretence of being "mutual". They're not, and it's completely immoral to lie to the public when trying to gain whatever they seek to gain, I don't know what that would be. Recognition for the top dog's favourite party? Who knows, who cares. I just want them to admit they're left-wing ;l

When I'm watching TV shows like EastEnders, Top Gear, Come Fly with me etc etc. I don't start thinking about the BBC so called "scam" and them being biased, I enjoy their content because they produce some of the best TV shows on a yearly basis.

Maybe I'm the only one who actually just watches their TV and don't think about politics all the time.

[Zuth]

I think the 3 of them say it as it is, they tell the truth most of the time. People really need to take a joke and grow up.

[-:Undertaker:-]

I can agree to disagree with you on certain subjects but this is not one of them, you're just plain wrong.

I'm not going to comment on bias because we've had this argument several times and as I have said the BBC always balances out Political panel shows with opposing parties and actually considering how irrelevant parties like UKIP are in non election times (since they do not have MP's, quite wrongly may I add) they are represented quite well in my opinion.

UKIP representation is just a small side-issue in this, I do know however that they often exclude UKIP from election results when they come 4th/3rd and still count them as other (see Godders Vision channel on Youtube, BBC). I saw with my own eyes during the election when the campaign at Buckingham was being covered, and the reporter went and brought up the BNP without any reason what-so-ever when the story was about UKIP and the Tories - trying to slur UKIP.

But those are just a small tip of the iceberg exposing what the BBC is, and I do not want to have to pay to listen to biased left wing nonsense on the EU, climate change and so forth - you can have your BBC, i'll have my other channels - you know choice? thats what liberalism is all about am I right?


The BBC. British Broadcasting Corporation. You talk about how great Britain is and yet you want to cut the BBC?

Hang on, you're giving me a lesson in patriotism and 'Great Britain'? aren't you the one who wants to continue surrendering powers to the unelected European Union? a true 'Liberal' 'Democrat' you are. Oh, and wasn't your party and most likely yourself the same group of people who were calling for this country to scrap its currency and adopt the Euro?

So i'll recieve no lectures from you on patriotism - especially on an organisation which loathes this country.


It's the largest broadcasting corporation in the world, just think about that for a minute and then think about what you are saying.

So you support monopolies now? I thought the likes of yourself continuously bang on about the Murdoch Empire?


The BBC is quite possibly the most internationally renowned and respected media company in the world and you want to cut it? Just think about how much revenue it generates in the UK through investment, tourism and the like. Programs like Doctor Who and Little Britain are popular not just in Britain but worldwide which is why the BBC generates £0.8 Billion a year from its commercial arm.

If the BBC is as great and as popular as you say then it should have no problem what-so-ever selling itself and its products to people such as yourself who I presume would continue paying the then-optional TV license - so whats the problem there?


Sure the BBC is funded by the taxpayer but no one has to purchase a TV licence do they? The reason the TV Licence is so cheap is purely because, unlike if it were private, it doesn't need to make a profit. You privatise it and costs to the end user increase and the consumer base shrinks. Talk about making it profitable through advertising, not about privatising it.

The difference is that if I own a TV, I have to pay the TV license (tax) even if I do not watch the BBC. Again I say to you, if the BBC is as great and as popular as you say then it should have no problems supporting itself.


But you know what? I think you like it nationalised, it gives you and your UKIP cronies something to whine about. I've had enough. Please for the love of god just shut the **** up.

Oh no, the BBC being biased is just a small part of the issue. The reason why bias is now brought up is because often when people such as myself argue for privatisation on the grounds that people should have a choice in what television services they wish to buy, people such as yourself would simply retort 'oh but the BBC offers such a great unbiased TV service' - that of course is complete nonsense.

I have to ask, would you like to subsidise Fox News? no you wouldn't, don't make others do it.


Who cares about them being biased when you don't have to watch adverts?

I don't.

Well thats all very well, you can pay for it while those of us who do not want to sit through endless BBC-promotion adverts won't have to pay for it as we have no interest in hearing from the BBC - you know, choice is great.


I love Top Gear, and support Tories, but please, dear god, stop reading the Daily Mail.

Or perhaps you'd be best reading Peter Sissons extracts from his upcoming book, of which the Daily Mail merely published within its news papers. Or does the truth hurt so we have to attack what are rather poor papers?

[Ajthedragon]

Did anybody see his article in The Sun today, it was pretty funny actually.

My favourite quotation. "Mexico doesn't have an Olympic team.. because anyone who can run, jump or swim is already over the border." So true.

[Niall!]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/feb/05/top-gear-offensive-steve-coogan

Now we get to the heart of it. It's not the public are outraged because they're mexican, they're outraged because they're not white.

This **** has got to stop. Health and safety and this feeling of never having to be insulted again (white or otherwise) is going to kill the TV and movie industry. Racism isn't cool, but being unable to insult people for something completely unrelated to race because of their colour is wrong.

[AgnesIO]

Oh just kick the student out the country if she can't take a joke.

Can I take legal action against other countries who think the Brits just sit around causing fights all day, getting pissed etc?

Also, I think it is unfair that people say the British just eat tea. I hate tea, but then I am half Spanish. Hmm, still I DEMAND THEY STOP STEREOTYPING.

I love Clarkson and Top Gear. I love how outspoken he is, and his articles in the Times are always brilliant.

[ifuseekamy]

The poor wretch, it's not her fault the country was colonised by the wrong empire.

[alexxxxx]

The News mainly. I never, EVER saw once during Labour's catastrophic reign of finanical horror the news mention ONCE..."horrendous debt" or "Government loans spiralling out of control". And considering I watch the news every day, and have done since I had the capacity to listen and understand it properly, I I'd have noticed if they did. But now EVERYTHING is about the cuts in some way.

I believe Labour are left wing, Lib dems slightly left wing but pretty much central, and Conservative right wing, all be it Labour & Conservative only mildly compared to previous eras. However, from how I have seen reports change in the last year during the transition from Labour to Conservative/Lib Dem, I've also seen a change of emphasis in the news from the Government doing well, and everything is fine and dandy, to the Government making "disastrous cuts" or "ruining the economy"...

The panel shows are often fair, although the one with Nick Griffin was heavily weighted against him - not that I support him in any way, but it was very unfair on him.

But I think just in general the shows, most except Top Gear, have a left-wing edge on them.

the BBC don't use subjective terms such as 'horrendous debt' or 'damaging cuts' because they are subjective. they have political commentators who try to be fair - they never state who they support and are in fact critical of every government, it is whether or not you believe that the criticism is 'fair' or not that seems to be your grudge. I never get the feeling from the BBC that they are particularly biased. and Dan you couldn't 'privatise the BBC' as it is not actually owned by the government.

Cuts are big big news because people's jobs are at risk - just as the news covers large private sector lay-offs.

If all the panel on newsnight wanted to be critical of the BNP it is their choice. they aren't BBC employees.

[Yupt]

I bet that mexican never complained when they insulted other countries..

[Conservative,]

I want to see what they make of it tonight lol. They'll probably be like "Some nacho-eating ****** decided to sue us after last week's comments. So on behalf of the whole Top Gear team, we are truly sorry, and hope you enjoy your re-fried sick" :L

[Zak]

I love Top Gear. They've always insulted people since the three got together, the amount of times Jezza has insulted people about their choices on the cool wall, it's just funny.

HEY WORLD, LEARN TO TAKE A JOKE. I pretty much agree with everything they mention, these nations are just ******* mardy.

[GommeInc]

Oh just kick the student out the country if she can't take a joke.

Can I take legal action against other countries who think the Brits just sit around causing fights all day, getting pissed etc?

Also, I think it is unfair that people say the British just eat tea. I hate tea, but then I am half Spanish. Hmm, still I DEMAND THEY STOP STEREOTYPING.

I love Clarkson and Top Gear. I love how outspoken he is, and his articles in the Times are always brilliant.
I love the British stereotype, because I have this thing called a brain that knows not to be offended because it isn't true but laugh at the idea people think it is. Tis amazing, the brain, it teaches us knowledge from our learndings. That's not an insult directed at you, your post just got me typing it :P

People need to grow up and grow some common sense.

[ifuseekamy]

I love Top Gear. They've always insulted people since the three got together, the amount of times Jezza has insulted people about their choices on the cool wall, it's just funny.

HEY WORLD, LEARN TO TAKE A JOKE. I pretty much agree with everything they mention, these nations are just ******* mardy.
It's just this new generation of whingers who get some power trip from complaining about some pretend Eastenders crap about stealing prosthetic dolls. Dunno why the BBC even cares, Ofcom's getting whatever power it had removed anyway.

[Calculator]

I think too many people take the jokes on Top Gear seriously and just watch it for the sake of having to send in a complaint to the BBC or ofcom. I doubt many of them are actually insulted by what is said on the show? I don't find an issue with what was said last week but meh, it's stupid if any action does happen over this.

Calling "Mexican food as 'refried sick'" .. fine, that's his opinion. No harm in that. However, if someone called British people a bunch of "lazy obese thieves who live off benefits and try and dictate what the rest of the world does" etc, I am sure some will be offended. Maybe none on this forum, but I can guarantee a lot will be offended.

Also what a lot of you forget is that Mexicans do not watch Top Gear. They do not understand its concept of taking the piss out of a lot things - even its Prime Minister. They do not know what the show really is about. They are not aware of the type of humour the show uses neither do they understand it.

Once you put yourself in their shoes, it kind of becomes obvious why they would be pissed off.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Calling "Mexican food as 'refried sick'" .. fine, that's his opinion. No harm in that. However, if someone called British people a bunch of "lazy obese thieves who live off benefits and try and dictate what the rest of the world does" etc, I am sure some will be offended. Maybe none on this forum, but I can guarantee a lot will be offended.

Also what a lot of you forget is that Mexicans do not watch Top Gear. They do not understand its concept of taking the piss out of a lot things - even its Prime Minister. They do not know what the show really is about. They are not aware of the type of humour the show uses neither do they understand it.

Once you put yourself in their shoes, it kind of becomes obvious why they would be pissed off.

If they don't watch Top Gear then what is their problem exactly?

More to the point, yes some people do take offence at everything.. and so what? should we make it illegal to offend others?

[Calculator]

Jeremy Clarkson is a legend. I love the way he's so outspoken. I think it's ridiculous a bit of good humour can't go by without someone getting offended.

It was blatantly a joke, I don't know how anyone could see it otherwise? It's ridiculous how people can sue for things like this.


I think too many people take the jokes on Top Gear seriously and just watch it for the sake of having to send in a complaint to the BBC or ofcom. I doubt many of them are actually insulted by what is said on the show? I don't find an issue with what was said last week but meh, it's stupid if any action does happen over this.


If they don't watch Top Gear then what is their problem exactly?

More to the point, yes some people do take offence at everything.. and so what? should we make it illegal to offend others?

My post is merely trying to get people to see this from Mexican's point of view. They get told about a show being extremely rude to their cultural food and to Mexicans in general. They do not know the true nature of the show, so I am saying we cannot blame them for being angry.

If I told you that a TV show in say China called British people a bunch of lazy theives and a lot of other extremely rude stuff, you are saying you won't be offended? Maybe you won't be, but a lot of people will be. I do not understand you sometimes. You say free speech should be allowed, so in this case Mexicans should be allowed to express themselves. However sometimes you say it shouldn't be allowed?

[-:Undertaker:-]

My post is merely trying to get people to see this from Mexican's point of view. They get told about a show being extremely rude to their cultural food and to Mexicans in general. They do not know the true nature of the show, so I am saying we cannot blame them for being angry.

If I told you that a TV show in say China called British people a bunch of lazy theives and a lot of other extremely rude stuff, you are saying you won't be offended? Maybe you won't be, but a lot of people will be. I do not understand you sometimes. You say free speech should be allowed, so in this case Mexicans should be allowed to express themselves. However sometimes you say it shouldn't be allowed?

I never ever say free speech should not be allowed (an example of where I have wanted to restrict free speech would be welcome) - and as for the Chinese calling British people names on a TV show, I couldn't give a hoot or i'd say something back.

[Calculator]

I never ever say free speech should not be allowed (an example of where I have wanted to restrict free speech would be welcome) - and as for the Chinese calling British people names on a TV show, I couldn't give a hoot or i'd say something back.

Maybe, but you have to understand that its totally different cultures. Like I said, its probable that they do not understand our culture or the show itself, so one can see why they would be offended.

However, I do think BBC needs to be more careful. In 'Live at the Apollo', one of the shows I was watching, the comedian was extremely racist to Muslim's. I found his joke funny, however I do not think many Muslim's - especially strict Muslim's - would have been amused.

[-:Undertaker:-]

Maybe, but you have to understand that its totally different cultures. Like I said, its probable that they do not understand our culture or the show itself, so one can see why they would be offended.

Again I ask, if they are offended - so what? I mean, who really cares? if they do not like it they can turn the channel over.


However, I do think BBC needs to be more careful. In 'Live at the Apollo', one of the shows I was watching, the comedian was extremely racist to Muslim's. I found his joke funny, however I do not think many Muslim's - especially strict Muslim's - would have been amused.

Then they can pick up a remote and switch the channel over, I assume the vast majority have a pair of hands and are capable of pressing a button?

[AgnesIO]

Again I ask, if they are offended - so what? I mean, who really cares? if they do not like it they can turn the channel over.



Then they can pick up a remote and switch the channel over, I assume the vast majority have a pair of hands and are capable of pressing a button?

And those unfortunate enough not to tend to have feet :rolleyes:

[Calculator]

Again I ask, if they are offended - so what? I mean, who really cares? if they do not like it they can turn the channel over.



Then they can pick up a remote and switch the channel over, I assume the vast majority have a pair of hands and are capable of pressing a button?

You keep failing to read my posts properly. I said most of them probably read about it. Read about it in a biased way, as you say, from the biased news organisations. Their job is to get readers and cause controversy.

And you say "Again I ask, if they are offended - so what? I mean, who really cares?"
Well, obviously everyone in this thread, including you, for posting about it. If none of you cared, you would have ignored their complaints.

Like I said: culture difference, the way the news is portrayed, they do not understand the show, not Mexicans fault.

[Conservative,]

If it's such a crime for people to get offended just ban free speech altogether why don't you?

It's just a laugh, a bit of good humour. I don't care if the Mexicans don't understand it because that's their problem. If someone said to me "English people are tea-drinking, crumpet eating, benefit-cheating thieves" I'd say, "well clearly you've never been there then" and laugh at them. It's obvious that they either;

Have no idea what they're talking about OR are just trying to be funny. Whether you thought it was funny or not, you cannot argue about it's intended impact. It wasn't supposed to be offensive, it was supposed to get a response from the audience and viewers, which it evidently did.

I don't see why people can't go about saying what they feel these days. I often feel if I expressed my full opinions on certain topics - I'd get a lot of haters. That may be just because of some of the things I believe, but I'm allowed my opinion, they are allowed theirs. I'm allowed to offend people if I wish, they don't have to listen to me. They can ignore me. Same with this. If Mexican people did find it offensive, they don'r have to watch it, they don't have to listen to it. Just because they're offended doesn't mean it shouldn't be allowed. Where in the Geneva Convention does it say: "Human rights: Right to never be offended". It doesn't.

[Eoin247]

If they don't watch Top Gear then what is their problem exactly?

They find out via newspapers, tv, internet etc.

Well i'm just guessing here but the headlines in the mexican newspapers probably read something like :

"Show on a state owned, British television channel mocks our country"

That could be interpreted in a very different way as you can imagine.

So probably no Mexicans knew of top gear last year and never watched it, of course many of them would know now.

[Calculator]

If it's such a crime for people to get offended just ban free speech altogether why don't you?

It's just a laugh, a bit of good humour. I don't care if the Mexicans don't understand it because that's their problem. If someone said to me "English people are tea-drinking, crumpet eating, benefit-cheating thieves" I'd say, "well clearly you've never been there then" and laugh at them. It's obvious that they either;

Have no idea what they're talking about OR are just trying to be funny. Whether you thought it was funny or not, you cannot argue about it's intended impact. It wasn't supposed to be offensive, it was supposed to get a response from the audience and viewers, which it evidently did.

I don't see why people can't go about saying what they feel these days. I often feel if I expressed my full opinions on certain topics - I'd get a lot of haters. That may be just because of some of the things I believe, but I'm allowed my opinion, they are allowed theirs. I'm allowed to offend people if I wish, they don't have to listen to me. They can ignore me. Same with this. If Mexican people did find it offensive, they don'r have to watch it, they don't have to listen to it. Just because they're offended doesn't mean it shouldn't be allowed. Where in the Geneva Convention does it say: "Human rights: Right to never be offended". It doesn't.

Thats a very ignorant post. They DON'T watch it. They read up on it. How hard is to understand?
Again "It's just a laugh, a bit of good humour. I don't care if the Mexicans don't understand it because that's their problem.", different culture and different thinking styles. British people have a very different and open mind than other cultures. It isn't their problem, its the way the information is given to them.

Seriously some people here are just damn ignorant of other cultures.

[Conservative,]

Thats a very ignorant post. They DON'T watch it. They read up on it. How hard is to understand?
Again "It's just a laugh, a bit of good humour. I don't care if the Mexicans don't understand it because that's their problem.", different culture and different thinking styles. British people have a very different and open mind than other cultures. It isn't their problem, its the way the information is given to them.

Seriously some people here are just damn ignorant of other cultures.

As I said, do they have some kind of God-given right where it's a crime to be offended? No.

I don't care how they find out, watching it, reading about it or otherwise. It's not our problem. We have free-speech for a reason, people are allowed to state their views without fear of prosecution just because another person doesn't like it - but now that seems to be eroded because this is exactly why free speech is in place. JC can legally say what he wants about Mexico, or any other country, without being prosecuted because it's his opinions and his views.

If people don't like it, don't watch it, don't read it, don't listen to it. If someone said something about the UK, I'd just move on, turn a blind eye, it's one weirdo on a TV show, who cares?

I'm not ignorant. Just because they have different values, they still have the same rights, no more, no less, no different. They can have their opinions, we can have ours. But that doesn't mean they can sue JC for his comments, because he's protected by free-speech. If he were to lose this court case, it would be the end of free speech.

[Calculator]

As I said, do they have some kind of God-given right where it's a crime to be offended? No.

I don't care how they find out, watching it, reading about it or otherwise. It's not our problem. We have free-speech for a reason, people are allowed to state their views without fear of prosecution just because another person doesn't like it - but now that seems to be eroded because this is exactly why free speech is in place. JC can legally say what he wants about Mexico, or any other country, without being prosecuted because it's his opinions and his views.

If people don't like it, don't watch it, don't read it, don't listen to it. If someone said something about the UK, I'd just move on, turn a blind eye, it's one weirdo on a TV show, who cares?

I'm not ignorant. Just because they have different values, they still have the same rights, no more, no less, no different. They can have their opinions, we can have ours. But that doesn't mean they can sue JC for his comments, because he's protected by free-speech. If he were to lose this court case, it would be the end of free speech.

Oh no, I do not agree with the legal action. However I do not agree with those saying Mexicans should not be offended. It's free speech yes, but it can still offend. I can assure you, if I gave you a lot of abuse, you will be offended, however I can argue its free speech and that the police and you should not moan.

[Conservative,]

Oh no, I do not agree with the legal action. However I do not agree with those saying Mexicans should not be offended. It's free speech yes, but it can still offend. I can assure you, if I gave you a lot of abuse, you will be offended, however I can argue its free speech and that the police and you should not moan.

That's what I'm saying? They can be offended, why should we have to bow down to them and never say a bad word about anyone? That takes away 99% of all comedy. They can and in some cases SHOULD be offended, however legal action and moaning will get you nowhere. They should take it like men (or women) and grow up. In life people will say things you don't like, you gotta deal with it and move on.

[Eoin247]

Where in the Geneva Convention does it say: "Human rights: Right to never be offended". It doesn't.

Correct me if i'm wrong but I think you're mixing up the UDHR with the Geneva convention. The Geneva convention is for war situations if I remember right.



If people don't like it, don't watch it, don't read it, don't listen to it. If someone said something about the UK, I'd just move on, turn a blind eye, it's one weirdo on a TV show, who cares?


To be fair, if it's on the news or if you're friends were all talking about it then it would be a bit hard to ignore. Also people want to know what's happening so you cannot really blame them for looking it up if they don't like it.

That said i'm still sticking with what i posted earlier.

[Calculator]

That's what I'm saying? They can be offended, why should we have to bow down to them and never say a bad word about anyone? That takes away 99% of all comedy. They can and in some cases SHOULD be offended, however legal action and moaning will get you nowhere. They should take it like men (or women) and grow up. In life people will say things you don't like, you gotta deal with it and move on.

I don't agree with saying they should just take the abuse and "grow up". They have a right to be offended. However, why not ignore them? You say they should grow up and take it / ignore it, then why don't we ignore them moaning :S.

Chances Jeremy Clarkson will lose? 0.01%. The woman just has no real case against him. Its just publicity and stupidity.

[Conservative,]

I don't agree with saying they should just take the abuse and "grow up". They have a right to be offended. However, why not ignore them? You say they should grow up and take it / ignore it, then why don't we ignore them moaning :S.

Chances Jeremy Clarkson will lose? 0.01%. The woman just has no real case against him. Its just publicity and stupidity.

Ignoring them moaning lets them think they can do it again. Whether they like it or not, or for whatever reason, they have to learn - in this country, there is free speech. If you don't like it, gtf out..

[Eoin247]

Ignoring them moaning lets them think they can do it again. Whether they like it or not, or for whatever reason, they have to learn - in this country, there is free speech. If you don't like it, gtf out..

Actualy by not ignoring them we are doing exactly what they want. We are making a big deal out of it and causing it to be news. I agree with what calculator is saying in that they have a right to be offended. However that doesn't mean they should take up legal action on it.

Also just to set the facts straight, this article points out only 1 Mexican woman getting annoyed and taking legal action. It's unfair to say that there are a ton of Mexicans complaining as some comments on this thread suggest.