system11 wrote:Have you ever watched it?
Yes. (I've been asked this earlier, too, as if expecting that companies take a stand for their employees should not be done if you don't self-select for a high tolerance of abuse.) Not often enough. I'd still like to see more episodes. I think Clarkston has his fine points and usually fine moments - and I have some sympathy for the difficulty of doing the "curmudgeonly old coot" act well and not causing problems (I think Channel4's Time Team executed rude humor much better, though somewhat more understated there). The Argentine "controversy" was a disgrace and Top Gear was faultless in that. But this isn't about that. It's not time for a pity party yet.
I am sick of Clarkston for throwing fits in public because he's being rapped on the knuckles. I am sick of his co-hosts and the BBC for letting this go on for so long. I am sick of those of his supporters who have gone out of their way to issue threats and denigrate the character of producer Oisin Tymon. That's all really, but that's plenty enough. I really don't enjoy seeing yet another pillar of good British programming destroyed by thoughtlessness.
I realize I need to work on my Zen level some more - I have been trying to get better! - but I still find it strange to be accused of being outraged "on your behalf." I haven't anybody sheeple or anything for enjoying the show. This never was about the viewers, though viewers have certainly tried to make it a referendum on them, as it suited the moment.
Ironically when I first posted I was thinking of adding a coda which would have explained my feelings about the news cycle brain drain this drama has caused. Paraphrasing that:
"For all the hate that gets thrown at the SJW crowd, this is a reminder of how lopsided things still are. It is basically impossible to avoid finding agonizingly in-depth coverage of this nonsense in British journalism, and it's leaking through to other outlets worldwide. The SJW stuff is easy to avoid. No such luck with Top Gear fanaticism - in fact you might even fall over a tank on your way to Broadcasting House today."
At the same time, I spent part of my morning being amused by this:
http://thatsnotthinprivilege.tumblr.com/