Our boy Jeremy again

Language is a funny old thing isn't it? No one has any right to forbid the use of any terminology at all - unless it contravenes the laws of the land, for example using words which are likely to cause harassment alarm and distress to those who hear it. Sections 4 & 5 of the Public Order Act. But there are many words which, whilst being legal, are unnecessary at best and at worst can be seen to deliberately cause upset to the hearer or reader.

For example, I find the description of women as 'ho's' deeply unpleasant. I dislike the use of the term 'religiacs' and some object to the term 'militant atheist'. We all have a right to use these terms, but in the interests of mutual respect and not wishing to alienate those whose views one might disagree with, it seems to me to better to avoid these usages and conduct debate in mutually respectful terms.

Yes, anyone can be offensive, and lots of people can be offended, sometimes with little cause, but if a person really wants to state their point of view and achieve some meeting of minds, then avoiding inflammatory language would seem to be wise.

I love the way some inspired people use celeb names for their pets with a twist.

Gnarles Barkley is a classic.

Yep! I agree, nightowl.

I feel as though I've strayed into the 1950s sometimes on here.

Was it someone on this thread who mentioned the fact that some black people use the word nigger among themselves but that this did not give a white person the right to use it? Well... surely that is racism, this saying Afro-americans can use a word but Euro-americans can't.

DD1 has been called a pommie bastard derogatory term in Australia many times. If she got offended every time she would never get anything done.

I don't know who Didier wotsit is -is he a footballer? Perhaps JC admires him so that is why his dog is called after him.

Well, actually, I am quite indifferent. but DS likes him (or used to, haven't asked him lately if he watches TG.

I like him. I like Top Gear. The Mirror worked b----y to get him, so well done Mirror.

Forget the N word for one moment. There is a distinct difference between what one person finds funny or amusing than another. All I can say is, thank goodness.

Let's face it he is Marmite, you either like him, or hate him.

Thanks, got that bags.

The article is assuming that Clarkson did say the word, or mumbled it, and that he did it on purpose for effect. He denies that. Nothing more to say, really...either you believe him or you don't.

People become so OFFENDED by things these days. Not a fan of JC but a lot of people like the programme. If you don't like him, don't watch and don't read anything about him.

Next thing we know someone will be suing him because he hurt their feelings even if they had to strain to hear it and would never have known if it hadn't been publicized.

Too many people up their own arses take things so seriously these days - we will all be frightened to open our mouths soon.

Oh dear don't know why. You can find it by going to the New Statesman site and finding the article, it's at the top.

Try this. Okwonga link.

I can't access your link, MiceElf - it's a code 404!

Isn't this a prime example of the media urging the public to be outraged?

Yes, it is. It seems the British have to be kept jumping up and down over something or other.

This response from Musa Okwonga is worth reading

n-word-jeremy-clarkson-has-finally-urinated-live-rail-racism

Yes - although if anyone reported you, you could always claim she was named after Cleopatra!

Good job our black cat is called Jazz and not Cleo (Laine)

Spot on, ceesnan. JC gets paid to be outrageous because it's good entertainment. Not for everyone, of course, just a few million people worldwide.

Yes, merlot, but the difference is that Puskas and Schmeichel are not black.

Isn't this a prime example of the media urging the public to be outraged? Apparently even specialists can't be 100% certain that he said the word as the clip has been enhanced.

JC has also been criticized for calling his black terrier, Didier Dogbar. I think it's a brilliant name for a dog. DH grew up with a cat called Puskas after a Russian (I think) footballer and what about Schmeichel, the Great Dane on Corrie?

I watch and enjoy Top Gear, but certainly don't take it seriously - it's just a programme with three men talking about, and driving, cars, lighthearted entertainment. After reading all the comments and press articles about this clip i watched it on Youtube and found that if I didn't already know what the muttered word was I certainly wouldn't have recognised it. I think it should also be taken into account that this clip had already been discarded and has only come into the public domain because of the actions of someone who either had a grudge against JC or wanted some easy money. I only know one version of eenie meenie etc,and it's the one with the N word but DGD prefers ibble obble black bobble. Would that be racist too?

You are such a fun person Bags

Yes, darling. You have gathered that correctly. Very perspicacious of you.
<checks spelling of perspicacious>

It may have something to do with the fact that I live with two people who enjoy Top Gear. Just possibly.

Here's your poking stick. I think you dropped it.

So you have heard of Jeremy Clarkson then Bags ?