Jeremy Clarkson

[grumpy01]

Have not seen any comment on this one today.Firstly may I say I cannot stand Jeremy Clarkson but have we become that thin skinned that a nursery rhyme we have taught children for generations causes offence.Guy Gibson's dog would be turning in his grave.

[jno]

not sure why n-e-g-r-o is askterisked out, it's out of use but not offensive, I would have thought.

[Frank97]

Without the omissions
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/***

[Frank97]

Or maybe not!

[andres]

The word originates from the Spanish for black---'***' and I think it was used just to distinguish black people from Africa from the lighter brown skinned people from other countries.
As for the rhyme, we used to say 'catch a monkey by its toe' and my husband said in his area they would say 'catch a baby by its toe' .
The only time I heard the 'n' word used was when you wanted to dye something 'n*****' brown and I never gave it a thought that it might be a reference to a black person.

[andres]

The word originates from the Spanish word '***' (computer playing up this morning)

[ummmm]

AB doesn't like the word, Andres.

[andres]

The word I am trying to put in is '***' .If it doesn't like it this time then I give up

[andres]

I give up.. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Can't even put the Spanish word for black. How ridiculous is that?

[THECORBYLOON]

"Please be assured I did everything in my power to not use that word, as I'm sitting here begging your forgiveness for the fact my efforts obviously weren't quite good enough, thank you." Everything in his power? How come he said the rhyme three times then? If, as he is saying still, he did not say the n-word, why is he apologising and not alleging libel?

[ummmm]

We know what you meant :-)

[2sp_]

Personally I think this has been blown way out of proportion. I've seen the video of his apology, and he claims that he recorded the rhyme three times, the first two mumbling and the third with the word "teacher".

Clarkson must have been brought up with the original (an NOW offensive) word being the norm in that rhyme. I can understand how when he was mumbling it might sound like the word.

He states that he did everything to prevent either two mumbling versions from being broadcast, and the production team went with the "teacher" version.

I wonder how it has even come to light after all this time?

[2sp_]

I also wonder if any other presenter on the planet had been involved, would there be the same kerfuffle?

[jno]

if any other presenter had been embroiled in an identical mess a month earlier, but with Asians, I think the answer would be yes.

[2sp_]

But the carry on with the Asian allegation took place a few weeks ago, this took place years ago but has only just come to light.

I would be really disappointed in the BBC if they sacked him over this. We are really becoming a nation that seems to be professionally outraged over everything.

[jno]

the BBC is acting as a commercial organisation that doesn't want to spend its time and money alienating its customers. If Asians want to be able to watch it without being called slopes, the BBC will do its best to see they aren't.

[brionon]

I object to the Fashion police who think to tell me what I may and may not wear !!