Whether he's mocking minorities, calling for the murder of nurses, using racial slurs, goading dead soldiers and sex workers, or even just cosying up to David Cameron, Jeremy Clarkson is a blight on the British cultural landscape. Despite his opulent personal wealth, life of privilege and freedom to get away with some of the most offensive incidents on television, he's somehow managed to make rich white men look like a victimised section of society - which would be impressive if it wasn't so ludicrous. But the cause of all these issues, whether they're past, future or present, is Top Gear. Masquerading as a motor show, the format has served only to give a platform to Clarkson and the rest of his school-ground cronies for a staggering 22 series. Their madcap (and completely scripted) adventures weren't funny five years ago and they're merely tired and formulaic now, but the continuing appeal of "Jezza" ensures that the show not only draws a sizeable audience, but that it's renewed every single cycle. At a time when the license fee is again causing discontent, The BBC are terrified of the backlash his dismissal could have in terms of audience figures and public opinion, and it's likely that he'll be brought back into the fold once this latest incident blows over. Clarkson's biggest crime of all is that we're going to continue to suffer his presence on our screens for the foreseeable future. Is Jeremy Clarkson a blight on British culture or is this national treasure not getting a fair ride? Let us know in the comments.
WhatCulture's Managing Editor and Chief Reporter | Previously seen in Vice, Esquire, FourFourTwo, Sabotage Times, Loaded, The Set Pieces, and Mundial Magazine
