Facebook group urges sacking of "disablist" Jeremy Clarkson

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Does he do it to be controversial or is it because of an outmoded, misguided sense of smug superiority that some mainstream people have over their counterparts with disabilities? We are talking about Jeremy Clarkson again.

Last year, the Top Gear presenter offended blind people; this time it is those with special needs.

The latest edition of the BBC Two programme featured a comparison of two Ferraris. Clarkson described the older model as a "simpleton", a term he might have got away with. But, in case viewers' sides were not splitting enough, he rammed the point home that the 430 Speciale ought to be rebranded the "430 Speciale Needs".

My, how we sat there in stony silence.

It was just another example of an undercurrent in popular culture that belittles disability for the sake of a cheap laugh, the comedian Frankie Boyle being another exponent of the dark art by including remarks about Down's syndrome in his routine.

One blogger on disability issues, Same Difference, has become so disenchanted with this creeping disablism that she has launched a Facebook group calling for Clarkson's sacking.

The blogger writes: "Last time, Clarkson apologised for his disablist comment, and the BBC took no action. I wonder why they haven't commented yet this time...I wonder if Clarkson will bother to apologise this time."

Of course, we could turn the tables and call Clarkson an unreconstructed petrolhead, but he would probably be flattered. 

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Thanks so much for writing this post.

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