You conveniently skipped his rant in The Sun, his description of Americans has a collective of 250 million wankers, and his man-in-the-street interview segment from Top Gear that I linked above. Clarkson frequently denounces Americans for being “stupid”. I would have to be stupid indeed to not understand that when Clarkson says Americans are stupid, his intent is to communicate his belief that Americans are “stupid”.

Does Clarkson mean it? Irrelevant, really. More to the point, he’s enormously popular in Britain, and this Americans-can’t-walk-on-their-back-legs rhetoric is a large part of his formula for his riches and life in a manor house. So at the very least, it’s profitable.

The issue isn’t so much with Clarkson, but with the fact that xenophobia sells so well to a large part of his audience. Which tells you more about the audience than it does about the author.

Well, I saw most of those episodes, including the one about The Netherlands, and it wasn’t negative at all. At least the part about the Netherlands wasn’t…

Yes, he made some easy jokes about drugs and all the other “liberal” policies of my country and the horrible traffic jams on the highways (or motorways), but nothing to be offended about. And he applauded the movement of some people against speed cameras. Probably since this (yet another) form of extra taxation on driving is just as bad if not worse in The Netherlands as it is in Brittain.

Only really negative episode I saw was about Belgium, but that’s just being realistic…

Now if you’re talking about the TopGear America special, that’s a different story. As a European though, I have to say I enjoyed it a lot…Very funny, if a little childish.

First off, that quote sees to reinforce the notion that Clarkson has no problem with the vehicle being a combination of the efforts of many nations put together. Which would invalidate the notion that he is a xenophobe. But he could still be against American policies and ideals.

bfg9k mentioned this way back in page 1 of this discussion. Having a “poor” view of America doesn’t qualify as a full blown Xenophobe. There are hundreds of millions of people on this planet that dislike America and her policies. We can give all sorts of reasons for their motivations, but most likely it’s not xenophobia. I think it has more to do with our foreign policies.

I’m guessing you read the rest of his article. It sounds eerily similar to the rantings of people from within this thread who hold negative views of other nations. He thinks Americans are aggressive drivers and rude based on his experience. Some people in this discussion thread view Englanders to be rude and self centered. That’s hardly Xenophobic. This doesn’t demonstrate fear or hatred… just opinions.

Then Clarkson points out in your article that he thinks the Roush Mustang is a spot-on bargain; but he doesn’t want to draw the ire of those who see him in the car. It’s not that he hates the “fried-chicken” aspect of the car. Rather, he thinks the drumstick won’t fit well in England. And instead he opts for a Frankenstein of a car. Lots of countries buried in it. Again, hardly Xenophobic.

You can read between the thousand of lines all you want, but it always comes back to Clarkson’s issue is with what he perceives to represent America. But if he meets a single American he won’t immediately form an irrational hatred or dislike for that person. And more importantly, he doesn’t have an irrational hatred or dislike for the other nations in this world.

So why, you may be wondering, do I own a Ford GT? That’s simple. The body is British, the gearbox is British, the steering rack is from an Aston, the chassis was set up by a couple of guys from Lotus, the wheels are German and the brakes are Italian. The power is American, yes, but it’s tamed and sophisticated by Europeans. It’s a metaphor, in other words, for the perfect world.

http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/2006/08/stories/15/3.html

You can love Clarkson or hate him, but you have to be drinking some serious Kool-Aid to believe that he doesn’t play up the anti-American rhetoric in his columns, automotive or otherwise. Which is odd, when you consider that Kool-Aid is an American product.

Here is where I get my definition of Xenophobe.
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/xenophobia

Now that we have clarified our little disagreement on semantics… can you please provide your insight as to why Clarkson bought an American car?

He didn’t have an irrational fear of the Red White and Blue, and he didn’t demonstrate utter disdain for something simply because of its country of origin.

When Clarkson met you, he didn’t immediately seek to exit your company because you didn’t sound British. But i suppose his shifty eyes may hide a deep hatred for having had exchanged words with you.

Clarkson is a cantankerous old man. His editors, producers, and audience wholly condone his odd mannerisms and pretension. It’s not like Top Gear is a live show… he just says stuff and sees what sticks in the final cut. And his audience eats that stuff up. But Clarkson is hardly a true xenophobe. He has odd tendencies, but I find it comical you could actually exchange pleasantries with someone that you now claim to have an irrational fear of Americans.

To put things in a different perspective; the publication lends itself to the tone a writer is allowed to take. We read this site because of the writing style; and people download Top Gear for its presentation style.

I remember reading an article here on this site by Leslie Wimbush that likens the hanging speakers in a Dodge Caliber as a pair of testicles. Such a novel take on cars is not available to readers of other publications. Dan Neil could never get away with saying that. His editors would strike him down. Wimbush had to come to your site in order to get her true voice out. The feedback she gave for your site seems vastly different than what made it into Canadian Driver.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/reviews/dodge-caliber-awd-rt/
http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/lw/caliber_rally.htm

Yes, I’ve looked up the definition of Xenophobia. To qualify as such you need to have an irrational fear or dislike for things that are abnormal, strange, or foreign. It could be a culture, a lifestyle, or anything that is not simply not normal. A homophobe dislikes an individual because they are gay. A xenophobe would dislike that person because they were different than normal. But I’m not here to argue semantics.

It’s not semantics. It’s the G.D. definition. Widening a word’s meaning to suit your rhetorical needs is preposterous. Xenophobia = unreasonable fear of foreigners. Not lifestyle or skin color (as you first suggested. Nationality. I refuse to engage in any further debate with you unless you accept that narrow, commonly accepted definition.

But I will say this: I have met Jeremy Clarkson. I had a lengthy conversation with him prior to a meal. Likeable guy. Bit nervous. Xenophobe.

Yes, I’ve looked up the definition of Xenophobia. To qualify as such you need to have an irrational fear or dislike for things that are abnormal, strange, or foreign. It could be a culture, a lifestyle, or anything that is not simply not normal. A homophobe dislikes an individual because they are gay. A xenophobe would dislike that person because they were different than normal. But I’m not here to argue semantics.

I ask again, and you’ll probably ignore it… but why would JC even bother buying an American car if he unilaterally dislikes America? Simply because he lacks some utopian ideal of proper journalism, you feel fit to brand him with a term reserved for racists, fascists, and bigots.

I bring up the other points to identify that Clarkson does not have a unilateral hatred for America. He does not entice others to take action against America. He does not set out to undermine someone’s efforts simply because they hail from America.

Xenophobia manifests itself in numerous ways. If simply holding stereotypes makes people xenophobes, then the term loses meaning. Everyone holds stereotypes and acts on them to varying degrees. By your definition, any negative tone with “two feet over the line” would constitute xenophobia. You draw your own subjective line regarding the subject and I’ve drawn mine. I feel dialog helps us identify where different viewpoints hold different values. But given that you’re the author of posts, I am providing my commentary trying to convey that there is an alternative point of view.

I don’t believe Clarkson has crossed the line of going from a silly old man and becoming a xenophobe. You seem to view venom as anything besides an innocuous comment or tounge-in-cheek antics.

You cited the times Clarkson has straight up stated that the Average American is an idiot. But when comments are made in this discussion thread about the average Brit being a stuck up arrogant fool, those comments seemed to pass without much consideration. Xenophobia is a step beyond simple name calling based on some silly stereotypes when someone is pandering to their audience. Heck, you felt fit to call Clarkson a buffoon even though you’ve never met him or sat with him to learn his true motivations. You’ve formed some idea in your mind, and you stated your opinion.

It would not be fair for me to brand you as a xenophobe. But you obviously dislike pompous idiot journalists that write mean-spirited things about America. That could be construed as slightly xenophobic as you’ve demonstrated you have no qualms about questioning the intellectual depth or literary acumen of such writers who lack your ideal journalistic tact. Clarkson would be an abnormal journalist when compared to the normal group of quality writers. But the key is you’re not a xenophobe. You simply have formed an idea of Clarkson, and you write words in support of your ideas.

H Man:

I tend to liken Clarkson to Hunter Thompson.

Hunter S. Thompson was extremely sympathetic to foreign cultures. Read his early work as a South American correspondent.

And Thompson did get his facts straight. The writer had less and less of them as he devolved into Dr. Gonzo, but the facts that Thompson marshaled and sent into battle were, generally speaking, accurate. Again, read Thompson's earliest work for his “purest” journalism.

In which Thompson offered genuine insights into the human condition– especially greed. Clarkson is a buffoon by comparison, offering nothing more than puffed-up pride and xenophobic prejudice. 

Hunter S. Thompson MAY have admired Jeremy Clarkson's writing style– both are wonderfully Hemingway-esque– but Thompson would have despised Clarkson for his lack of intellectual depth.

holydonut :

The true xenophobes are the ones setting fire to crosses in gay citizens’ yards.

But he’s entitled to describe what he thinks; and unless he acts negatively with his intuition, he is not a xenophobe.

Again, I strongly advise you to look up the definition of xenophobia. I has nothing to do with homophobia. And one does not have to “act out” to be a xenophobe.

In short, ignoring/redefining the framework of this debate does not constitute a valid defense of Mr. Clarkson's work.

Have you taken the time to investigate the references to Clarkson material demonstrating his venomous anti-American views? If not, as you do, ask yourself a simple question: is JC “making fun” of Yanks or simply insulting them? It’s a fine line– which Clarkson leaps across with both feet, on a regular basis.

I appreciate people who make fun of people, countries, automakers, anything– especially when they do so with a keen wit. I can assure you it’s not a matter of “it stops being funny when it starts being you.” It's a matter of tone. When things get genuinely nasty, for me, it stops being funny. 

Did you just skip over the fact that he actually purchased a Ford product? Did you never read how he had praise for the Ariel Atom? Has an American ever walked up to him and had Clarkson yell expletives and insults at them? I’ve heard numerous Americans make fun of Indians, the French, Mexicans, Gays, Girl Scouts, and proponents of Ethanol. They do this for the sake of getting guffaws from their colleagues and audiences. The true xenophobes are the ones building walls to keep the Mexicans out. The true xenophobes are the ones setting fire to crosses in gay citizens’ yards.

It’s okay for a US Citizen spending 1 year in England to label Englanders people as sad. I really doubt that salmon8ter is a xenophobe who really hopes that England just vanishes off the Earth. I really doubt when he hears a British accent, he feels an urge to beat somebody upside the head. But he’s entitled to describe what he thinks; and unless he acts negatively with his intuition, he is not a xenophobe. And if it’s an consolation, I view a negative reaction as one that causes a detriment to someone else. Making generalities and stereotypes is what Humans do. Either you’re saying we’re all xenophobes, or you’re simply stating that Clarkson is one simply because his comments are actually put into print.

I totally understand why you would assume that Clarkson is undeserving of being a political figurehead. Since that’s your opinion and you hold political figures in high esteem. But the crux is whether or not Clarkson is a xenophobe for calling Americans fat and lazy. And in my view he is not. He’s a prick, but he’s not a xenophobe.

He could have come to Boston, and more specifically, perhaps, the area around Longwood Medical Center, or alternatively, Harvard Square, but I’m not sure we’re any more representative than Las Vegas. It’s worth pointing out in Clarkson’s favor that the US did vote for Bush, twice, despite the fact that he demonstrated his incompetence quite clearly in the debates with Gore, and has continued to demonstrate it almost every time he has opened his mouth.

Moreover, even if you accept the hypothesis that Clarkson is xenophobic, or just plain biased and unfair, how representative of Brits is he?

People are people probably regardless of nationality. There are gems and embarrassments everywhere.

Here are a couple of stereotypes off the top of my head I heard before I had to move to this dreadful depressing country. I was told that their teeth were beyond awful. Yellow and nasty as if there were no such device as a toothbrush or braces. Snaggletooth! I’ve seen this myself as I go out to the pubs and clubs and socialize. I was also told that if I were to get into a fight with a Brit it would certainly never be one on one. Their whole clan would jump you. That’s why we’re told to never go out to an unfamiliar place by oneself. I can’t make claim to this although I have friends that have experienced this first-hand, where they have been jumped by a group of Brits outside a pub. Also I was told that they can be pretty rude. I initially summed that up as cultural misinterpretation. After living here I can say this after living in many parts of the world that the Brits are by far the most rude people I have come across. And after living in S. Korea for a year I thought they were rude but the Brits tops them. I remember standing in a frozen food aisle at the local grocery store not more than a foot from the glass door looking at the products when I notice a Brit on my left walking straight at me. He literally bumped me back to walk by without saying not a single word. No “excuse me” or “pardon me”. I looked back and the entire aisle was empty. WTF!!! That has happened more than once. I was totally stunned the other day because for the first time I heard someone say to me “Excuse me”. Remember that I have lived here for over a year. This is no exxageration, that was the very first time I heard someone being polite. I don’t even want to get into the way they drive or how certain words are pronounced. RETARDED!! And another thing, I disagree about the Russian building better aircrafts or helos. The others are true IMO.

He doesn’t just limit his criticisms of the US to some lousy cars, he is also consistently bashing on Americans in rather personal ways. One of his more colorful descriptions of Americans was as a nation of “250 million wankers living in a country with no word for wanker.”

Or take this piece that he wrote for The Sun about the Katrina debacle ( http://www2.nationalreview.com/images/paperforgreg.jpg ) in which he made this comment:

American may have given the world the space shuttle and, er, condensed milk, but behind the veneer of civilization, most Americans barely have the brains to walk on their back legs.

He then proceeds to liken Americans to lobsters (”the stupidest creature on God’s earth”), before implying that Bush’s frequent verbal gaffes are representative of the nation as a whole.

Or take a look at this clip from a TV show in which he claims these people are “average Americans”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXmecIR5PQ

Let’s face it, if an American commentator made regular fodder of mocking the English in print and on television, it would not be published or televised regularly in the UK just for humor’s sake, even if it was meant as a joke. They would not appreciate the level fo vitriol being directed to them as a whole, particularly by an outsider.

And the tone of Clarkson’s pieces show that it isn’t just a joke, but an appeal to anti-Americanism. It’s not just a criticism of the vehicles, as you might find here, but an attack on the society as a whole.

I don’t know whether or not Clarkson means it, but he is clearly an opportunist who plays up to the visceral Rule Britannia loathings of The Sun’s readership. The fact that he gets paid quite well to comment regularly in this vein tells you that there is an audience for it, and what does that tell you?

It’s also a good thing Clarkson didn’t have to stop by at the DMV to get any temporary tags for the cars they bought. Then he’d have some really horrible things to say about America.

“FWIW, I’m not trying to imply that honest, constructive critisism from someone outside the U.S. is a bad thing at all, be it towards people or cars, but can be a great thing if done with tact and sensitivity to that respective country. I wish Jezza was at least a bit more formal. If that were the case with Clarkson, I’d be a big fan and sign that petition if I was allowed!”.

I would’ve included the link, but don’t know if that would be wise, with respect to this website.

Although I’ve been reading this site for some time, this post about Clarkson compelled me to sign up and speak out. With all-due respect to Katie, I have this to say:

After discovering the extreme anti-Americanism on YouTube in general, and Clarkson’s videos to really top it off; I’ve done some research (Telegraph online I believe, and other sites) on Clarkson and don’t know what to make of him. He speaks in such a very condescending tone of voice about Americans directly and indirectly by bashing our cars. Go on YouTube and type “Jeremy Clarkson On America”.

I’ve given a lot of thought on this subject in the last few weeks, and conclude like the others have stated, that this is not at all humor. Our humor towards other countries are comparably very light in tone from what I’ve seen, and would be very embarrassed and outraged if some American pulled these stunts on Britain or other countries.

Is that xenophobia? No, that’s just common sense.