The Jeremy Clarkson “fracas”- as he terms it himself - has
ignited a debate over what it means to be “one of the lads”.
Laddishness, it would now seem, means entitlement, arrogance
and an acceptance of casual racism and sexism. Ageism may also be included as a
form of agreed self-deprecation for the older “lads”, who style themselves as
grumpy old men.
It may also mean the ability to throw a punch, something yet
to be determined in the exchanges between Clarkson and producer, Oisin Tymon,
but evidently factually accurate in the presenter’s historical fisticuffs with
the equally boorish Piers Morgan.
Clarkson’s entertainment factor relies on his blunt and
often witty putdowns of both people and machines, remarks delivered with the
laconic air of the seasoned cynic who can only escape the drab normality of
life by taking charge of large engines and driving at speed.
Some may see this as the ultimate form of thrill-seeking,
others may view it as a type of penile dementia.
Most of the time it seems like harmless fun but there’s an
insidious undercurrent to the Clarkson persona that permits others to behave in
the same way.
It’s the same kind of peer pressure that anticipates all
male gatherings will be beer-swilling exhibitions of vulgarity with nights-out
ending in drunken sexual escapades or fights in the street. It’s life for the
Inbetweeners that never grew up.
Of course this is a grotesque characterisation of the
traditional male night out but how many men find themselves listening uncomfortably
to the kind of “banter” that would not be acceptable in any other context.
The common get-out clause is that it’s just male bravado and
that it is not meant to be serious.
Celebrities like Clarkson are offered other exemptions.
One of the most odious aspects of the current argument over
the presenter’s future is the idea that his “value” to the BBC should excuse or
override the kind of behaviour that might lead lesser mortals to instant
dismissal.
Another is that the BBC has failed to develop the correct
strategic policies in managing “talent”. Again, this view sets the “talent”
apart from the also-rans and suggests that those who enjoy the privileges of
fame and fortune are somehow allowed to break those petty little rules that the
rest of us must adhere to.
Clarkson is lucky to have survived his past brushes with controversy,
including his inappropriate use of an offensive nursery rhyme and his
provocative behaviour in Argentina. Nevertheless he is entitled to due process.
The BBC disciplinary panel that will be chaired by the Head
of BBC Scotland, Ken McQuarrie is now under way but there is currently no
deadline for its conclusion. Hopefully the facts will be established and any
consequent actions will be taken on the basis of the evidence alone.
Clarkson has opted for gallows humour, comparing himself to
a dinosaur that has had its day. This apparently fatalistic approach may be the
words of someone who thinks he is either too valuable to lose or too enticing a
prospect for other broadcasters looking for a new cash cow.
Whatever the outcome of the BBC inquiry, it’s unlikely that
we’ll have seen the last of Jeremy Clarkson.
Bob Hughes is a journalist and media consultant.
He was formerly Deputy Director of News at TV3 and a
producer at Channel 4 News, Sky and Reuters.
Twitter: @bobhughesnews
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