Crikey. Aren't they just a bonkers, crazee, madcap bunch of guys!! What will they think of next!!!!!!!!! posted by rhymer at 5:56 AM on February 12, 2007
A vote for Romney is a vote for fun. posted by ibmcginty at 6:01 AM on February 12, 2007
Jeremy Clarkson really is Alan Partridge. posted by Mocata at 6:02 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
LOLAMURICANS! posted by veggieboy at 6:03 AM on February 12, 2007
That was dumb and contrived. They went looking for trouble and found it. This was the equivalent of walking into a biker bar and sayin 'you don't look so tough,' and then whining when you get stomped. Quite frankly I was rooting for the rednecks. posted by jonmc at 6:03 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
Would he drive it across Oklahoma? posted by pax digita at 6:06 AM on February 12, 2007
never mind the rednecks, by the end of that I wanted to kick the shit out that tea-sucking snotnose. Serioulsy, they drive into a town with the express intent of making fun of people (and people could tell) and you don't expect a reaction? posted by jonmc at 6:06 AM on February 12, 2007 [5 favorites]
Cowards. If you're going to see what happens when you behave provocatively, don't turn tail and run when your provocations are responded to.
Obviously, they had no plan, and, as a result, no point. posted by Astro Zombie at 6:09 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc: Could I also quote you as saying that girl was asking for it? posted by DU at 6:13 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc, where's that famous, edgy sense of humour of yours?
isn't it up to us to say - 'sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me?'
What's wrong with free speech, again? posted by dash_slot- at 6:13 AM on February 12, 2007
Funny, Borat didn't get this reaction from The Blue. posted by basicchannel at 6:14 AM on February 12, 2007 [8 favorites]
Lighten up, people, that was fantastic TV. posted by matthewr at 6:15 AM on February 12, 2007
Serioulsy,
"Rednecks" need made fun of, even if they're in NYC.
Bigotry is not acceptable, anywhere, anytime, from anyone. posted by nofundy at 6:15 AM on February 12, 2007 [5 favorites]
That's right. Drive into our town trying to show us up as dumb and intolerant, and we'll prove you wrong by whupping your foregin faggot asses. posted by Phanx at 6:15 AM on February 12, 2007 [5 favorites]
by the end of that I wanted to kick the shit out that tea-sucking snotnose
metaphorically, of course. Or do you really respond to satire, comment and japery with violence? posted by dash_slot- at 6:15 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
The people in my small Southern town would NEVER react like that.
Agreed. I watched the whole show last night and thought it was excellent. Top Gear is consistently the most entertaining thing on TV. posted by the cuban at 6:16 AM on February 12, 2007
I don't get this. "Men Love Rules" - ? Of course they do. That's why we have a legislature, one of the three branches of government enshrined in our glorious Constitution. posted by the quidnunc kid at 6:17 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
That is just dumb. If they had put a couple of bumper stickers on their cars and received a reaction, then that might be an interesting way to show ignorance and intolerance in the US. But having a series of cars paint on gigantic signs on their car in a way that no one ever would accomplishes nothing. What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?
Intolerance and prejudice are to be measured by how people respond to things that are commonly, naturally, or actually occurring in their presence -- not by contrived exhibits designed to create or increase intolerance and prejudice. posted by flarbuse at 6:20 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
Serioulsy,
"Rednecks" need made fun of, even if they're in NYC.
Bigotry is not acceptable, anywhere, anytime, from anyone.
This wasn't bigotry. This was people trolling with an automobile, and the whole point of it was so that yuppies can lay back and feel superior. Seems to have worked.
Or do you really respond to satire, comment and japery with violence?
I occasionally responded to being baited and insulted with violence. What happened here was they decided "let's go into to some small town and insult the crap out of everyone," they got all whiny when people got pissed. If you want to pretend this was anything more than that, be my guest. posted by jonmc at 6:20 AM on February 12, 2007
I'd like to see them drive the equivalent cars (i.e. whatever English car is considered "manly" and one with "Sinn Fein for Prime Minister") across rural England and see what happens. posted by DU at 6:22 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
And by "insult the crap out of everyone", you mean "make positive statements about homosexuals and Democrats". posted by DU at 6:23 AM on February 12, 2007
flarbuse: that might be an interesting way to show ignorance and intolerance in the US
Oh, come on. This is Top Gear not some strait-laced, serious investigative reporting programme. They weren't setting out on some mission to investigate intolerance and social attitudes. They were setting out to have fun and make an entertaining TV show, and if you think the idea of driving a truck labelled 'Man love rules OK' through Hicksville anything short of hilarious, you're probably not Top Gear's target audience. posted by matthewr at 6:24 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
jonmc: Could I also quote you as saying that girl was asking for it?
Come off it, DU. This wasn't somebody minding their own business getting harassed. This was a bunch of guys holding up signs saying HURFDURF DUMB WHITE TRASH! who act stunned that somebody might get pissed. posted by jonmc at 6:25 AM on February 12, 2007
Artificial drama. "The rednecks arrive" with their dog, but in the next scene when they "turn on the film crew" the rednecks are not even there, their truck is empty. We then see the "garage owner" approaching from a different truck. The rest is pictures of shadows and the ground. Then it rains and they freak out. posted by Osmanthus at 6:27 AM on February 12, 2007
Come off it, jonmc. This wasn't some girl in a modest dress with a high collar and gloves getting raped. This was a girl wearing short-shorts and wearing a shirt that says "I enjoy sexual relations" who's acting stunned that somebody might get horny. posted by DU at 6:28 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?
I'm guessing you'd get a lot of dirty look and snide remarks, but people wouldn't start throwing rocks at you and come after you. posted by rsanheim at 6:28 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
I turned it off after they showed the "Nascar sucks" message painted across the bafck of the truck. That's when it became clear that they were just being deliberately insulting, not just provocative. People don't like being insulted, it turns out. posted by ibmcginty at 6:28 AM on February 12, 2007
"yuppies"?!!
In no way are Top Gear's presenters yuppies.
And DU, you could drive a car labelled with absolutely anything through rural England and fear nothing more than raised eyebrows. posted by matthewr at 6:29 AM on February 12, 2007
People don't like being insulted, it turns out.
Yeah, but firstly, civilised people don't respond to labels on trucks with rocks and violence. Second, NASCAR really does suck. posted by matthewr at 6:31 AM on February 12, 2007 [7 favorites]
I'd like to see them drive the equivalent cars (i.e. whatever English car is considered "manly" and one with "Sinn Fein for Prime Minister") across rural England and see what happens.
Through rural England... I can almost guarantee that absolutely nothing would happen, very little ever does in rural England.
This wasn't bigotry. This was people trolling with an automobile, and the whole point of it was so that yuppies can lay back and feel superior. Seems to have worked.
Totally agree about the purpose, but of course it was bigotry. posted by twistedonion at 6:31 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Lighten up, people, that was fantastic TV.
Yep, very dramatic and entertaining.
That was dumb and contrived. They went looking for trouble and found it. This was the equivalent of walking into a biker bar and saying 'you don't look so tough,' and then whining when you get stomped. Quite frankly I was rooting for the rednecks.
Jonmc, it wasn't a bar it was a gas station and a public highway. People should be able to get gas and drive without being harassed for being sexual, political, musical, and autosports preferences.
That said, it seemed like the gas station owner was more offended by what they were actually doing (trying to get a rise out of people) then what they had actually wrote.
I also think the guy's just panicked, they were in a lot less danger then they lead on and could probably have diffused the situation. posted by delmoi at 6:33 AM on February 12, 2007
WTF? Country and Western rules. It's New Country that sucks.
Fucking foreigners. posted by dobbs at 6:33 AM on February 12, 2007
Here is a video which shows the run-up to their encounter where they decorate each others cars, with the express aim of getting one another killed. posted by matthewr at 6:33 AM on February 12, 2007
Or do you really respond to satire, comment and japery with violence?
No, as long as it's twee japery. posted by Benny Andajetz at 6:34 AM on February 12, 2007
In addition, can gas station attendant not sue their asses? Since when can you film people on private property without a release and broadcast it? posted by dobbs at 6:34 AM on February 12, 2007
Umm, no shit they were being deliberately insulting. You don't go all that way and not try and get the best TV you can out of it. posted by Space Coyote at 6:34 AM on February 12, 2007
Rural England perhaps, but I have a feeling there are certain areas of London in which you do not want to be driving a truck that says "Soccer fans enjoy it up the bum" and "I enjoyed banging the queen".
Couldn't they just rent a copy of Easy Rider instead? posted by geoff. at 6:35 AM on February 12, 2007
"Sinn Fein for Prime Minister"
I agree that nothing would happen - beyond someone possibly pointing out that Sinn Fein is not a person. But actually that would be more like driving through America with "Al Qaeda for President" on your car. posted by Phanx at 6:36 AM on February 12, 2007
Wow, basicchannel, I lay slain by your rapier wit.
I'll give you an example from my own life. A few months ago I was at a bar with a few friends. We were in the mood for loud music so we put on some old metal and sat at the bar sipping our beers. As the music played, some artsy looking guy in a blazer made devil horns and a 'retard face' and rolled eyes. He did this repeatedly through several songs. I came very close to bouncing his head off the bar. Because if he dosen't like it that's his own opinion, but what he was doing was insulting me, and if you insult someone you should be prepared to fce the consequences.
Or even better, if someone came on to MeFi and said:
WEBLOGGERS ARE PUSSIES! HTML SUCKS!
You may not want to beat him up yourself but you probably wouldn't feel much sympathy if someone did.
Jonmc, it wasn't a bar it was a gas station and a public highway. People should be able to get gas and drive without being harassed for being sexual, political, musical, and autosports preferences.
sexual preferences, sure. But if walk up to you and say "[insert something you love] SUCKS!" you might just be tempted to kick my ass.
That said, it seemed like the gas station owner was more offended by what they were actually doing (trying to get a rise out of people) then what they had actually wrote.
ya think? posted by jonmc at 6:36 AM on February 12, 2007
Come off it, jonmc. This wasn't some girl in a modest dress with a high collar and gloves getting raped. This was a girl wearing short-shorts and wearing a shirt that says "I enjoy sexual relations" who's acting stunned that somebody might get horny.
Um, now I'm confused. Sounds like you're agreeing with me. posted by jonmc at 6:39 AM on February 12, 2007
So you agree that "she was asking for it" is a valid rape defense? For the record now... posted by DU at 6:42 AM on February 12, 2007
Funny, Borat didn't get this reaction from The Blue.
that's because borat was funny and well-done, not hamfisted and overwrought artificiality. "oh my god, all these people are staring at my car!!" well, no kidding, dickhead - you've got shit written all over it in foot-high neon paint.
you might as well drive a car around in harlem painted with some big-lipped pickaninnies smackin' down watermelon, and when you get your ass kicked be all "wow the klan was right, these coloreds really ARE animals!"
people get angry when ugly stereotypes are applied to them indiscriminately. i kind of empathize with the station owner acutally; i'd be more than a little bit prickly if someone pulled that crap on me.
i guess the point is, there's a difference between sitting back and allowing people to expose their own bigotry as in the borat rodeo guy, and heading out to stir up shit in just about the most inflammatory and unfunny way possible. posted by sergeant sandwich at 6:43 AM on February 12, 2007 [5 favorites]
Don't be an asshole, DU. posted by jonmc at 6:44 AM on February 12, 2007
me: People don't like being insulted, it turns out.
matthewr: Yeah, but firstly, civilised people don't respond to labels on trucks with rocks and violence. Second, NASCAR really does suck.
Agreed on all counts. posted by ibmcginty at 6:44 AM on February 12, 2007
What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?
I doubt that you'd get any noticeable reaction at all, not even dirty looks. there would probably be a lot of eye-rolling, and people turning to each other saying, "what a bunch of idiots," but nobody would validate your provocations with an overt challenge.
Feel free to try it, though. posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:45 AM on February 12, 2007
What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?
Bemusement. Smug of course.
I was in Chicago and a guy gets on the train with a "Welcome to America: Now Speak English" shirt on. Reaction? None.
some artsy looking guy in a blazer
That really helps your argument. What does an artsy guy look like jonny?
sexual preferences, sure. But if walk up to you and say "[insert something you love] SUCKS!" you might just be tempted to kick my ass.
Not me and I imagine not many others. Why would I care that you think it sucks? That's your opinion. Good for you. posted by juiceCake at 6:46 AM on February 12, 2007
But if walk up to you and say "[insert something you love] SUCKS!" you might just be tempted to kick my ass.
Or if I liked inserting the something, I might really appreciate your kind gesture. posted by Kirth Gerson at 6:48 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
sexual preferences, sure. But if walk up to you and say "[insert something you love] SUCKS!" you might just be tempted to kick my ass.
Me personally? I doubt it. At the very most I might politely ask you to stop. Do you think that if I got offended easily I'd be posting on metafilter? posted by delmoi at 6:49 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
jonmc, I'm really starting to get sick of you trying to dominate and steer the conversation. I now understand why you got a timeout on mecha. You really need to step away from the keyboard once in a while. posted by knave at 6:50 AM on February 12, 2007
(And I don't just mean in this thread.) posted by knave at 6:50 AM on February 12, 2007
metafilter: WEBLOGGERS ARE PUSSIES! HTML SUCKS! posted by rsanheim at 6:50 AM on February 12, 2007
That really helps your argument. What does an artsy guy look like jonny?
Gelled short hair, tennis sweater under a frayed corduroy cardigan. But that's besides the pint, what he was doing with the gestures and faces was saying "Hurfdurf, metal fans are retarded." So, yeah I was a little insulted and the urge to smack him was pretty strong.
I was in Chicago and a guy gets on the train with a "Welcome to America: Now Speak English" shirt on.
The Korean woman at my deli wears the same shirt. It's a weird world. posted by jonmc at 6:51 AM on February 12, 2007
Usually I lay off these sorts of posts as they achieve little, but jonmc I really have to take issue with you about your useofviolence.
If you are so limited in your intellect that you cannot rise above harmless, albeit insulting, mockery, then you have an anger management problem and you need serious, professional help.
If you see personal violence as a legitimate response to all but the most extreme, personal danger and self-defence scenarios then I say again, you have an anger management problem and you need serious, professional help.
Seriously and sincerely - good luck with resolving your internal issues. posted by mooders at 6:51 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
I found it quite lame in the amusement dept. It reminded me of that Bruce Willis thing where he gets dumped in Harlem with a "nigger" sign of some sort.....kind of. If you read that 2nd link, the presenters were more about getting each other into trouble than they were specifically about raising the finger at the south. It could/would have been more interesting for them to explain it to people and get away with it. Ultimately lame. And I like TopGear.
[I disagree with knave. jonmc is expressing an opinion. I don't feel he's trying to dominate - and I've stuck it to him before.] posted by peacay at 6:52 AM on February 12, 2007
knave: there's probably no way to answer you without digging my hole deeper, but here goes. What I say is being misrepresented, so I'm clarifying. No matter what I do or say, somebody's going to have aproblem with it, so I'm just going to say what I actually think. posted by jonmc at 6:53 AM on February 12, 2007
If you see personal violence as a legitimate response to all but the most extreme, personal danger and self-defence scenarios then I say again, you have an anger management problem and you need serious, professional help.
hey, armchair freud, I didn't say I actually did slug the guy. I said I was sorely tempted to, and if I did he wouldn't have had any right being shocked. posted by jonmc at 6:55 AM on February 12, 2007
This was a girl wearing short-shorts and wearing a shirt that says "I enjoy sexual relations" who's acting stunned that somebody might get horny.
She's still allowed to say no.
Not that this situation is comparable. Or good television. Or even offensive. posted by hermitosis at 6:56 AM on February 12, 2007
Don't be an asshole, jonmc posted by logicpunk at 6:57 AM on February 12, 2007
I didn't say I actually did slug the guy.
So you *do* agree that a violent response wasn't appropriate?
No matter what I do or say, somebody's going to have aproblem with it, so I'm just going to say what I actually think.
And this doesn't apply to painted signs on cars why? posted by DU at 6:58 AM on February 12, 2007
I didn't say I actually did slug the guy. I said I was sorely tempted to
If you were sorely tempted to "slug" him, and feel he had no right to be shocked if you did, surely that means you saw it as a legitimate response. Which is exactly mooders' point. posted by matthewr at 6:58 AM on February 12, 2007
I'm having a hard time believing that people are taking this seriously. Went to radio? Bullshit. All in all, especially with the rain, these guys came across as a bunch of pussies. posted by klangklangston at 6:58 AM on February 12, 2007
what he was doing with the gestures and faces was saying "Hurfdurf, metal fans are retarded."
Probably, he's allowed to think what he wants.
So, yeah I was a little insulted and the urge to smack him was pretty strong.
You need a thicker skin. As a long haired hippy I didn't get gestures, but very vocal threats including a few physical. I never had an urge to smack any of them. The fact you had an urge to smack anyone for looking at you in the wrong way makes me think that arty fella was on to something. posted by twistedonion at 6:59 AM on February 12, 2007
Hmm, I remember having to join in with people intervening to stop a lad getting his head caved in for hanging up an Irish flag on the fence at a match at Swindon Town years back. And that was without any overtly provocative message. Maybe try a squaddie pub in Aldershot in an 'IRA - Undefeated Army' T-shirt? That'd test your mettle.
So, what does this tell us? That's right, the US doesn't have a monopoly on dickheads and Jeremy Clarkson is still an embarrassing munt. posted by Abiezer at 7:01 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Wait, HTML does suck. posted by Phanx at 7:01 AM on February 12, 2007
Tolerance at its finest. 60 years ago, your painted pickup truck would have been a non-white person making the wrong turn. And that person would have been in serious risk of losing life -- and at that time, we already had people stepping up to defend the right of the locals not to be "offended."
These people are dangerously backward. Black, Gay, French, Democrat, anything: you're not like them and you're being felt like a threat and they will do anything to deal with that. Bad. The point it: anyone in this thread will piss these people off one way or an other (posting on the Blue might be enough.) So: avoid this place. posted by NewBornHippy at 7:02 AM on February 12, 2007
And this doesn't apply to painted signs on cars why?
Because it wasn't an actual protest or social comment. Combined with the NASCAR and Country & Western signs, it was basically "Let's see if we can get a rise out of these hicks," and someone obliged.
I didn't say I actually did slug the guy.
So you *do* agree that a violent response wasn't appropriate?
Just not worth it. It was my regular bar and I'd never seen the asshole there before. But I was about 8 inches taller and 30 pound heavier than the guy, so seeing him shut his smart mouth would've been extremely gratifying. posted by jonmc at 7:02 AM on February 12, 2007
What jonmc said.
I'm all for asking for trouble. But don't be a pussy when you do. posted by bardic at 7:03 AM on February 12, 2007
This segment was just a small part of an hour long show. If you were offended by this little enticement of hick Americana, then you should really look for the part where they rolled through New Orleans. Mile after mile of complete destruction, even a year after the hurricane. posted by jsonic at 7:03 AM on February 12, 2007
dad voice/
Don't make me stop this car. If I have to stop this car, somebody's gonna get smacked.
You really hate the English don't you. Our tiny little country on the edge of Europe, and you can't bear it. We're smaller than you, weaker than you and you're intimidated by us.
Oooooh, I hope the rednecks hit them. Because of stuff and tea, and you know, stuff. And they've got those Snooty accents. And stuff. I'm gonna go down the Irish Bar on 19th and FuckAll Street and put money in the jar and sing Dirty Old Town. Because as geo-politically naive as I am, I'm not standing for their weird bad teethed English ways.
"Sinn Fein for Prime Minister"
I think the response to this in Britain's backwaters would be "Dude, Sinn Fein's a political organisation with historic links to the I.R.A. Not a frigging person. What are you retarded, or a Septic, or both or what?" posted by seanyboy at 7:03 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
And klangklangston too. posted by bardic at 7:04 AM on February 12, 2007
(Quit bunnyfiring jonmc. He's allowed to have an opinion even if you don't agree with it. And jonmc, ignore those doing the bunnyfiring. That's the only way to handle it that works.) posted by konolia at 7:05 AM on February 12, 2007
I seriously have a problem with the fuc*wits still sporting those obnoxious "W" and "Bush/Cheney" stickers on their vehicles!
I now know it's probably OK to just get medieval on their asses. 'Cause they're asking for it and should know better by now!
Thanks for the great advice! I feel so liberated to know I can justifiably unload on those ignorant asses.
there's probably no way to answer you without digging my hole deeper
I totally agree. As a friend, please listen. STOP DIGGING. posted by nofundy at 7:06 AM on February 12, 2007
(konolia, your attempted meme called. It just committed suicide. Sorry.) posted by bardic at 7:06 AM on February 12, 2007
FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! posted by ColdChef at 7:06 AM on February 12, 2007
But I was about 8 inches taller and 30 pound heavier than the guy, so seeing him shut his smart mouth would've been extremely gratifying.
I don't think the arty guy was on to something anymore, he was absolutely right (not about metal fans, I'm one myself) about you. posted by twistedonion at 7:08 AM on February 12, 2007
Damn uppity Brits!
Think they're superior to my good old boys!
I ain't having it!
Worse that the French! posted by nofundy at 7:08 AM on February 12, 2007
I now know it's probably OK to just get medieval on their asses. 'Cause they're asking for it and should know better by now!
Well if these same guys drove through the West Village with "Faggots Are Evil!" on their car, I wouldn't feel any sympathy if they got stomped either, FWIW. posted by jonmc at 7:09 AM on February 12, 2007
Ive been to the South, I've been to England,
I've been to the Gulf,
Of the three, the South US "Rural Louisiana in my case" was the most dangerous and the most ignorant. Not just too poor to learn, that can be forgiven, Hell Libraries existed, so did TV and the radio. No these folks seemed to REVELED in ignorance, wallowed and rubbed it in to their pores. Ate it and Drank it and damn well demanded you NOT point it out. I have never seem a backwards group in my life and the American south.
Jonmc, you are so wrong on this is scares me.
"HTML SUCKS!"
Does Compare to NASCAR SUCKS! and deserves about as much attention.
Beating someone for a "Hillary for president" sign must be about what you tolerate, but not ME! would she Suck at the Job, probably, wheel most likely. but that is neither here nor there,
Yes NASCAR SUCKS!
Yes, Most C&W Sucks too.
Man Love Sucks as well in more than one way.
I remember when Michael Moore drove A red 18-wheeler emblazoned with the Soviet hammer and sickle. And what did the noble south do? Arson..
Was it provocative? Yes, but it did point out the inability of some to articulate any argument with out resorting to violence. Seems some here either condone or welcome it.
That being said,
"Um, now I'm confused. Sounds like you're agreeing with me."
He's is not agreeing with you, yes, you are confused.. posted by Elim at 7:09 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
1) Top Gear is not a show about politics.
2) Top Gear is not a sociological travelogue.
3) Top Gear is not serious.
4) Top Gear is not real.
5) Top Gear is actually a sitcom about revelling in the absurdities of male obsession, and it's often hysterically funny. posted by flashboy at 7:10 AM on February 12, 2007 [6 favorites]
Thing is, this wasn't even the best part of the episode. Other highlights included Clarkson rigging up a shower in the car as he drove, unable to take the Florida sun, and pulling up to their campsite with a dead cow mounted to the top of the car for supper. I'll be the first to agree that Clarkson is a wanker, but that doesn't mean I can't piss myself laughing at his antics. posted by Orange Goblin at 7:12 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc, that's nonsense! How are "Faggots are Evil!" and "Man love rules OK" equivalent and equally deserving of a violent response? Sure, both are insulting, but one is morally wrong and the other is mildly provocative but hilarious. Responding with violence to labels on cars isn't OK anywhere, but I'm kind of with the Top Gear guys on this one. posted by matthewr at 7:13 AM on February 12, 2007
"Maybe you'd be a good person to ask who wrote 'Da Moon Rulz Number One' on my car with a key." posted by Mayor Curley at 7:13 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Really, generally it is wrong to hit people. But that does not mean that sometimes people don't ask for it. posted by Benny Andajetz at 7:14 AM on February 12, 2007
Listen, the guys on Top Gear pull shit like this all the time and believe it or not, there was some context and precedence to last night's show. Not much context apart from "Clarkson doesn't like America" but it really was part of a longer-running story and and only partially intended to poke fun at the dumb ol' rednecks.
I think the point (if there was one) was to point out that in most places you can paint whatever you want on your car and people will simply mutter "arsehole" and carry on. In this instance a truckload of thugs turned up and started getting handy with the sticks and rocks. Yes there was provocation but the response was (typically) disproportionate.
There were some very poignant scenes and comments when they reached New Orleans at the end of the show.
And dammit, I used to LIKE you, jonmc. I've no doubt you don't give a flying fuck what I nor anyone else thinks and more power to ya because of that but you're really not making any new friends recently. posted by NeonSurge at 7:15 AM on February 12, 2007
flashboy is totally right, by the way. posted by matthewr at 7:15 AM on February 12, 2007
I rather liked the "Hillary for President" sign. Them's fighting words down here.
Other things they could have painted on their cars, in order to provoke attack:
"RC Cola tastes flat!"
"Elvis was overrated! Even his Gospel recordings weren't that good!"
"Eat more vegetables!"
"Black men want to marry your daughters!"
"Sure, you won those beauty pageants as a child, but what have you done with the rest of your life?"
"We're changing your Main Street to MLK Blvd.!"
"Overalls make you look fat!"
"Incest is NOT best."
"Too much makeup, Lurleen!"
"Care about your environment!"
"The Bible is a work of fiction. Entertaining, sure. But fiction."
"Lee was a weak strategist!"
"Not to be condescending, but I think I'm better than you."
"Condescending means talking down to people." posted by ColdChef at 7:15 AM on February 12, 2007 [20 favorites]
jonmc, that's nonsense! How are "Faggots are Evil!" and "Man love rules OK" equivalent and equally deserving of a violent response? Sure, both are insulting, but one is morally wrong and the other is mildly provocative but hilarious.
I was making the comparison to the "Nascar Sucks" comment, which seemed like deliberate hick-baiting to me. posted by jonmc at 7:17 AM on February 12, 2007
Yeah, but firstly, civilised people don't respond to labels on trucks with rocks and violence.
i didn't see anyone throwing rocks ... i didn't see anyone offer violence ... what i did see was a bunch of jerky camera work, one woman yelling, a bunch of people and a dog arriving in a pickup truck, none of which seemed to be throwing any shadow whatsoever
then it is announced that "rocks started pelting our vans" and we see camera crews running over much darker ground throwing dark and definite shadows
conclusion - i don't think this is real, except for the upset woman ... you certainly would never get a conviction of anyone for anything based on this tape posted by pyramid termite at 7:18 AM on February 12, 2007
yeah, Chefster, for that I'd have to string you up myself ;> posted by jonmc at 7:20 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc's getting to predictable. I say we name a new rsident defender of the comman man(TM). posted by Space Coyote at 7:21 AM on February 12, 2007
and if you insult someone you should be prepared to face the consequences.
And if you assault someone (whether you feel insulted or not) you should be prepared to face the consequences. posted by spock at 7:21 AM on February 12, 2007
Guy: Rednecks are violent and intolerant.
Other Guy: No they are not and if you make fun of them don't be surprised if you get beaten up!
I have never before seen an argument that was quite as stereotypically funny as this. posted by srboisvert at 7:23 AM on February 12, 2007 [3 favorites]
But I was about 8 inches taller and 30 pound heavier than the guy, so seeing him shut his smart mouth would've been extremely gratifying.
You are the most tiresome personality on here. posted by jon_kill at 7:24 AM on February 12, 2007
What on earth is happening in this thread? jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked. posted by taliaferro at 7:24 AM on February 12, 2007
you certainly would never get a conviction of anyone for anything based on this tape
How many times must it be said? Top Gear = light-hearted motoring show. Top Gear ≠ investigative reporting about social attitudes. posted by matthewr at 7:25 AM on February 12, 2007
I rather liked the "Hillary for President" sign. Them's fighting words down here.
Among whites maybe. Among blacks, not so much. posted by spock at 7:25 AM on February 12, 2007
Did someone say 'Freedom of Speech™'? 'Land of the Free™'?
To follow on from what seanyboy is saying, everyone knows that USians are at Liberty™ to take the piss out of anything and everyone but God help anyone who does the same to them. I mean that is true isn't it? posted by i_cola at 7:25 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc hasn't hit anyone. Having the urge to smack someone is not a fault. In fact it can be a useful emotion in getting your point across.
mooders, your serious sincerity sounds more like condescension, IMO.
So you agree that "she was asking for it" is a valid rape defense? -DU
? jonmc gets annoyed when people are insulting and you think this likens him to a sexual predator. I don't see the connection.
Hoo Haa and bollocks posted by Shave at 7:25 AM on February 12, 2007
[/joking]
Forgot to close the tag... posted by i_cola at 7:27 AM on February 12, 2007
I hate arriving late to an argument and realizing that I hate the people supporting my opinion.
Or to be more precise, it's frustrating to find that a preceding speaker (or speakers) has polarized the situation in a way that makes your opinion appear to support theirs. Meh on the whole thread, alas. posted by LMGM at 7:27 AM on February 12, 2007
I watched the whole thing and found it hilarious (and I agree with flashboy). I got the impression they were genuinely unprepared for the reaction they got to their painted cars. They had done it for a laugh (and to get each other in trouble) but seemed truly shocked by the reaction.
And we don't get rain like that in the UK. Ever. And they don't usually drive $1000 cars. Yes, pussies, but understandably so, and the show sends this up along with everything else. posted by altolinguistic at 7:27 AM on February 12, 2007
This thread is no longer about Top Gear. It is almost as disapointing as [this episode of] Top Gear no longer being about cars. posted by Shave at 7:27 AM on February 12, 2007
Lotta people showing of their bigotry, their self-righteousness (and self-importance,) and belief in their moral superiority of their pop-culture tastes this morning. Especially interesting that there doing it over such a crap video. Anything to justify themselves, I guess.
On preview:What on earth is happening in this thread? jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked.
It's like how they see violence in the video. They see what they want to see, in order to justify their prejudices, and get all pissy when someone points that out. posted by Snyder at 7:28 AM on February 12, 2007
More inflammatory signs:
"Clint Eastwood's best movie was that queer Western where he sang!"
"Vince McMahon is a nice guy."
"Thanks for the biscuits, but no gravy for me, please."
"I have nothing against hippies."
"Legalize it!"
"Don't legalize it!"
"Crawfish are crap. Eat lobsters like a real man!"
"I question the President's judgement."
"Do we really need ALL of those guns?"
"Wal-mart does not have your best interests at heart."
"Koy and Vance were better than Bo and Luke."
"Mess with Texas."
"Charles Darwin makes a lot of sense."
"Peace in the Middle East."
Sticker of Calvin pissing on a Stuckey's. posted by ColdChef at 7:28 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
Wow, there are ignorant bigots in the south, who'd have thunk?
More startling news:
*Fat people get teased
*Celebrity culture is vapid
*Guys like hummers
This whole idea is stupid for a couple of reasons. These guys went into a snake-infested area with snake chow smeared all over themselves and then yelped "OMG SNAKEZ!!1!!1" So boo-hoo.
It's also worth a mention that they are driving around this place with placards that say, in essence, "If you can read this you are a stupid redneck! LOLREDNECKZ!" I've got news for you people: rednecks know when they're being insulted. and this stunt was a deliberate insult. A lot of people make the mistake that the southern accent somehow subtracts 20 or 30 IQ points right off the bat. Isn't it possible that these guys are pissed that these outsiders have decided to come into their community with no purpose other than to make fun of the residents? I would be pissed, and so would you.
This stunt is an obvious insult, obvious even to the "stupid rednecks" who live in that town, and demonstrates the cultural prejudice of the pranksters as clearly as it demonstrates the (already well-documented) bigotry of the intended targets. So, fuck Top Gear. posted by Mister_A at 7:29 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
"Rural England perhaps, but I have a feeling there are certain areas of London in which you do not want to be driving a truck that says "Soccer fans enjoy it up the bum" and "I enjoyed banging the queen"."
Geoff,
That's the funniest misunderstanding of what might provoke in "certain areas of London" I've ever seen.
I think it's the bizarre insertion of "enjoy" in your phrases as much as anything!
How many times must it be said? Top Gear = light-hearted motoring show. Top Gear ≠ investigative reporting about social attitudes.
you people are all set to convict someone of a crime here and you don't have any evidence ... period ... all i'm seeing is a bunch of self-righteous bullshit about rednecks and people don't even know for sure that the incident happened in the way top gear claimed it was
but let it be wmds in iraq, and by god, there better be real proof
consistency would be nice, even if it doesn't always help one's political views posted by pyramid termite at 7:30 AM on February 12, 2007
Guy: Rednecks are violent and intolerant.
Other Guy: No they are not and if you make fun of them don't be surprised if you get beaten up!
I think jonmc is saying that in this instance violence is an understandable response. That's all. posted by taliaferro at 7:31 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked.
"Melville makes Faulkner look like Grisham!" posted by ColdChef at 7:34 AM on February 12, 2007 [5 favorites]
It's not what, onion? Understandable or appropriate? Big difference there. posted by Mister_A at 7:34 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked.
But it's not. Ever.
So, you're saying that it's nonsensical, that you cannot understand whay it would happen? posted by Snyder at 7:34 AM on February 12, 2007
That was simply the worst FPP I've run across on Metafilter. Or at least the worst Youtube link I've watched. It all seemed like the sort of footage some corny hacks shoot and leave on the cutting room floor. A failed "social experiment" I guess? Padding it out with the terror of the thunderstorm and bad wipers was just pathetic. Truly worthless bullshit. posted by JBennett at 7:35 AM on February 12, 2007
It's also worth a mention that they are driving around this place with placards that say, in essence, "If you can read this you are a stupid redneck! LOLREDNECKZ!" I've got news for you people: rednecks know when they're being insulted. and this stunt was a deliberate insult. A lot of people make the mistake that the southern accent somehow subtracts 20 or 30 IQ points right off the bat. Isn't it possible that these guys are pissed that these outsiders have decided to come into their community with no purpose other than to make fun of the residents? I would be pissed, and so would you.
"Tolerance at its finest. 60 years ago, your painted pickup truck would have been a non-white person making the wrong turn. And that person would have been in serious risk of losing life -- and at that time, we already had people stepping up to defend the right of the locals not to be "offended.""
Have they started paying by the sanctimony here? You're seriously comparing this to, what, real racism? Some shoddy camera work and a bunch of nattering weenies being run out of town?
And the bizarro world defenses here— they went looking for a fight. They got yelled at and hid. Do none of you remember Kentucky Fried Movie's "NIGGER!"?
Christ, what a sloppy heap of masturbatory redneck hatin'. posted by klangklangston at 7:41 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Whatever slight tolerance I might have had for Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear just evaporated. What a juvenile, sophomoric stunt.
Seems to me they weren't being hassled for whatever idiotic slogans they painted on those cars, but for the condescending, insulting assumption that doing this would get a rise out of the Southern hicks - for being made fun of. posted by Flashman at 7:43 AM on February 12, 2007
It's not what, onion? Understandable or appropriate? Big difference there.
oops, not understandable. Unless the provocation is in itself physical and you are defending yourself. I just don't get people who honestly think that if someone "disrespects me and my beliefs I'll thump them so hard". Well that's going to make them reconsider their opinions isn't it.
Anyone who walks down where I live with "I love the IRA, loyalists are scum" will get killed. Beaten at the very least. Do I think that's understandable? Not at all. posted by twistedonion at 7:43 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmcwrites"Or even better, if someone came on to MeFi and said:
"WEBLOGGERS ARE PUSSIES! HTML SUCKS!
"You may not want to beat him up yourself but you probably wouldn't feel much sympathy if someone did."
I find it hard to believe that you seriously thought this up and then wrote it in a public forum. I seriously hope it's a joke.
Now if you went on Digg and said "Digg sucks! I slept with Kevin Rose's mom!" that might incur all sorts of threats, but that's mostly due to the Digg audience I think... not the sort of situation you'd be likely to get into on MeFi, or at least I thought so until I read this thread. posted by clevershark at 7:44 AM on February 12, 2007
God, I'm so glad I finally got the hell out of the South! posted by c13 at 7:44 AM on February 12, 2007
What amazes me is that of all the things to piss jonmc off, it's Nascar sucks? Not being an expert on all things Americana, but it's only a sport, surely?
I can't stand football/soccer. Everyone around me in the UK loves soccer. I just endure some good-natured verbal bashing about my love for other things, we move on. End of. posted by badlydubbedboy at 7:46 AM on February 12, 2007
Funny, if that's the most trouble they could manage to get into, I'd say things look pretty good for whatever town they were in. For such a 'violent response', it didn't look like anyone suffered injury or much of anything, other than a small adrenaline rush. That wasn't violence, it was melodrama. The show is much better when they stick to cars. posted by IronLizard at 7:46 AM on February 12, 2007
'Soccer is not football' might be a good thing to write on your clapped-out car in London. Also, 'If it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking German.' posted by Mocata at 7:46 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Well, it caused a hell of a ruckus here, so I'd say it did it's job. posted by opsin at 7:47 AM on February 12, 2007
"Melville makes Faulkner look like Grisham!"
Erskine Caldwell was an keen observer of the southern condition! posted by TedW at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Mocatawrites"'Soccer is not football' might be a good thing to write on your clapped-out car in London. Also, 'If it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking German.'"
Meh, you're assuming that this isn't already the sort of witty banter they hear from American tourists just about every day... posted by clevershark at 7:48 AM on February 12, 2007
I've never really heard that from American tourists to be honest. posted by Mocata at 7:49 AM on February 12, 2007
Well, that was unfortunate. But we can be thankful for one thing: at least Alabamans don't hate homosexuals nearly so much as the English hate the Jews. If they did, there would've been real trouble. posted by koeselitz at 7:50 AM on February 12, 2007
The English hate the Jews? Sounds like nonsense. posted by Shave at 7:51 AM on February 12, 2007
twistedonion, in your example, you claim you don't understand how somebody would get riled up if you poked a festering wound by bringing up a conflict that has lasted a few hundred years and continues today? I find that disingenuous. I think you do understand. Understanding it does not mean you endorse it. posted by Mister_A at 7:52 AM on February 12, 2007
jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked.
She shouldn't have worn that red dress? posted by Blazecock Pileon at 7:52 AM on February 12, 2007
Or if Alabamans hated man-love as much as Mel Gibson probably hates English Jews. posted by Mocata at 7:52 AM on February 12, 2007
The English don't hate the Jews. They just hate Israel.
Sheesh. posted by seanyboy at 7:56 AM on February 12, 2007
She shouldn't have worn that red dress?
I see you're continuing your willfull rove-ing of others. posted by Snyder at 7:57 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Well I hate the English, with their stilted style and emphasis on the long ball. posted by Mister_A at 7:57 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
What on earth is happening in this thread? jonmc isn't saying that violence is an appropriate reaction to any offense, he's saying that it is understandable if you are being willfully and transparently provoked.
Indeed! I note how it seems so easy for hip urban sophisticates, and Europeans as well, to make fun of Americans in the heartland. Much of that is deserved and I am not saying that one should never call out racism, homophobia, or bigotry, but the crap that this crew engaged in seems more like the "cool clique" making fun of the nerds in high school or like Wasps at an Eastern prep school making fun of the lone yokel who is there on a scholarship. In their own way, they showed that they have their own bigotry, snobbery, and stereotyping issues to deal with. But I am sure some of their best friends are Americans!
Plus I might add that most of the "rednecks" did indeed do nothing, it was just the owner of the gas station, and it was the Top Gear crew's own bigotry and desire to make fun of the local rednecks that set her off because she instinctively knew that they thought she was an ignorant fool and they were there to make fun of her in front of millions even before they opened their mouths.
You could do this in *any* country and get the same reaction if you wait long enough, even Sweden. posted by xetere at 8:01 AM on February 12, 2007 [4 favorites]
Mister_A nailed it. People know when they're being mocked. I also find it amusing that, far and away, it seemed that the NASCAR bit was by far the most egregious. posted by jimmythefish at 8:04 AM on February 12, 2007
Well, it's good to know all the bigots are conveniently concentrated in Alabama. Should make it pretty easy to avoid, wouldn't you say?
It scares me how simply dumb and blinded many reasonable people become on certain topics.
Nothing jonmc has said here is even the tiniest bit offensive or inflammatory, unless you WANT to make it that way. If you go looking for insult and offense, you'll likely find it, no matter what.
Interesting parallel to the story, huh?
Basically, many above are intolerantly screaming at jonmc over his lack of tolerance.
Oh my.
Let's also think about this story. Instead of it being in Alabama, what if this happened in Connecticut? Would all of your responses be the same? I venture to say not. In fact, I guarantee not. The entire thread would be a version of jonmc's "why are they acting surprised people are offended when they went so far out of their way to offend".
See, it's en vogue to rip on the South and Southerners. We're all dumb redneck bigots, remember?
I'd like to point out that anti-gay-marriage statutes and/or amendments have been passed in such redneck, backwards states as Ohio, Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and Oregon, and already on the books in such redneck, backwards places as New Hampshire. In fact, there are anti-gay-marriage statutes in 39 of the 50 states.
But yeah, it must be those dumb Southern Rednecks.
There are ignorant bigots everywhere. It would have been trivially easy to reproduce this experiment in Wyoming or Indiana or New York or California or Texas or Maine.
And by changing the signs, you could have done it LITERALLY anywhere.
Try putting up a huge sign that says "GAYS ARE NOT REAL PEOPLE" and drive through San Francisco. Think all you'll get is a slight nod of disapproval? I don't think so.
What about driving through Manhattan with a sign that says "9/11 WASN'T THAT BAD". Think that would provoke any kind of response? Or would the entire district be too highly educated and genteel to raise a voice of objection?
I'm not equating the MESSAGES... but I am equating the method. It would be TRIVIALLY easy to get local populations, anywhere in this country or another, riled to the point of at least voicing objection, which is all that happened in the clip.
God only knows how many gas stations they had to go to before they DID get a response. Maybe it was the first one, maybe it was the 20th, we'll never know.
Yes, there are some bigots in Alabama. There are bigots everywhere. And finding them is not hard. Actually, it's rather easy to find. Just set up a voting booth.
And those of you above equating "troublemakers look for and find trouble" with "woman asks to be raped" are simply so ignorant and shamefully stupid that you deserve no direct response. I'm glad you're going on record here not being able to see the difference. posted by Ynoxas at 8:05 AM on February 12, 2007 [9 favorites]
I'm not going to bother reading the jonmc portion of the thread. I'm just going to say my reaction, not having read anyone else's comments so I'm untainted.
What I saw was some folks who didn't appreciate being made fun of getting angry. They just wanted to put the fear of god into those boys, and from the sound of it ("This is god, punishing us."), they succeeded. You may disagree with these people's attitudes, but don't dehumanize them (even if they dehumanize you for being gay/black/tonedeaf), or treat them like animals in a zoo you can provoke for fun (and don't do that to actual animals, either, unless they're being jerks). That's part of the whole Christ thing that most people forget, the turning the other cheek and all.
What I would have said was that I was the victim of a prank and was on my way home/back to my hotel/looking for a respray shop a la GTA. I also wouldn't have had three separate cars pull into the same station at the same time, because then you lose plausible deniability. Also, hidden cameras.
They walked in expecting to get some "tee hee, stupid redneck!" footage, and they walked out with some that was "oh shit, angry redneck!" instead. I still love Top Gear, though. I mean, I'm laughing, just at the presenters (we call them "hosts") instead. posted by Eideteker at 8:06 AM on February 12, 2007
I might add that most of the "rednecks" did indeed do nothing, it was just the owner of the gas station, and it was the Top Gear crew's own bigotry and desire to make fun of the local rednecks that set her off
exactly right ... and all she did, as far as i can tell, is yell
but that's ok, folks ... the self-annointed at metafilter can just go on about how enlightened and superior they are as they get taken in by a video that's phonier than a 3 dollar bill posted by pyramid termite at 8:08 AM on February 12, 2007
I'm sorry, saxonY, but 9/11 just wasn't that bad. There were MOONINITES on lite brites in Boston, okay? Now thatwas some shit. posted by Eideteker at 8:09 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
What Mister_A said. I have a strong suspicion that what was actually most provocative was that they were obviously trying to be very provocative. And I think a lot of folks in a lot of places will be provoked by someone intentionally trying to provoke them more than they would be by merely the kinds of slogans that were painted on those cars. A better test of just how intolerant those Alabamans are would be a display of unwelcome beliefs that is apparently earnest. But that's not what happened here.
I'm not necessarily defending the typical rural Alabaman. I'm willing to believe that they're more intolerant even to the point of willingness to commit violence than is average in the rest of the industrialized West. But maybe they're not. This clip proves nothing, really. Except that this was a stupid stunt by some folks with very lowbrow senses of humor. Should we perhaps generalize about this show's viewers on that basis? Hmm. posted by Ethereal Bligh at 8:10 AM on February 12, 2007
It's like a strawman convention in here. posted by rocket88 at 8:12 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Quick, someone call the TopGear crew and let them know they've been raped. I'm sure they'll be as surprised as I am. posted by IronLizard at 8:14 AM on February 12, 2007
twistedonion, in your example, you claim you don't understand how somebody would get riled up if you poked a festering wound by bringing up a conflict that has lasted a few hundred years and continues today? I find that disingenuous. I think you do understand. Understanding it does not mean you endorse it.
Getting way off topic here, but sure, what the hell...
I understand that the hypothetical person who kills the hypothetical "shit stirrer" is insulted that someone would have the gall to walk through "their" area with the statements such as I described.
So, I do understand the insult and I understand the provocation. I still don't understand the outcome, regardless.
Unless you mean that I understand that there are people in the area who use violence first, and their brain cells second. That I understand only too well. But why the resort to violence? I still don't understand, no matter how disingenuous you think I may be. posted by twistedonion at 8:14 AM on February 12, 2007
Clarkson thinks he is funny and he is, just not the way he intends. He claims to hate being in the USA but he keeps coming back, perhaps because he likes the money. While he is here he manages to be disagreeable, perhaps because his teeth are hurting, and he keeps up a running patter about provincial attitudes. The man is a caricature of the ugly American. I often see British people in France behaving much like he does here. That's why I speak French to the British. posted by jet_silver at 8:18 AM on February 12, 2007
zomg LOL @ poms & seppos! posted by Jimbob at 8:19 AM on February 12, 2007
I just read that back to myself, what a fucking hippy I can be sometimes. Could someone come round here and knock a bit of sense into me? posted by twistedonion at 8:21 AM on February 12, 2007
Eideteker: not to derail, but this weekend I was discussing that with some people, and basically we all agreed that we would have been to ashamed to have raised the stink that Boston did.
I mean, how embarrassing that not a single person in the entire city government of Boston has any idea about a fairly common cultural reference.
Also, why were the fighter jets not scrambled in other cities that had the ads?
Bostonians. What a hoot.
Also: hippy disavows violence. Film at 11. posted by Ynoxas at 8:22 AM on February 12, 2007
RC Cola does taste flat. posted by ninjew at 8:24 AM on February 12, 2007
"What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?"
The truth? Absolutely nothing. I was recently in Northhampton and saw a large pickup at a gas station covered with "Pave Iraq" and "Freedom Ain't Free" stickers and sure, people stared and looked revulsed but nobody provoked the man or threw rocks at him!
To suggest that these diametrically opposed parts of the country only differ in their politics, not their tactics is foolish and sorely mistaken. It's about a bit more than that. Incidentally, it's the same reason why no environmentalist or gay rights activist or peacenik has attempted to assassinate Dick Cheney. posted by inoculatedcities at 8:28 AM on February 12, 2007
Ynoxaswrites"I mean, how embarrassing that not a single person in the entire city government of Boston has any idea about a fairly common cultural reference."
Are you trying to make people upset by making fun of Boston? That's sooooooo cute!
I think you'll find yourself a week late and several dollars short bringing this up. Boston has been the laughingstock of much of the world for their ham-fisted handling of "the mooninite affair". posted by clevershark at 8:29 AM on February 12, 2007
such redneck, backwards places as New Hampshire.
They hate it when you remind them of that. posted by Kirth Gerson at 8:30 AM on February 12, 2007
get up every morning slaving 'fore breakfast
so that every mouth can be fed
oh, oh, me mooninites posted by pyramid termite at 8:33 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
Well, that was unfortunate. But we can be thankful for one thing: at least Alabamans don't hate homosexuals nearly so much as the English hate the Jews. If they did, there would've been real trouble.
What would happen if five cars with giant handpainted "Abortion Is Murder", "Stop Killing Babies," "America: Love It or Leave It", and "Homosexuality is a Sin" signs rolled through Northampton, Massachusetts?
I'm sure there'd be some sharp letters to the editor! Hoo boy! posted by dhartung at 8:43 AM on February 12, 2007 [2 favorites]
[cue Deliverance banjoes]
I'm gonna make you limeys squeal like a pig!
It ain't hate, it's heritage. posted by nofundy at 8:45 AM on February 12, 2007
This thread makes the clip twice as funny. If not three times.
I always thought that the colonists took over the land in the Americas for the natural resources and general imperial expansionist ideals but I just realised that it was to create a nation that would have us in stitches for the rest of eternity. posted by i_cola at 8:54 AM on February 12, 2007
"Lee was a weak strategist!"
All I know is that ColdChef feller is asking for a wuppin'. posted by Carbolic at 8:57 AM on February 12, 2007 [1 favorite]
The key to avoiding overreaction to this provocative post is to dig between the black & white and focus on the grey:
1) Affirming slogans of viewpoint "A" are one thing, insulting slogans of viewpoint "B" are another. This fine line is almost always crossed and rarely focussed on.
2) Top Gear pimps it's content with melodrama as a cheap ratings grab. They were seeking a reaction and got it. However, this is not a justification of violent suppression in Alabama (red vs blue) any more than it would be in Quebec (english vs french) or Blackpool (muckers vs bisons).
3) Running is rarely cowardly as it defuses conflict. In this case it's ethically expected as they provoked the encounter. posted by CynicalKnight at 8:58 AM on February 12, 2007
Plus I might add that most of the "rednecks" did indeed do nothing, it was just the owner of the gas station, and it was the Top Gear crew's own bigotry and desire to make fun of the local rednecks that set her off because she instinctively knew that they thought she was an ignorant fool and they were there to make fun of her in front of millions even before they opened their mouths.
You know what? If she and everyone else at the gas station had NOT reacted... there'd be no bit for the show. If she isn't a fool she'd have recognized that and kept her mouth shut.
Now with all that's been said, I can't help but compare this to the college kids celebrating MLK with 40
Subscribe
posted by rhymer at 5:56 AM on February 12, 2007