Pundits Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May began a segment on the first-ever Mexican sports car by asking why someone would even want a Mexican sports car if cars reflect national characteristics.
“German cars are very well built and efficient, Italian cars are a bit flamboyant and quick and Mexican cars would be lazy, feckless, flatulent and overweight,” says Hammond in the video, which is now difficult to find on the internet.
“They can’t do food the Mexicans,” adds May. “It’s all like sick with cheese on it. Refried sick.”
After a couple more “jokes,” Hammond adds: “I’m sorry but just imagine waking up and remembering you’re Mexican.”Clarkson responds: “You could just go back to sleep again.”
Clarkson, known for his borderline offensive jokes added: “There won’t be complaints about this because the ambassador will be sat with the remote control in the Mexican embassy like this (Clarkson pretends to snore).”
Top Gear is famous in the United States and the UK for outlandish pranks and jokes but complaints immediately flowed into the BBC with the Mexican ambassador to the UK, Eduardo Medina, particularly riled.
“These offensive, xenophobic and humiliating remarks only serve to reinforce negative stereotypes and perpetuate prejudice against Mexico and its people,” read a statement that also demanded an on air apology.
One 30-year-old Mexican student in the United Kingdom, Iris de la Torre, is attempting to sue the BBC under new equality laws. Her lawyers claim it could cost the BBC 1 million pounds in damages.
Soccer star Hernandez has been given rave reviews for his performances on the field in English this season and Spanish-language sports daily Record says he has lent his name to a Powerade commercial. Chicharito is on the poster with words on his shirt reading:
“Yes, imagine waking up and remembering you are Mexican.”
Underneath is the slogan: “Less prejudice, more exercise.”
The BBC issued a statement Thursday apologizing for the comments: “Our own comedians make jokes about the British being terrible cooks and terrible romantics, and we in turn make jokes about the Italians being disorganized and over dramatic; the French being arrogant and the Germans being over organized.”
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is due to visit Mexico later this month.
Just hours after the controversy blew up, the British embassy in Mexico City tweeted: “300,000 British tourists visit Mexico every year, and come away struck by the Mexican warmth, hospitality and the beauty of this country.”
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ReplyDeleteany thoughts?
ReplyDeletei'm mexican and i am not upset. i like the british humor and mexicans should relax and make fun of them too. no need for an apology.
ReplyDeleteThere was nothing clever or funny about what these so called comedians said. If the Germans, French and Italians let others talk this way about them, its their choice. Mexicans are too proud of their culture/country to just let this happen. I was offended, because even as 'humor' it perpetuates stereotypes that should, instead, fade away.
ReplyDeleteHow stupid you are #RichardHammond and #JeremyClarkson! I am sorry but, imagine waking up every morning knowing you guys are the worst comedians ever!
ReplyDeleteFreedom of expression ends when you invade others people Freedom!
ReplyDelete