Contextual Analysis: The Most Wanted Man in Television.

Who is Jeremy Clarkson? If you have to ask you probably have been busy keeping your corvair from spewing gas from every rock that flips up or wondering where Walter White got that sweet aztek. Jeremy Clarkson, the main host with co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond are the life blood of the BBC’s most popular show. Top gear, hailed as one of the most popular factual program by Guinness Book of World Records, has a viewership of about 350 million in 212 countries.

Jeremy, known for is witty, yet abrasive sense of humor, has caused several controversies in the last few decades. Since 2002 Jeremy has been involved in many incidents and comments ranging from “little Hitler bastards”, Mexicans, Asians to mouthing the n-word, and homophobic slurs. It seems that nothing is off limits to Jeremy Clarkson. That includes verbal assault and physical violence to his fellow staff. 

On March 10^th while filming near Hawer, North Yorkshire, England, Jeremy returned to the Simonstone Hall Hotel to discover the kitchen closed and no hot food prepared. What waited for him were cold cut sandwiches which infuriated Jeremy. He verbally assaulted Oisin Tymon and then ended up hitting him several times for about 30 seconds. That 30 seconds was enough to crumble one of the most iconic television shows in history. 

This quite possibly could be the last episode of Top Gear produced. 

Jeremy was immediately suspended from the show, the upcoming episode that week was cancelled and the two remaining episodes of the season were pulled. BBC chairman Tony Hall announced an investigation into the "fracas" and would make a determination on Jeremy and the Top Gear show. This is when social media decided to take things into their own hands. The twitterverse quickly created  #bringbackclarkson as a way to start a movement to bring back Jeremy.

The Psychological context of this event was seen from all over the world as people react to this crazy event. There was anger, outrage and disgust that the BBC would suspend Jeremy, much less cancel the last two remaining episodes of the season. On the other hand many felt that Jeremy got what he deserved, were supportive of the actions by BBC officials. Clarkson supporters were so passionate about their loved Jeremy that they started an online petition to let the BBC know that they wanted him back. This support lead to the largest Online petition on Change.org. This single petition has set the record for highest signatures EVER at 1.06 Million signers. As a side note, a petition was started over a year ago to "Sack Jeremy Clarkson" with little success. Up to a month ago there were only 750 supports and then, as the Internet does, it got a little push and now stands at over 7,500 signatures.

Trending of Top Gear and Jeremy Clarkson

As I looked at the social context of the event Jeremy seems to be the one thing that sticks out like a sore thumb. He has been given so much power by the people, the company and society as a role model he believes that he is justified in his actions. As mentioned before, he has had numerous complaints and warnings for his behavior, but nothing has happened. Because there have been no major consequences, he begins to feel untouchable. The role of an actor and employee has become blurred and gives the image that "I can do anything" whenever he want. The company went through an investigation and determined that Jeremy Clarkson had "crossed a line", would not have his contract renewed and that he was no longer employed with the BBC. These types of incidents and rule breaking are typically not allowed or tolerated.

The cultural context really shines a light on the differences between The United States and United Kingdom. As a culture, the United Kingdom is believed to be more established and often considered more civilized in the world. They established and influenced many of the foundational beliefs of our country, but also paved the way for more "out of the box" thinking. The United States may be more powerful in influence, business and military power, but often times, as an ally, we look to the UK for input on a global level. The influence and power of military are one of the tools that countries use as a way to show power and dominance, so much so that the petitions that were signed and gathered were delivered to the BBC headquarters driven by a tank with "The Stig" on board.  

As a entertainment society things are just as different. The UK standards of television are a lot more relaxed than US standards often allowing more nudity. Top Gear has a international following, and also national icons in Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Despite these icons, the BBC still followed through with action. If this was the US, most stars would get a slap on the wrist, given a warning or a temporary suspension. Very rarely are companies willing to fire arguably the most famous TV personality and risk losing $50 million a year and face heavy fines. US stars like Kayne West whose actions push the boundaries of stars behaviors, was not reprimanded, but idolized and glorified. This shows the differences between the two cultures with one saying we will not allow it and stand their ground even it it means losing revenue. BBC director-general Tony Hall issued a statement that sums it up saying: 

"Common to all at the BBC have to be standards of decency and respect.  I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion.  A member of staff – who is a completely innocent party – took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature.  For me a line has been crossed.  There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations."

The temporal context reveals how these events played out in real time. The incident happened the weekend of March 8th but wasn't reported until March 10th when Jeremy himself reported it to the directors. Within the first 24 hours after the cancellation notice, 300k people petitioned for Jeremy's return and the continuance of the last 3 episodes. On March 12th Prime Minister David Cameron commented on the event and by the 13th 800k petitions had been signed. On March 19th James May and Richard Hammond discussed continuing Top Gear stating they "didn't want to do it without Jeremy". On March 25 the BBC made their final decision to not reinstate Jeremy, Richard, and James's contracts, the Top Gear Brand quickly changed it's website banner, removing the three hosts and replacing it with solely "The Stig".

  
Since March, there have been two major developments in the story. First is the sudden backlash from the public and supporters of Clarkson. Death treats were made to BBC director Tony Hall, his wife and producer Oisin Tymon among others as Tony Hall and his wife went under 24-hour protection. Second was probably the best news Top Gear fans could have expected as this unfolded. Jeremy agreed to "keep quiet" about his firing in order to keep the ability to do the show "Top Gear Live", a live action motoring theatre show that was re branded to "Clarkson, Hammond and May Live".

In the last few hours (4/23/15) things have shaken up quite a bit in the Top Gear world. First thing that was reported was BBC officials promised to show the last remaining episodes with the help of some creative editing. Kim Shillinglaw confirmed that footage of Jeremy Clarkson would be used to create a show that would air this canceled footage. Secondly, James May has confirmed that he would not return to the show for Season 23 (if it were to continue) without Jeremy. Mays stated "it would be a bloody tough call to do Top Gear without Jeremy, that would be a daft idea" and remarked that "the BBC haven't completely closed the door on Jeremy's return. They've not banned him or fined him, only just not renewed his contract for the moment. Its a subtle difference but an important one". Lastly, as plans for the 23rd season were being made, longtime executive producer Andy Wilman resigned from the show. Andy helped to reinvent the show and create the current format that so many people have come to love. The future 23rd season will definitely turn out to be a completely different show with these new changes.  

I have had an interest in this show because it is my favorite TV show, Period. I do not agree with the remainder shows of the season being cancelled, Jeremy being fired along with Richard and James contracts not renewed. However I do have to respect the fact that what Jeremy did was not right and needed some sort of discipline. Social media played a large part of the press, because it showed that people were able to come together about something that millions of people value and take action, any action that was possible. The records of signatures on the petition shows exactly that. Unfortunately they were not able to make a difference in Top Gear, but I believe they were able to influence the Top Gear Live program. The BBC was willing to take a risk and stand up for its beliefs and morals and so I will support one of the hardest decisions in British television history.