Words from one Jeremy Clarkson, the Marmite of TV presenters.
This is from a column he wrote over four years ago [here’s a PDF of the whole thing if you are interested], but it still rings very true: maybe even more so now than it did then.
And yes, he’s divisive, and his columns are deliberately provocative: that’s how he works. But when the read the quote below, you’ll see that he is calling for unity and common sense, and it would be very odd if you didn’t agree with his sentiments here.
We seem to be annoyed by absolutely everything. Vegetarians are enraged by people who eat meat. Remainers are enraged by people who voted for Brexit. Poor people are enraged when a rich neighbour applies for planning permission to plant a hedge. There’s no tolerance at all. The middle ground has become as alien as Mars. And it’s got to stop.
Everyone. Tories, Muslims, young people, the elderly, migrants, rockers, hip-hoppers, Jewish people, vegetablists, white people, bacon enthusiasts, speed freaks, the fat, the fit, the timid, black people, policemen, Christians, vicars and socialists. If we want to live in a happy country, we’ve all got to come together as one.
And gang up on the cyclists.
You’ve nailed it, Jeremy.
Thank you.