Can you understand why so much fuss is being made of Martin Brundles comments about Pikeys at the Canadian GP?

Question

Commentator and Ex racing driver Martin Brundle is being investigated for saying In an interview with Bernie Ecclestone before Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Brundle referred to repairs being made to the track.

"There are some pikeys out there putting down new tarmac at Turn 10. Are they out of the way yet?

Is that really so offensive? Why is this different from being called a chav or toff?

Answer 1

its because the PC police have gone into over drive... the whole mess is beyond pathetic its down right stupid... First and foremost, "pikey" is a term to describe gypsies... and guess what a gypsy isn't a race its a way of life that people choose.  Somehow some idiot has come to the conclusion that deciding to live in a trailer is a race... I guess using that theory that we in the US have some forgotten races of our own.. the venerable Rednecks and the oft misunderstood Trailer Trash....   sad really.

Answer 2

I dont find that offensive.

Answer 3

well everythings changing now ............

Answer 4

I have gypsy friends and I call them pikeys to their face. they don't give a toss so why should the PC brigade. i tell you, its just going too far now

Answer 5

due to the "sumwhat wounderful" time we live in - eberyting you do is against health nd saftey or wrong - because a pikey is a tramp/vagabond - it is seen as discriminating the "tramps" - but then how many tramps were watchin the f1 on sunday?

Answer 6

Personally I didn't find it offensive but I'm no Pikey.

Isn't this word used to offend or demean anyway?

I think a "reprimand" should be on the way but trying to make an example out of Brundle and making such a big issue is somewhat nauseating.

Answer 7

It saddens me that there is so much fuss over something so pathetic. If a race driver swears in a interview, there is just an apology made by the interviewer and that's the end of it. The same Principal should be used here, if a FIA boss can get away with adultery, a well respected commentator should get away with a very slightly inappropriate word.

Answer 8

Its annoying, the minute he said it, i knew there would be trouble. Call it a PC detection-ometer!

ITV can arrange their inquiries and, of course, nothing will happen. I read somewhere that Brundle should be sacked. . .now if THAT isn't a knee-jerk reaction. . .

Answer 9

why is an entire investigation being conducted!

its pathetic!

I think F1 needs to get back to a proper state of mind. This is just ludicrous