Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

[Chaos81]

Bernie Ecclestone's comments on Danica. link

I don't agree with what he said, but I can live. If that's what you think, go ahead, it's your right. But what in the world are you doing saying something like that on live TV?

I was watching the coverage on Friday with a friend, and when he said it, we both turned, looked at each other and asked if we had heard it right.

[bravosfan]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

I'm not much of a racing fan, and I think Danica has gotten way too much coverage, but I was amazed when I heard that.

To be fair though, it didn't seem to me like he was completely serious. But you've gotta be smarter than that... joke or not, you cant get away with that stuff anymore.

[catcatch22]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

I wonder if they took that out of context, I would have liked to have heard the rest of the interview if he said something to reflect that he was joking. I just don't think he meant that in a demeaning way.

Not to make a mountain out of a mole hill but when a guy "like him" says something like that it makes me wonder how he feels about other topics like the lack of black drivers in the sport of auto racing. I would be frightened to see what he would have said if danica was a young black male.

Just a thought don't flame me for just for a different viewpoint.

[Chaos81]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

I wonder if they took that out of context, I would have liked to have heard the rest of the interview if he said something to reflect that he was joking. I just don't think he meant that in a demeaning way.

From what I remember, and I watched the interview live, he didn't say anything to show he was joking. From what I remember, he paused for a second before he said it. Like he was thinking if he wanted to say it or not.

Just a thought don't flame me for just for a different viewpoint.

I won't, don't worry.

[catcatch22]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

Ecclestone has made controversial remarks about women before. He told Autosport racing magazine in 2000 that women could not compete in Formula One, but if one did, "she would have to be a woman who was blowing away the boys. ... What I would really like to see happen is to find the right girl, perhaps a black girl with super looks, preferably Jewish or Muslim, who speaks Spanish."

Wow guess I was wrong about him not liking other races.

[Chaos81]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

Did you see that Danica said Bernie called her and repeated his statement to her?

[blackceasar]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

I wonder if they took that out of context, I would have liked to have heard the rest of the interview if he said something to reflect that he was joking. I just don't think he meant that in a demeaning way.

Not to make a mountain out of a mole hill but when a guy "like him" says something like that it makes me wonder how he feels about other topics like the lack of black drivers in the sport of auto racing. I would be frightened to see what he would have said if danica was a young black male.

Just a thought don't flame me for just for a different viewpoint.

You hit the nail on the head. I think some people who say "they are taking this out of context, bla bla bla" dont seem to understand the bigger picture here. If he made a comment like that, and pretty much said it like there was nothing wrong with it then its just a really good indication of his character and his "views" on things. he probably thinks all of us black folk should be pickin cotton still and asians should be building americas railroads again. I see the bigger picture here. Its kinda like if someone calls a mexicans (insert racial slur her) chances are hed probably call black people (insert racial slur here), etc. Its just a pattern of behavior. If Danica was a young black male he probably would have said something just as bad.....but you also have to understand he's an old man. That doesnt excuse it, it just proves that ignorance is just as present today as it was 50 years ago, even 100 years ago. Some people dont want to admit that or even believe that. But take it from me and personal experiences, walk in my shoes for a week and it would probably blow some of you people's minds. I try not to talk about it as much to people who havent really walked in my shoes because to be honest, until you do, and some people nver will (for reasons that are obvious), you just wont understand. You might be able to realate a little, but you wont evern completely understand.

As far as Danica getting too much coverage. ANYTHING that will give a sport thats not in the top 3 ala Baseball, Basketball and Football more positive coverage and exposure is a GOOD thing. You get people watching the sport who might normally wouldnt. You get newfound interest in the sport, and then you just broaden your fan base even more which just creates more revenue.

[gurantsu]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

I just read that! Ya know what, the more I take a look at whats happening in F1, the more they can kiss my ***. Why do I want to spend over $300 on tickets to watch a bunch of prima donnas come here and act like their sitting through their kids elementary school play?

They rag on our racing, they rag on our drivers, they rag on our tracks, they rag on the promoters. Funny, but the only screwed up race I saw last weekend came from F1. It's a shame, because I like the history of F1. But it's current form is an overblown mess, where money and politics have taken the place of racing and innovation.

I was debating on whether to renew my F1 tickets for next year, but it looks like a little munchkin made the decision for me. For all the money that gets thrown at them, you'd think they'd hire a marketing deprtment. Or at least a guy who can follow Bernie around to grab his mouth before he says something stupid.

[catcatch22]

Re: Bernie, what in the world were you thinking?

You hit the nail on the head. I think some people who say "they are taking this out of context, bla bla bla" dont seem to understand the bigger picture here. If he made a comment like that, and pretty much said it like there was nothing wrong with it then its just a really good indication of his character and his "views" on things. he probably thinks all of us black folk should be pickin cotton still and asians should be building americas railroads again. I see the bigger picture here. Its kinda like if someone calls a mexicans (insert racial slur her) chances are hed probably call black people (insert racial slur here), etc. Its just a pattern of behavior. If Danica was a young black male he probably would have said something just as bad.....but you also have to understand he's an old man. That doesnt excuse it, it just proves that ignorance is just as present today as it was 50 years ago, even 100 years ago. Some people dont want to admit that or even believe that. But take it from me and personal experiences, walk in my shoes for a week and it would probably blow some of you people's minds. I try not to talk about it as much to people who havent really walked in my shoes because to be honest, until you do, and some people nver will (for reasons that are obvious), you just wont understand. You might be able to realate a little, but you wont evern completely understand.

As far as Danica getting too much coverage. ANYTHING that will give a sport thats not in the top 3 ala Baseball, Basketball and Football more positive coverage and exposure is a GOOD thing. You get people watching the sport who might normally wouldnt. You get newfound interest in the sport, and then you just broaden your fan base even more which just creates more revenue.

Yeah I was thinking exactly what you said, didn't have the courage to put it in those words and so bluntly, cause since whenever someone tries to enlighten others about race, creed or sexuality into a topic like this someone always cries that your pulling the race card or what your saying is no longer relevant in these times bla bla bla.