Help me here. Do you find this an offensive remark or am I just being too PC?

In the Long Term Test update of the Mini Cooper S in Octobers' Car and Driver Magazine, they quote their in-house assistant art director as saying...."Longtime high school friend Kyle Pionek questioned my sexuality after seeing me in this car."

What? And this helps the reader evaluate the Mini Cooper how? To me it just sems like a stupid remark for a national publication to include in an article evaluating their long term test results.

I know there is another thread on this very article, but I'm surprised nobody mentioned this comment. Or maybe it's just me.

 

It just shows the ignorance of the average American male. A quick test drive usually changes that opinion, if their ego doesn't stop them from the thought of not driving an SUV or Pickup truck... I love C&D and it's sense of humor, I've been a devout reader for the past 20 years!

 

I think the fact that people get so easily offended these days is a bigger annoyance than any homophobe SUV drivers. Lighten up, it's just a humorous quip in a magazine full of them! :smile:

 

If the mag is indeed known for their little quips, then that's all it is. No harm done.

Such a "wink and a nod" comment seems full of all kinds of clever meanings depending on the reader. It may be a tweak at trendy cars...or underpowered cars....but may just as easily be (in a reverse kinda way) a tweak at people who make silly snap judgements based on these same things.

Clever, imo............ya gotta love the English language and people who know how to use it.

 

Well, at least he didn't ask him if he enjoyed circus life!

 

Offensive- No. Stupid- Yes.

Overall, I like Car & Driver. I've been a subscriber for many years. They are usually entertaining with their commentary, but in this case, just kind of dumb.

Nothing to be angry about, IMO.

 

Good feedback....perhaps I am too PC. Living in California all these years has finally gotten to me. I'm off to lighten up now.....

 

I don't find it clever....it's too trite! LOL! Not bad enough to get too ruffled, though, Belmontman. Just shows a lack of imagination.


Clover

 

If you think it is a "stupid" remark (I think it is) then write to the editor and say so. In this day and age it is not appropriate to have comments like that as they add no value to the review. It doesn't make me want to read any more C&D articles by that author/editor.

 

Its funny because I am in high school and everyone thought my mini was a fruity car until I decided to take one of them for a ride for lunch. Now everyone wants a ride. I think people are really just ignorant and don't have any sense of style.

 

I agree with minihune. C/D was wrong and they just don't get it.

 

When you hold 6K rpm in 2nd at 55 mph and move around at will,most folks are amazed:smile:

 

The young, and the unworldly,usually make fun of new and different people and things. Even Ralph Nader later printed an apology to Corvair. People who make unkind comments , other than in jest, are showing a general lack of wisdom. To become upset w/ this fact, just lowers oneself to that level.
At an age pushing 60 yrs I often think of my high school years and have to give credit to the patience of adults. It's a wonder, that at that age I was'nt slapped silly, just for my Attitude!


Motor on MINIs
Joe
04 JCW MCS all CR

 

Driving a Mini is in no way a reflection of ones sexuality but ones intelligence and the desired to have fun. But speaking of gay! Driving a SUV or a Hummer is totally gay, I take that back, its not gay its totally DUMB! Driving a vehicle designed to be driven on the off roads and "urbanising" it is totally weird in my book. Its funny to see a huge vehicle transporting nothing but 1 passenger wasting gas and performance. Funny how its popular to drive a SUV or Hummer (actually a redneck pickup truck with a top and seats in the rear bed) and think its cool. IMO... I think your friend is just jealous that he wasn't smart enough to think of buying a MINI.
Larry

 

Belmontman- Did you know that in Chicago, Belmont Ave is a popular location for the gay community? When I first saw your name and your post, I thought you were kidding around. :smile:

 

It seems the authors' friend Kyle represents typical american male ignorance regarding prejudice and sexuality. That said, I don't think the statement is offensive, rather that you can deduce that the MINI still polarizes average public; bringing out their true colors in some regards.

$0.02,
Ryan

 

unfortunately the line has some truth in it, especially when people don't like something / someone they call it "gay." that's the problem right there. not the article, just the general association of gay being something bad.
i find it rather insulting when someone says to me "oh my god that's so gay." in reference, say, to the fact that their professor gave them a 200 page reading assignment.

just my 2 cents.
christina.

 

No I didn't, (I'm Belmontman because I live in Belmont, California), though I have been to Chicago twice now...what a great city! Great food, great architecture, great people. If only they could raise the temperature during the winter I would love to move there. (I'm a major weenie when it comes to the cold). :smile: