You could go further: maybe closet racists are sticking together, and with each uproar that is swept under the carpet, they get braver. Just as football fans were suddenly outraged that their heroes weren't allowed to do exactly what they want to whomever they want, perhaps Clarkson and his fans are incensed to finally discover that - hang on - no, you can't punch him, and no, you can't call him that. At bottom is the assumption that being accused of racism and told to moderate your speech is worse than racism itself, or indeed being than punched in the face. The clamour to defend the indefensible is really a campaign for the right to commit it.