And judging by these posts, Clarkson has met his objective....

He reserves his real disdain for those who take him seriously. Mind you, yes he is a bully, he is boorish and he is very entertaining.

The trick is to enjoy him rather than try to understand a parody that doesn't exist. I watch Top Gear, read his columns and enjoy his many attempt to provoke outrage. Doesn't mean I have to agree with either the person or his alter ego, but by putting the boorish persona forward, he allows people to either laugh with him or at him. I don't think he worries which as long as they laugh.