The Economist Cover: Chili Pepper American Flag Cover Criticized for Stereotyping Latinos
The latest edition of The Economist, a current affairs publication, is raising eyebrows, particularly among the U.S. Latino community, with the cover depicting chili peppers and their role in "firing up" America.
The print edition's cover for the "Firing Up America: A Special Report on America's Latinos" report displays a piece of denim with 27 small stars and 19 red chili peppers to represent the U.S. flag. The cover has been criticized on social media for stereotyping the Latino population and has been branded as "racist."
The story itself, however, provides support for the Latino population. The article acknowledges border security is at its strictest and recent Latino population growths were driven by U.S. births, not migration influxes. The report did note Latinos "are poorer and worse-educated" compared to the American average but called for the demographic to be educated or "the whole country will suffer."
The authors then referred Latinos as "chilies," identifying their roles in high-school graduation, teenage pregnancy, interracial marriage and the desire to learn the English language.
"America has been granted an extraordinary stroke of luck: a big dose of youth and energy, just as its global competitors are greying. Making the most of this chance will take pragmatism and goodwill. Get it right, and a diverse, outward-facing America will have much to teach the world," concluded the article.
Latin Post contacted The Economist's press department for comment, but a response was not immediately returned.
On Twitter, reactions included:
You know what's a good way to see my "spicy Latin temper?" Reference my SPICY LATIN TEMPER.
— Carlos Maza (@gaywonk) March 16, 2015
It's too late to change the print cover of a magazine...but @TheEconomist should change their cover image on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/aR5CwNDPQX — Scott Rising (@Rising) March 16, 2015
@TheEconomist Id also like to point out that Venezuelans among others don't like spicy food... pic.twitter.com/ZY2VPWefg9 — Sofía (@So_FIAless) March 16, 2015
Dear #UK media. That embarrassingly idiotic and racist cover for @TheEconomist is what happens when you don't have diversity in the newsroom — Sunny Singh (@sunnysingh_nw3) March 16, 2015
How many Latinos work at the Economist? pic.twitter.com/U5kL8mrVfk — David V. Johnson (@contrarianp) March 16, 2015
The same print edition also included a feature piece about China. The article elaborates on China's growing transformation as an economic power, specifically in manufacturing. The main photo for the "Made In China?" story is a metal dragon, which has been a prominent fixture when describing culture stereotypes.
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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
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