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:

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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