Backlash over Economist chili cover is uncalled for
OPINION There has a negative and downright aggressive response to the recent Economist cover that featured an American flag made up of denim, stars and…
OPINION
There has a negative and downright aggressive response to the recent Economist cover that featured an American flag made up of denim, stars and chili peppers as the stripes. Some have said it is downright racist while others insist that reducing the entire Latino culture to a single fruit is offensive and narrow-minded.
This is the full cover of the recent Economist issue that has caused so much unnecessary controversy. (Economist cover)
The piece was meant to examine the role of Latinos in the U.S. and was overall positive about the future of Hispanics. Border security is at its strictest so the recent Latino population growths were due to U.S. births, not migration influxes.The piece also said educating young Hispanics is crucial for the future because they will eventually replace the older generation currently in power.
SEE ALSO: A ruling against Obamacare could leave many Latinos uninsured
Yet the underlying, well-meaning intent behind the Economist piece was dismissed because hardly anyone could move past the cover and really focus on the matter at hand.
On a personal note, I think the backlash is far too dramatic. Why are people so easily offended and quick to criticize yet so hard pressed to offer a helping hand that would actually be a step towards a solution?
Yes each Latin American country is diverse and unique, with its own special blend of people and culture.
But since when was it the norm for a simple, innocent cover to be the rage of the Internet, for the underlying issue to be completely overlooked and a simple choice of aesthetics be targeted as the continuation of racism and prejudice?
We forget that intent is vital when considering wrong actions. Was it the intent of the Economist team to offend Latinos? Of course not. They only meant to show that Hispanic Americans are “firing up” the economy and since chili peppers originate from Central America, they seemed perfect for a punny metaphor.
Foods around the world vary just as much as the people of those nations do. (Shutterstock)
It was a clever and convenient play on words, something any advertising guru will tell you is guaranteed to sell. There was no malice or intended racism in this design. If you were personally offended by the cover, fine. Don’t look at it. Don’t buy it. But don’t criticize a well-researched, well-meaning journalistic piece because your Hispanic country doesn’t grow chili peppers.
I’m a Hispanic American and you don’t see me getting offended when America is reduced to hamburgers, bacon and hot dogs. I don’t even eat meat! But I know that as an American, I have far more to offer the world than fatty foods and I have enough faith in others to know that as well. Just because I see chili peppers associated with Hispanics does not mean I will think every Hispanic eats them or uses them in their cooking.
Hmmm greasy food. Must be my favorite because I’m an American. Not. (Shutterstock)
For covers or visual displays of information, sometimes it is necessary to reduce the overarching idea to a single item for design sake. What looks better: a cover filled with randomly scattered and selected fruits from every possible Hispanic country so no one is offended or a cleverly and witty design that uses both color and word play to convey that Latinos are a threat to be reckoned with?
Let’s move beyond the surface and realize that racism and prejudice do not improve when outbursts like these are normal for the public to engage in.
Nothing is solved when individuals are scared of saying or doing anything out of fear of offending a Twitter-crazed maniac. Nothing gets solved with anger.
SEE ALSO: How do Latinos get their political news?
Imagine if everyone that had been outraged by the cover had posted something in reference to the actual role of Latinos in today’s American culture? Discussions would ensue and the practicality and relevance of such a large demographic would get people thinking.
Next time you are offended by something, rather than immediately leaping to blatant criticism, take the time to think if you’re really upset about something else and using a well-meaning article to vent your frustrations about the state of the world.
