As a long time reader (and once a contributor) of The Economist, I can safely say, it is one of the best magazines in the world. It is articulate, concise and offers an opinion that is never unjust. The magazine eschews hyperbole so common in my chosen profession and it uses the language of Shakespeare to maximum impact. It is hardly a surprise that folks like Jason Pontin (ex-Red Herring and now MIT Technology Review) find it a role model.
The Economist has been an inspiration for our company. However, sometimes they let their colonial biases emerge in the language they use or the stereotypes they use in their cartoons and magazine art. It is fairly disappointing to see such a classy operation have these moments of brain freeze. It is unbecoming and hopefully they can take time to review their decisions.Â
Hi Om, I’m also a long-time fan and reader (and one-time contributor to) The Economist. They have, over time, used provocative language and/or imagery, but I generally feel it’s less about imperialistic undertones and more “macho” (male over female). That said, to me it seems more motivated by a desire to provoke readers and make them think/react than to be balanced. My first thought after seeing the image above is when one of the eastern states lost their car plant to Gujarat.
I appreciate their writing – and more often the writing of those who have moved on. They not only retain the bias of failed colonialism; but, loyalty to the class that profited from colonialism – while it lasted.