Cartoon of PM Modi in Norway’s biggest newspaper sets social media on fire; users call it “absolutely disgraceful” | Today’s news
Aftenposten, Norway’s largest daily newspaper, published the opinion of journalist Frank Rossavik. The article features a caricature of PM Modi as a snake charmer.
The caption reads: “A smart and slightly annoying man”.
The cartoon set social networks on fire. Users started expressing their opinions on the article. It was originally published on May 16 but only surfaced after PM Modi’s visit to Oslo.
Reaction on social networks
Numerous comments on social media called the cartoon “derogatory” and “racist”.
“Frank Rossavik and Aftenposten have created a lazy, racist caricature of PM Modi as a cross-legged snake charmer pulling a fuel nozzle out of a bin, the kind of tired colonial blather one expects from a fading European rag desperate for relevance,” a social media user responded, calling the post “absolutely disgraceful”.
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“Frank Rossavik spewed racist and derogatory venom at PM Modi with his caption ‘Sneaky and a bit annoying man.’ Frank Rossavik can be closely associated as an advocate and supporter of George Soros who has openly spoken of being Anti-Modi…” another user wrote.
Another user wrote: “The West has completely run out of structural arguments. When they can’t beat India in GDP growth, can’t match India’s digital public infrastructure, and can’t stop India from anchoring global supply chains, their only tool left is to pull a racist snake charmer cartoon.”
“This cartoon is blatantly racist. What also stands out is the irony. PM Modi talked about how the world used to think of India as ‘the land of snake charmers.’ And now, during his visit to Oslo, a major European newspaper is portraying him as exactly that,” chimed in another.
Read also | Prime Minister Modi conferred Norway’s highest civilian honor during his visit to Oslo
Another user commented: “An image accompanying an article on India’s foreign policy revives outdated colonial stereotypes that many find disrespectful and out of touch with today’s global reality. As India continues to play a confident, multi-faceted role on the world stage, such depictions only serve to highlight lingering prejudices. It’s a shame.”
“Norway’s biggest newspaper just published a caricature of PM Modi as a snake charmer, calling him a ‘sneaky and slightly annoying man’.” This is not journalism. It’s colonial-era racism disguised as commentary. Unable to accept the rise of India, they fall back on the same tired stereotypes their grandparents used. The mask slips off every time,” another user wrote.
What is written in the article?
The article, written ahead of PM Modi’s visit, begins by saying, “On Monday, the Prime Minister of the world’s most populous country will pay an official visit to Norway. The main focus is the Indo-Nordic summit in Oslo on Tuesday, the third since 2018.”
Cartoon of Prime Minister Modi in Aftenposten, Norway’s leading newspaper(Screengrabs from Aftenposten)
“Why does the leader of huge India care about a group of small countries in the northwest? The Nordic region has expertise in wind energy, green technology, digitization and more. The Nordic region is also a gateway to the Arctic, an area of interest for all major powers,” the article continued.
Read also | PM Modi calls on EU to partner with India for stability and sustainability
“Where Donald Trump says ‘America first’, Modi says ‘India first’. But she can’t keep up with rockets and bullying. Modi travels, nods and smiles, talks and signs trade, technology and other agreements with everyone. In his opinion, the countries of the world should learn from India,” the article continues.
