Here we go again. Let’s debunk the myth of the terms ‘third world’ & ‘developing countries’. They are emancipatory not derogatory, used to represent a shared historical & contemporary condition of being at the receiving end of an imperial & extractivist global economy. 1/6 https://twitter.com/laurahoemeke/status/1253095874546274304

The terms are used to demonstrate solidarity among states and communities that continue to be marginalised from global economic & political power (some despite impressive GNI growths in the postcolonial period). 2/6

The terms global north & global south (although I use them sometimes reluctantly) are problematic as they erase these underlying asymmetries & thereby fundamental inequalities between states & people who live in them 3/6

The terms ‘third world’ & ‘developing countries’ are used as powerful bases for claims for an equitable redistribution of global resources & political power 4/6

It is therefore ironic that calling for their erasure is considered a form of decolonisation. On the contrary, not using them erases the colonial legacies & contemporary inequalities & this is deeply problematic & counter-productive 5/6

Words matter it seems so use them wisely. 6/6