IT started with another portrayal of Scotland as a nation of blue-painted, See-You-Jimmy hat wearing rogues - and ended with a trending twitter hashtag asking for “ordinary” indy supporters to stand up.
The Economist caused annoyance online earlier when it shared an article on the "gamble" of independence and used another image of the well-thumbed Scot stereotype to illustrate it.
For a country of 5m people that depends on two sputtering industries, going it alone would be a serious gamble https://t.co/oxpPS9OElA
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) February 20, 2017
This isn't really a change of pace for The Economist either. Their front cover ahead of the independence vote in 2014 used the exact same trope.
This week's cover preview:
— The Economist (@TheEconomist) July 10, 2014
Don't leave us this way
Why Scotland should stay in Britain
July 12th – 18th 2014 pic.twitter.com/rlmIcEatQg
Sylvina Tilbury had had enough of this particular portrayal of Scots, and responded with a tweet of her own saying "I'm a 40 year old English-born, married, working mum of two, and I support Scottish Independence. Join in if you do too."
I'm a 40 year old English-born, married, working mum of two, and I support Scottish Independence. Join in if you do too. #OrdinaryScots4Indy
— S Tilbury (@caorach) February 19, 2017
Tilbury told The National she began the hashtag because of "the Economist article that was illustrated with a blue-faced raving Braveheart-type Scottish man."
"I felt it was really important to put on record that the vast majority of independence supporters are ordinary people with ordinary lives who just want the best future for their families."
It wasn't long before others began to share their own stories of "ordinariness" using the hashtag #OrdinaryScots4Indy and soon it was trending across Scotland.
Here are some of our favourite responses, including a couple from our very own columnists:
Mid-50s gay Glaswegian widower after 25 yrs marriage to Englishman, engaged now to American. Never worn blue face paint. #ordinaryScots4indy
— Paul Kavanagh (@weegingerdug) February 20, 2017
I'm a 53 yr old English working mum of five, I was a member of WFI Nat exec for 4 years and I support Indy Scotland. #ordinaryscots4indy
— Sue Lyons (@Squidge142) February 19, 2017
I'm an ex-British Army Squaddie with 25 yrs served, who recognises when he's not in a partnership of equals. #OrdinaryScots4Indy https://t.co/NZXSCqKgjj
— Johnny YeSNP! (@SoldierAye) February 19, 2017
#OrdinaryScots4Indy Mum of 2, Team member of wee business, Braveheart IS NOT historically correct, it`s a movie. Independence is normal.
— Miss Donna Babington (@MissBabington) February 20, 2017
23 years old. German born, Scottish Bred. Voted no in 2014 and now supporting Yes all the way. #OrdinaryScots4Indy
— Matt Wilson (@TheMattyWilson) February 20, 2017
Yorkshire born, 54, lived in Scotland 14 years. I want Independence for The country I call home. #OrdinaryScots4indy
— Jayne Aerial (@trapezer) February 19, 2017
I'm a 40 yr young working/student mum of two kidadults in north scotland lifelong supporter of indy Scotland #ordinaryscots4indy
— Joan Lawrie (@JoanLawrie76) February 19, 2017
#OrdinaryScots4Indy I'm a 41 year old nurse with 2 young kids. No other option for Scotland now than indy #indyref2
— corstaidh etheridge (@kirsty_etherson) February 20, 2017
29yr old Ex-British Soldier, voted YES in 2014, will vote YES next time as well #OrdinaryScots4Indy
— Seaghán Higgins 🇪🇺 (@ShaunH22) February 20, 2017
#OrdinaryScots4Indy
— David (Bubbs)Menzies (@MenziesDavid) February 20, 2017
I'm a 49 year old self-employed Painter&Decorator fi Edinburgh who believes that self determination is normal.
And finally, there is always Angry Salmond...
There's no such thing as an ordinary Scot for independence. The second you back 'Yes', you level up to extraordinary! #OrdinaryScots4Indy
— Angry Salmond (@AngrySalmond) February 20, 2017
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