Leading article: Basket case
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.If you want a rough and ready snapshot of they way we live, you could do worse than to root around in the basket used by the statistics office to calculate inflation rates.
In the 1950s, one of the items used to monitor changes in prices was the mangle. It's comforting to know that no matter how desperate things get today, those labour saving devices are unlikely to make a come back.
In the 1970s dried mashed potato was added to the list, the "superfood" of its day. Throughout the carefree noughties we gorged on muffins and fruit smoothies. No wonder we were so irrationally exuberant.
And now? What items define modern living in credit crunch Britain? What will come to symbolise the new austerity?
Welcome to the days of rotisserie and rosé. At least such retro treats will help to disguise the bitter taste of that economic medicine we are going to be forced to swallow. Bon appetit.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments