POINT OF ORDER
Taking the piste out of 1% set is too easy
The ‘Davos Man’ elitist characterisation is popular but wrong in several important respects, writes Tim Cohen
By the time this is published, I’ll be well on my way to the World Economic Forum in Davos, ground central of the 1%. Actually, calling them the 1% is slightly insulting; they are the 1% of the 1%. So, obviously, I’m delighted to be going. What could be more fun than listening to people who are rich beyond belief explain how to solve the problems of the poor? As an exercise in pure mental gymnastics, it will surely be a sight to behold. It’s often said that every time you enter a movie theatre you unwittingly engage in a willing suspension of disbelief. Going to Davos means it’s necessary to engage in a willing suspension of cynicism. In normal circumstances, the "Davos Man" is absurdly easy to lampoon. But these are not normal circumstances. Political scientist Samuel P Huntington’s characterisation of the Davos set as out of touch, coined more than a decade ago, has come barrelling down the years to land unceremoniously in a smelly puddle on Davos’s doorstep. Huntington famously d...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.