What do you think of this cover photo?
Simple question: does this offend you?
Some people out there are saying they find the photo inappropriate.
Perhaps there is a connotative meaning to this photo. It is being compared to this:
I can see where people may draw that distinction.
I personally do not find it offensive. Then again, I am not an African-American.
So again I ask, whatever color you may be: Do YOU find this offensive or do YOU understand why it may be?
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
:: 
Does this offend me? Not really. I mean, yes, I see the comparison, but when I saw it, the first thing I thought of was Damn, LBJ is doin his thing, not that they made a racial mockery of him. And yes, I am an African American. But really, people need to hug it out. If you go around looking for latent racism, you will ALWAYS find it. Sometimes, let’s just chill on the shit, man. Here’s their thought process….I hope…
LBJ does that pose all the time. He’s always shown with that animalistic killer BBall player look. They prolly thought to just have his pose and insert pretty bitch for the magazine pose. I get it. If they were trying to offend, then they deserve this, but I doubt it.
Comment by Big James — March 27, 2008 @ 12:20 pm
I agree, James. If you look for racism, you WILL find it.
I’m with you though…let’s say forget all this b.s. For people to blatantly look for or to imply something along the lines of LBJ is King Kong-like, is ridiculous. If the photo shoot was meant to come off that way, then shame on them because they are doing nothing to help stop racism and stereotypes, only promote them.
Also, just to note to anyone that reads this, I’m not trying to promote or condone the image or ideas of racism…I am simply pointing out what people are saying and get people’s opinions about it.
Comment by Mike D — March 27, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Would the same connection be made if it was Kurt Nowitski holding the blonde model? I think that one must connote Black people with simians to make that connection. In such a case it is not the picture that is racist but the observer.
Comment by Wes Simpson — June 11, 2008 @ 11:23 pm
First of all, how can anyone say that to look for racism only results in finding it? Racism and prejudice is at a constant. The only difference today is that it’s hidden in such ads as this. This photo is an embarrassment to the black-community, and the fact that no one views it this way is even more embarrassing.
It seems that not even blacks can see the blatant racism on this cover. This only proves the media’s hold on us. It saddens me to hear blacks describe the photo as cool, impressive or just a representation of LBJ “doin’ his thing.” What the hell is “doin his thing” anyway? Why are you proud of it?
Also, why isn’t the model black? Why isn’t LBJ shown alone, or in a more interesting light? Considering this magazine is VOGUE, (which means FASHION in French) aren’t you curious as to why he’s in warm-ups as oppose to looking GQ in a suit and tie? If he were not a big, dark-skinned black man, let me tell you something, the magazine would have made damn sure he looked like the sexiest man alive.
PS: Som things you should know:
“I have a lot of respect for ESPN’s Jemele Hill, she has written a number of powerful, inforMative, insightful columns on race-related sport issues. But on this one she’s forcing the issue. Let’s break it down:
Hill has three main points.
1. They Wouldn’t Make a White Guy Do This:
LeBron is just the third male ever to appear on Vogue’s cover, but it’s hard to believe Vogue would have made Brett Favre, Steve Nash or even David Beckham strike his best beast pose. And even if Vogue had, it wouldn’t carry the same racial undertones as having a fear-inducing black man paired with a dainty damsel.
2. Blame LeBron, not Vogue:
Vogue deserves criticism, but more blame should go to LeBron and other black athletes, who need to exercise stricter control of their images. If LeBron is brave enough to wear a Yankees cap at an Indians playoff game, picking up a history book and educating himself shouldn’t cause a strain.
3. Style Trumps Substance:
As it is, LeBron was the first AFRICAN-AMERICAN male to grace Vogue’s cover. Too bad it will be memorable for the wrong reasons.”
http://www.fanhouse.com/2008/03/21/vogue-magazine-is-not-saying-somebody-should-give-lebron-james-a/
Please respond if you can I would greatly appreciate your opinions.
-kk
Comment by KK — July 19, 2008 @ 1:50 pm