Find » Arts & Entertainment » Lebron James/Gisele Bundchen Vogue ...

Lebron James/Gisele Bundchen Vogue Cover Controversy

By Jessica Ann, published Mar 26, 2008
Published Content: 95  Total Views: 24,315  Favorited By: 3 CPs
Embed:  
Rating: 3.0 of 5
It was a few days ago that I started seeing ads on the controversy of the Vogue cover with LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen, but never heard what the issue was. I studied the picture on the cover of Vogue every time it came on TV and no matter how hard I tried and how hard I looked, I could not for the life of me figure out what was so controversial that it deserved this much media attention.

Jump to today when I finally heard what the controversy is all about on the news. Apparently there is reference that Mr. James looks like King Kong with Gisele being the "Fay Wray" of the picture. Give me a break! It seems some people are making comments that it conjures up ideas of an angry black man. Why? He doesn't look angry to me. It's a pose, that's it. For all we know maybe Gisele pinched him and they caught him shrieking in pain. Likely? Probably not. Possible? Of course.

In an article from the Associated Press, magazine analyst Samir Husni said, "So when you have a cover that reminds people of King Kong and brings those stereotypes to the front, black man wanting white woman, it's not innocent." Just who do you think is setting those stereotypes? In this day and age I cannot comprehend the ignorance of so many people. It is each ethnic group that sets these stereotypes by constantly complaining about what is and is not fair. In this same article it mentions a statement made by Jemele Hill on ESPN.com that white athletes are photographed smiling while black athletes are shown with a more beastly vibe. Excuse me? If i'm looking at a photo of someone like LeBron James I wouldn't expect or want to see him sitting there with his hands folded in his lap holding a bouquet of flowers. Who'd want to watch that guy play anything? Whether it's basketball, football or let's face it, even baseball, these guys should be big and mean whatever race they are. White, black or blue, we should be seeing the athletes for what they accomplish not what they look like and certainly not how some people perceive a photograph. Does this mean the picture would not have been controversial had he been standing there with Tyra Banks instead?

Comments
Comment 1 of 1
 
 
This is a good start. We are talking about the issue. It is fine if we do not agree on whether or not the pict is racist or merely insensitive. I believe that our healthy discussion starts to get off track when people start to judge others on their views. When people say that African-Americans are just complaining to complain and that their view is groundless, then we veer into personal attracts. When people say that white people are racists and will never "get it", then we see resentment start to grow. We all would do well to just stop for a moment and attempt to put ourselves in the position of the other argument. Just try to let go of our view and try to see it another way. I bet if we did we would have a little more clarity and gain the space to actually talk to each other and learn from one another. Maybe we will learn where the questions come from.

Posted on 03/27/2008 at 2:03:08 AM

Type in Your Comments Below - (1000 characters left)
Your name:

Submit your own content on this or any topic. Get started »
Comment 1 of 1
 
Advertisment