The DailyGrind

Like I've said before on this issue, I don't think Vogue or the photographer collaborated to create a malicious, racist image with Lebron and Giselle.

But at the same time, I don't think anyone can deny that this is just *another* instance of the black male playing the oversexed out of control man-beast. Next to the innocent light haired white woman for contrast of course. This is no different than almost every other movie having a jive talkin negro for comedic value. They are comfortable roles that everyone has become way too accustomed to seeing.

I'd like to hope that we've gotten past the issue of black and white...but I may just be naive!

So someone out there (some racist) sat at a desk and plotted a way to again hold the black man down? Or are they elevating the white woman? If it were real estate, would this NOT bring the property value of Gisele down? GET REAL PEOPLE! It's a photo...taken to generate sales and interest for all involved.

This is definitely a false alarm. But, I also think it's a necessary alarm. While we don't want to run around screaming racism at every turn, we forget that racism still exists at every turn. How many black people work at Vogue? How many black people work for the publishers? How many black people work near where Vogue is headquartered? How many black people are at least in the "temp pool" in one of these companies in the area of Vogue's offices? I say all of this because racism is still a major player in society and being reminded of that FACT is necessary. We ought to look at images like this with a very critical eye. While this one passes, there are many others - images, quotes, thoughts, ACTIONS - that need to be viewed with that critical eye. I am glad someone called this image racist because it gives us something to look at so we all can have some perspective as to what really is, or isn't, racist. As far as I am concerned, I won't say the image is racist, but there are some racist people behind it. I would bet the only "minorities" on that photo shoot was Lebron James and a, 5% chance, production assistant (someone who gets coffee) on the set. And that's only one place we need to fight racism.

Sportaphile took the words out of my mouth!@!

i agree with Anthony

Gisselle Buchen isn't even Caucasian she's Brazilian. I doubt that if she had been one of Brazil's darker women the conversation wouldn't have been had about the photo.

Everything in the States appears as color when the color of your skin doesn't represent your race nor your nationality.

On hand this is another example of how are society has progressed but is not all the way there yet. Instead of viewing the status of these two skin color seems to always stand out.

Looking at it objectively this photo accomplished its job. The cliched statement "all publicity is good publicity," is held by this situation.

The mere imagery of the Black Beast-like persona is enough to provoke an inquiry as to the motive of the setup. Does she represent the White prize for the King Kongs of the african american males in professonal athletics?

The fact of the matter is that we are not, as a people, over the issues of race, nor will we ever be. Blacks as well as whites still have a ton of difficulties when dealing with race. Coming from the midwest I deal with race issues from all angles and frankly it's a sad thing. Oliver Clement wrote in his book, On Being Human, "as a people we are disunited and even more so as individuals. We let the neurotic characters that exist within us pull us apart, instead of controlling the complete self." It's funny to think that it's the small parts of us that are killing the whole us.

ML

in answer to anthony...none.....what would have really been amazing is if vogue had put two Black people on the cover! now that would have been something!

not to mention if i see yet another basketball player posing with a basketball....that's a strike on vogue for their paucity of creativity as well as racism. i don't think there's anyone there obviously who even thought about any potential controversy and that speaks for itself.

any way something more important. Go donate some funds and help us pay for misfortunate youth summer programs at www.lulostore.com.

While you are there, also feel free to browse around the site and leave comments or suggestions.

peace and love....