Is Vogue cover photo racist?
description: March 26: Some say the image of LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen looks like a shot from “King Kong” and is reinforcing stereotypes. NBC’s Peter Alexander reports.
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Comments
One only had to be raciest to see a raciest image here. I see the competitor and the model. Let go of the past years and move on people not everything has to be race driven. I blame it on those pastors like Dr. Wright who cant get out of the shadow of the great Dr. MLK people like him do not want to let people ever forget or even just move on. People like Dr. Wright are continuing to fuel the race fire and force people to see race issues even in places where there is nothing there. -
Artanis407
I see it as art powerful art which is usually provocative. I see no King Kong image, I see energy. In my opinion there is no need for my black people to feel offended because even though many of us are elegant, educated, conservative and straight laced I think it is ok if we express different emotions at the right time when we are just being ourselves and not worring what other races think of us. It is a celebration of energy strength and expression with a touch of the soft side. Beautify. Comment from a black man -
True_no1
If Le Bron is happy with it then who cares! -
MadameG74
Just to add a further comment in response to Monika2866's comment about other races not understanding racism & oppression. She should know that the Irish were oppressed, murdered, raped for over 850 years by the english. The so-called famine which was in Ireland can be claimed that it didn't really happen as all of the food was exported to england and the Irish were left to die, which is a fact and ethnic cleansing. Just because I'm white doesn't mean I don't know about racism & oppression. Aidan Dublin, Ireland -
Aido1973
I am getting sick & tired of people making mountains out of molehills. LBJ is a powerful strong basketball player as he is showing in the picture, where as Giselle is a model and is acting as such. For too long now people are taking this political correctness way too far. If someone is offended by this picture they need to take a step back and have a long hard look at themselves and maybe go into therapy! Aidan, Dublin, Ireland -
Aido1973
On a side note Lebron is not the first african american male on the the cover of Vogue. Prince holds that title. :) -
djwxci
This is stupid...Im a 24 yr. old black female, I am not offened of the cover at all!!! Who ever is offeneded needs to get a LIFE!!! Its not that serious, Lebron is only showing emotion! Im sick of my people turning every LITTLE thing into a racial issue....yes we had it bad BACK then, Racism is still a issue today....But not this!!!! No wonder other race's look at us as OVERLY sensitive and aggresive. -
kanyiel08
How is showing a black male with a white woman racist? -
Ray0053
It's just a picture as far as I'm concerned. I mean good grief! Must people read into everything now? -
kimbriel69
The racism of this Vogue issue will never be understood by a people who have not had to contend with a history of their men being lynched, murdered, and unfairly incarcerated by a society that feared their interaction with white women - Think Emmett Till - think the millions of African American men who have died in penetentiaries for crimes associated with "White Women" that they never committed. This history has become the basis of how generations of African American men have been raised - I don't know a black mother who hasn't warned her African American son to "stay away from that white woman" or you'll end up like hundreds and thousands of other African American men throughout history whose lives have been snuffed out merely by the assumption of inpropriety towards white women. Many African Americans will find this offensive and how dare anyone deny them those feelings based on the history of this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Monika2866
You know it's funny how a simple photograph can spark an issue that should have been buried with the "n" word. To "open your closed mind" you have to look past the race and genders. Most people who scream racist and oppression are the ones who see it. Those who make these wonderful displays of art usually aren't seeing the color or the gender of those depicted in the piece. They are seeing the beauty in it. If the media would stop making such a big deal out of things, we may actually not have to hear the word "racism" anymore. Racism only exists if you let it exist. Chances are if you see something as racist, you're probably racist yourself. To any one else it would be just a picture. Naturally, there are things that aren't seen as racist because they just plainly are racist. Calling a black man or woman the "n" word is just flat racist. But so is calling a white man or woman a "honkey". -
Ray0053
What is wrong with America? Every little think people have to pick at and make it sound racist. Slavery was over 150 years ago. Get over it! -
TheePatrickKenny8
When I first saw this photo, the only thing that went through my mind was, "Oh, a fierce basketball player and a model." I figured inside there was going to be two stories, one of a basketball player and one of the life of a model. I didn't think "Oh my gosh, they are being so racist!" I think this is what is wrong with people today, everyone playing the race card, when in fact... the people pointing it out are probably the most racist people there are. Grow up people, stop looking at color and just take it for what it is, a PICTURE! -
NBridges75
If anything, I think it's sexist- the woman is of course dressed up to the nines and they chose a beautiful model to represent female athletes instead of a normal looking woman. -
DaisyFaye724
This isn't fair at all. Why hasn't anyone complained about this picture obviously depicting a woman being man-handled by a very large man? Why is this okay? As a woman I am very offended by this. Come on all you women of America, stand up and protest this!! We have been bullied by men for too long. Let's make our voices be heard! Sounds utterly absurd doesn't it? Well not as absurd as the "King Kong" complaints. All of you that made them, you should be ashamed of yourselves. There are people of all races and colors in many other countries today that struggle just to survive each and every day. They have it much worse than any American of any race and in larger numbers. Why don't you stop trying to read into everything you hear and see as being racist and use all that wasted energy on doing something good for someone less fortunate than yourselves? Get real and open your eyes. -
openyourclosedmind
Great picture! The only thin I can say is "wah wah wah". Give all the cry babies their bottle. Oh wait they might cry about that too. Quit being insecure about your race and be happy that finally someone is being recognized by the "white-man" in the "white-world". Quit stirring up hatred and let the reverse racism go!!! -
pinklittleflower01
Yea, right, blacks are creating the fact that 2008 is the FIRST year that VOGUE has even THOUGHT about putting black people on their cover. W H A T EV E R bud, sounds like your typical rascism is all a part of black peoples minds crap...! The only one saying that has never had it happen to them. Just the idea that they felt they could put him on the cover and make it seem like its honorable! How arrogant is that! -
Beloved5471
EVERY BLACK PERSON I KNOW HAS SAID THAT LEBRON LOOKS LIKE A GORILLA. I'M NOT RACIST BY ALL MEANS, BUT IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE THAT EVERY PERSON I TALK TO ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE COVER IS BLACK! FOR CENTURIES, BLACKS HAVE BEEING COMPLAINING ABOUT THE WHITE MAN, SAYING THAT THE WHITE MAN IS RACISTS, WHEN REALLY, IT'S THE BLACKS WHO KEEP BRING THE STUFF UP! JUST LEAVE IT ALONE! BLACKS KEEP CREATING RACISM BY ACCUSING WHITE PEOPLE OF BEING RACIST BECAUSE THEY'RE, I DON'T KNOW, INSECURE?? BLACKS NEEDS TO QUIT STARTING PROBLEMS. I DON'T THINK LEBRON RESEMBLES A GORILLA AT ALL! STOP CREATING RACISM AND PUT IT TO SLEEP ALREADY! -
PELLEGRiNi0929
What I want to know is why are we not pissed off that in 2008, this is Vogue's first black man on the cover? Vogue lost me after THAT statement. Are we suppose to pat you on the back now, you finally found a black man to put on your cover and now it shouldn't be a black or white issue because you picked the "black man as an aggressor" (yawn, AGAIN) picture? I'm willing to bet a white guy said that crap "its not a race things guys" meanwhile Lebron was probably the only color in the freaking room...Vogue, you could put a black person EVERY month from now on and I wouldn't be impressed. PLUS EVERYTHING in the media is well-thought out, they meant to use exactly the picture that they did. I'm glad in my world black people are always in style, thanks anyway "Vague" stick to your washed out market, or figure out a better way to get this one. -
Beloved5471
From an art citicism standpoint you can say Annie Liebowitz was juxtaposing a few different metaphors here. Playing on the King James-King Kong nickname, playing on the size diference. between LeBron & Gisele, but only an idiot viewintg this photograph thru some wierd myopic, PC looking glass, would assert that Annie Liebowitz, is trying to "reinforce a racist sterotype." She is one of the greatest photographers to pick up a camera. Last I checked artist were supposed to be creative and challange us & be interesting. Use your head for something other then a hat rack people. -
biggerricker
What this interview reveals is the ETHNOCENTRICITY of the American Media. Not once was the question raised to Gizelle about how race is understood in her country, Brasil!!! In Brasil, races have been mixing for 500 years, interacial love is valued and cherished, and the primary question about the picture would be questioning Gizelles basketball skills or La Brons soccer capabilities...As a American raised in Brasil, Americas ignorance of other cultures and what YOU could learn from US is sometimes unbelievable!!! It is fundamental to why such a powerful county is held in such low regard,TODAY SHOW, you missed it! Daniel Hickey -
recifedanielbrasil
if they would of put the picture of gisile when she is standing over him..they would of said oh white over black..you cant please everybody..and people just need things to talk about.. -
mh121
The past must never be forgotten as to learn from it but I think in this case its just a photograph. As soon as we start using words like stereotype it keeps society in a certain mindframe. Celebrate the fact he is on the cover of Vogue. Celebrate the fact he is having a MVP year. These discussions are unneccessary and are a waste of time. -
Lutherluffeigh1069
Lebron for MVP? Let's talk about something a little more impelling! -
whiteconservative
yep! -
whiteconservative
Let's face it. The saying "Ignorance is bliss" definately plays a role here...and there's ALOT of happy, ignorant people in the world. I,myself, am mixed and live in "The South", so i've encountered alot of criticism and hate growing up. People LOVE throwing out the race card, for absolutely NO reason, ok? realize that, tell them to shove it and go on with your business. Let the ignorant do what they do best and hold onto the past...It's art. dont make it out to be something more than what it is. -
₪¤†I†äNIÜMWölƒ¤₪
OMG. I will say that I am thrilled that most of the posters here are not offended. The man is a pro athlete. He is a big, tough guy. He has an awesome game face on! But you know, some people want to call everything racist. Let's save the racism card for the times it really needs to be played. -
neighter0451
I think people have issues. I am a young black professional urban woman and I have no problem with the cover. The black woman on this piece needs a reality check, she's racist and that's the problem. If Lebron didn't fell offended then why should we? Instead of celebrating the first black man on the cover of Vogue, as we should be doing, we have subtracted from the event. Shame on us all!!! -
caged21
This is absolutely ridiculous, creating drama where there is none. You can't tell me nothing more important in the world happened that they could be covering. -
Seska_Lien
You arer all idots. This is not raceist cover, you all have way to much time on your hands. It's a ball player in his clothes for his profession. There is a model dressed in her clothes for her profession. Get over it. If you think this is raceist then you are raceist. If it was a white guy screaming would that be? Get a life. -
yourallstupied
There is a difference between racist and provocative. Did anyone expect Liebowitz to do a very urbane photo. Hardly! Personally don't like the shot & I'm not wild about "King James." But I'd give my left genitalia to have the same artist photograph me and I'd probably go for primal just as he did. But that's just me. Yes, racism is alive and well but I'm beginning to think "WE" are the problem. We're so busy defending or justifying that we help this crap fester. This is a non-issue and every time we get locked into some shouting match over a non-issue it minimizes the real issue. -
thisismyinsidevoice
This is what happens when everyone cries racism at everything. I think James looks really cool. He's displaying emotion and passion. He's an excellent basketball player, and I respect him. You know why I know this is stupid? I looked at the cover and didn't even think of anything racist. Maybe it's because I'm not preoccupied with color and political correctness. people are people to me. To say he looks like king kong is to say he looks like an ape, which is inherently racist anyway. -
ColonelHaakah
What are these media types doing ? its Annie Lebowitz taking a picture of two high profile PEOPLE who wouldnt pose that way if they did'nt want too. I saw that cover and the first thing I thought was wow thats a cool picture, and that was it. as long as the media keeps perpetuating the race issue it wont go away for them at least most people I know dont even think about it. its almost embarrising for me as a AMERICAN to see the rest of the world seeing how big a deal our media makes such a non important issue. ridiculous ! report on something of substance ! -
riverratdiver0
This is a great cover. He's a basketball player what's wrong with him dressed like that. Also if he didn't like the picture it wouldn't be on the cover. I mean come on people we got more important things to worry about then a cover on a magazine with Lebron and Gisele. -
ULULANI1
I agree with machine. I'm a black man, and I don't find this offensive in any way. Wasn't it Lebron James who wanted to pose like that? I'm sure he approved the picture for the cover before the magazine was published. Don't we ourselves perpetuate this argument when we argue about it? -
Eclipse_sicmun
You've got to be bloody kidding me! it's a picture of a black guy and a white girl...how is that racist? the only reason people take things as being racist, is because they are looking for it! I do understand there are the minority of people who are very racist, but they are, as i said, the MINORITY of the population. If we want to talk about racism, lets talk about Affirmitive Action, this is the most racist thing ever, and is extremely out of date. I don't think schools should grant admittance to people based on race anymore, i don't think race should be a part of the application at all. People should be given what they are by merrit only. Lets also talk about the title "African American", how many of the people in America who use this title are from africa? Maybe its called race because it is a race, to see who can get over it and accept everyone, no matter what the might look like, or where they come from. -
Hadley_Gasser
I think what perpetuates racial stereotypes. Is when something as simple and innocent as this cover stirs up controversy. Its just a cover, magazine covers are suppose to grab your attention this one did and then the news media took it one step furthur by talking about it on all possible outlets. I think all in all this whole controversy is just another tactic by the media conglomerates to stir up hype so people will go buy the magazine and look at all the advertisments. Basically the mainstream media perpetuatesthese racial undertones, because scandals & taboo sells. who care if he is doing a king kong bit... hes a big guy with a small lady. If we focused on why todays society still has all theses sterotypes. We would most likly find that its not due to magazine covers like this one but its when we let the mainstream media tell us what is and is not offensive when their only real objective was to sell you something -
machine799
Oh, how silly, lets move on shall we -
ushi840
This is just stupid and it should not be discussed any more. -
magsingval
Oh please! It's 'Vogue' Almost everything is allowed in the name of art! Racist?? When did we go from protesting a human right in order to bring racism down to ridiculously pointing our fingers at everything that depicts a black person in contrast to a white person? Its art! Le Bron and Buncher truly captured the essence of femmininty and masculinity - NOT black and white! Jimmy (Malta) -
FreeSpirit_Unchained
ok hes a basketball player and shes a model so naturally shes going to look like a model and hes going to look like a basketball player james looks like a savage because thats the image he wanted to send to people the point there is absolutly nothing racist about this issue!!!! -
jeff_a18
I just want to know who in the hell jumps to such a ridiculous conclusion that the cover is racist because it protrays Lebron as an enraged "King Kong". Don't people have better things to do then stir up idiotic controversies. Lebron is just being artistic and he is showing some emotion. What's wrong with that! Do you think Lebron would degrade himself if he really believed that he was doing a racist cover. Whoever thinks this is racism, white or black, should have their head examined. Some people (and I believe that it is a very very small minority) think that this is racism and I feel sorry for them. I know that some racism still exists today but don't go looking for it where it's not. civil Please, people, I implore you, do something constructive with your energy rather than waste it on unfounded criticism. To prove my point I hope msn does an online survey and asks the general public if they think this racism or not. The overwhelming majority will say no. -
1averagewhiteman
i like valdawg20 , she is smart -
whiteconservative
It is essential that we discuss this because the image of black men is of the upmost importance. Subliminal messages such as the one on the magazine cover may not seem HORRIBLE but if they are not positive they are negative and if its not apart of the solution its apart of the problem. subliminal messages...ok, that means the messages are smarter than you and can overpower your brain in secretive forms. i can go all night, but I hate commenting on stupidity. the internet should have an IQ test -
whiteconservative
i grew up in North Philly, visit my block. These people need assistance -
whiteconservative
she gets dumber as we read folks! why is she talking about evolution now and apes? clinically brain dead. i can only analyze studipity for so long 2) We forget that a white man (Darwin) said that we ALL decended from Apes! Boy do WE have short memories when WE WANT TO! I hope this gets posted because the TRUTH hurts! -
whiteconservative
Can we stop throwing the race card out every chance we get! This is so stupid. I am an African American woman and I do not find this magazine cover offensive at all. Can we focus on the high homicides rates among our young men of color, those who are incarcerated or better yet how about the inferior education many of our children are receiving. Please lets focus on the issues that matter instead of wasting time and energy on magazine covers. -
valdawg20
popajo (posted 31 mins ago) | report 1) Its amazing how white guys are still sooooo envious of Black Men!!! I am a white women and even though I haven't dated any Black guys I see this all the time. Get over it stop' hating' i had to comment on this. you are brain dead for stereo-typing. that is the problem with society. Think before you speak. "I am a white women" should i treat you like a woman or are you a women. i am envious that you have the internet with your vocabulary -
whiteconservative
i am a white. straight, conservative republican. I love Lebron's passion. This photo would have been better without the "model" blocking him. She is not even that attractive, I can see why Lebron could be so emotional in this photo. I would rather meet Lebron James than her, screw black and white and everyone who questions that. Lebron says, "get this skinny bimbo away from me, I have too much personality for her." I wish I was compared to King Kong, shows how inferior she trully is. -
whiteconservative
haha...LeBron IS a beast. This is the stupidest subject ever! -
Pepper4U2
OMFG! people are so stupid and always have to start shit...who ever compared king kong to a black man is racist..isnt that obvious.he was the one that posed like that and plus he doesnt even look like king kong he looks pumped for a game or like he just scored AND im startin to think she doesnt look distressed to me. stop with all the racism bull cause that cover isnt. GET OVER YOURSELFS! they were havin fun. gosh people are DUMB! -
KAITLYNAKASATURDAY
SORRY I should say SOME white guys. The cover IS GREAT and he looks just like what he is an awesome ATHLETE! -
popajo
1) Its amazing how white guys are still sooooo envious of Black Men!!! I am a white women and even though I haven't dated any Black guys I see this all the time. Get over it stop' hating' 2) We forget that a white man (Darwin) said that we ALL decended from Apes! Boy do WE have short memories when WE WANT TO! I hope this gets posted because the TRUTH hurts! -
popajo
Oh Please! Whoever said this picture is racist is a RACIST! Are you offended that a black man is on the cover in the first place. Quit already. You do injustice to the black race with your comments. I think the cover is fine. -
Livin4Jesus2Day2
Oh my GOD! I need a friggin handbook. I haven't the slightest idea why this is a "racist" photo. It shows one of the finest athletes in the world with a beautiful woman. I say more power to him!!! If you think this is "criminalizing" the Black man, you are an idiot. If you want to "de-criminalize" the Black man dissassociate yourselves from "Gangsta" culture and actual criminals. DOH! -
Perplexed3000
come on now... that's bragging rights for those high school kids... not a reason to put those women in prison. -
Chadlyman
Does everything always have to be about color? If this keeps up, we will never be a united society - NEVER. LeBron liked it and approved. I'm sure that if he thought it was demeaning or racist, he would not have endorsed it. You have made a bad thing out of something HONORING AN ATHLETE because of petty ideals and something you think resembles a King Kong movie poster. Different people see different things - how about the French fry in the image of Jesus or the Pope - no one had prejudice against the French fry. My advice is this – please stop letting race, religious preference and ignorance rule you. If you want to share your opinion, do so, but don't say it's wrong just because you don't like it. Someone else might – and for the artistic value it represents. -
OH-PALEEZ
WOW, I cannot agree more with Monica who posted: Can a magazine cover just be a magazine cover? What the heck? LeBron James is who he is, an awesome athelete and if you even follow his game which I do, his expression looks just as it does in the front cover of this magazine when he takes the ball to the rim every single time. Bla bla bla bla, Come on people get over it, please! The truth of the matter is, that any picture that Vogue would have chosen, it still would have brought in lots of critisism from the public. So sad. Lebron if you read this, I love the pictures and the layout. Great Job to both of you and Vogue. -
jrnarvaez
I wonder what race the person was that uttered this thought initally -
peanut6610
I think we do over think things like this.It is a cover of two people of fame. Does it really matter what their color is?God help if we can't see past it! -
grayfoxlady
NO one would have even thought anything about until someone decided to make it into a racial issue. I think its a nice shot and let it go people. -
aDicTsChiC
Realy people? I'm black and i see nothing racist about this at all! I think we have come a long way as a culture when it's okay for a big black man who is treated as a kiing who is loved to be on the cover of vouge grasping with power and possesion to a beautiful white model. the only racist thing about it jealous white biggots who can't handle the sucess of a black man. And who could never do what LeBron has done or will do. Let's not make everything racist people. We're close to expelling racism, but the media works extremely hard to keep it alive. They want you to think that everyone is racist so you will be racist. Meat-puppets. -
LordMalachi
It is essential that we discuss this because the image of black men is of the upmost importance. Subliminal messages such as the one on the magazine cover may not seem HORRIBLE but if they are not positive they are negative and if its not apart of the solution its apart of the problem. -
LOVESAMUST
This is something that shouldn't even matter, I don't think this warrants the attention of the media. I like the cover and don't think that he looks like a "gorilla"! He looks great, she looks great and it looks like they had a lot of fun. It also has to be remembered that he is 6'8"!!! -
ThomasAndLiz
sorry folks, he does look like a gorilla. The photographer should have toned it down. -
annelouise51
He looks like he is ready to get in the game!!! Going after his rival team! That is all I see!! People STILL have many prejudices in this day and age. It awful. It is a beautiful cover !!!! -
TRAUMA1955
I couldn't agree more. Ridiculous. -
K-Jo-22
I think that this is absolutely ridicolous that people are even talking about this. There is a lot more things going on in the world than Vogue Magazine picking the wrong shot for the front page of their magazine. The people who are making a big deal about this are ignorant. -
Whitney19204
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