Vogue's Black Issue

RIDING WITH THE KING? James, Bundchen The cover of the current issue of Vogue, featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen, is proving controversial with some African Americans. While no one questions the historical importance of James' cover appearance—he's the first black man ever to be so featured—word in the black blogosphere is that the cover plays into the old stereotype of the black man as a savage in search of a prized white woman. Some have gone so far as to say it evokes the dreaded imagery of King Kong, and question the choice of photo when a less highly-charged alternative was available. This isn't the first time blacks have taken issue with Vogue's cover shots in recent times. Did editrix Anna Wintour's weekend with Bob Marley teach her nothing?