Advertising...Does it display Negative Stereotypes?

Continuing with today’s discussion in class on advertising stereotypes, I wanted to mention a cover on Vogue that developed alot of controversy over the summer.

This image of basketball player LeBron James with model Gisele Bundchen developed much controversy. Critics felt that it was perpetuating racial stereotypes. Many have referred to this cover in relation to King Kong, because LeBron poses in a gorilla-like manner, as he dribbles a ball with supermodel Gisele in the other hand relating to the damsel in distress. A Magazine Analyst, Samir Husni feels that the photo was done deliberately and considering Vogues history when they publish the magazine there is always a lot of thought put into it. This in fact related LeBron it to King Kong showing that black men always want white women. On the contrary LeBron James was comfortable with the cover and said that he receives both positive and negative publicity and who cares what people have to say.

Two readers commented in USA Today saying

One said:
“This cover is very hurtful to the white basketball players. It screams that only blacks can play basketball, be successful and that white women would choose a black man over successful white man. I am boycotting Vogue from now on.”

Another reader said:“He’s a basketball player who is known for his abilities…what kind of face should he be making? He is in his element, whether black, white, or purple, he IS a basketball player. It’s not like they took just some tall black guy and made him wear a basketball uniform and have a blonde jumping up and down for him. Sheesh. People need to seriously get over themselves and stop taking things so seriously.”

My personal opinion:
I remember when I saw this magazine at Publix a store in Atlanta Georgia and a white woman said isn’t this true, I’m not to sure what she was implying, but I was very offended by the cover as a young African American woman, and didn't not particularly like the portrayal of our black men, which showed similar characteristics of a Gorilla. Whether Vogue did it deliberately or not, there are always two sides of the spectrum that the mass media should take into mind when delivering to the public, of course this is never an easy task. I just thought it was interesting to post, especially in relation to our class discussion.

Too many blacks on Grand The Jury?!

According to CNN 18 year old Paul Schlesselman and 20 year old Daniel Cowart were "accused of planning to kill more than 100 African-Americans ending with Obama (who was running for president at the time). However the men believe their "indictment should be thrown out because there were too many African-Americans on the grand jury." According to CNN "Cowart's defense attorney claims, in a motion to dismiss the indictment against him, that of the 23 grand jurors who indicted Cowart on November 5, 21 were African-American and two were white."

Daniel Cowart's Defense Attorney Joe Byrd wants the court to "investigate whether the failure to ask jurors whether they could be impartial resulted in his receiving an impartial jury." He made a motion to ask the court to "appoint a commissioner to interview each of the grand jurors to see if there was any partiality or prejudice on their part"

I apologize in advance for this however the Defense Attorney has a point; under the law everyone is entitled to a fair trial. Yes, what the two men were going to do is horrible and wrong however, the Defense Attorney has the right to ask for a fair trial. These men should be punished and Im sure no matter who they put on the Jury they will be found guilty and put in jail for a very long time.

Barack playing Ball

Barack Obama had a stressful week before the election day. His stress reliever, playing ball with his close friends and high school teammates.



Check out the behind the back move by OBama

Bush Welcomes Obama

President George Bush and first lady Laura Bush have welcomed the first African American President-elect Barack Obama and incoming first lady Michelle Obama into their future home. Though non of us have experienced it, we can only imagine the different emotions Obama is experiencing. CNN notes this meeting as an historic formality. Bush and Obama discussed many issues that our country is facing. According to CNN, though Obama frequently campaigned against what he referred to as Bush's "failed policies" Bush has vowed to do everything he can possibly do to make sure that the tranisition is a smooth one. Obama told reporters that he was gratified by the invitation to meet with the president and his wife, and he was sure that besides taking a tour of the White House they would have substantive conversation between himself and the president. Bush said that when he called President-elect Obama to congratulate him on this historic victory he said that Obama could count on him and he would be completely cooperative as he made this transition to the White House. Many have said that President Bush is trying to get on good terms with the public, which is why he continuously mentions that Obama has his full support and cooperation. With or without Bush's support and cooperation Obama will figure out how to deal with this transition, besides he has a powerful black woman beside him and many who support him everystep of the way.

Barack Obama elected PRESIDENT...

Novemeber 4, 2008 was a very historic moment for African Americans. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States of America, Obama being the first African American elected president, brings about change for the many African Americans in the U.S. I am a proud African American because blacks have come a long way for example slavery, in which we were able to over come and still progress. Barack being elected shows African Americans that you can do anything in life, but you will work for it. Many people feel after hearing who won the elections, they are able to do what ever they want but not looking at it from a certain perspective, realizing that Barack worked for his position in the election of 2008. Obama is going to stand by his word and bring about change. He's going to best African American president as long as he has the people behind him, he is untouchable.

Barack Obama 2008 Election Speech Elected 44th Presdient:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVlfbZftoU8

ELECTION DAY!

As we all know, today is November 4th 2008. This is said to be the day to make history! It is up to us to go out and voice our opinion by VOTING for the best candidate. The lines for these polls are wrapped around corners which shows that there are people taking their time to go out and vote! With the shocking death of Obama's grandmother we can only pray for him and wish the best on his part. I have faith in Obama and believe that he will be our next president. This is a historic election that will definately have an impact on everyone's life regardless of the outcome. What is your opinion of this election, now that it has come down to the final day?


BARACK THE VOTE!