Vogue Magazine's King Kong April 2008 Cover
Analyzing the Debate Over the Meaning Behind the Photograph
Jul 1, 2008
On the cover of the April edition of Vogue magazine basketball star Lebron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen strike a pose that critics say invoke the stereotype of a dangerous black man snatching a frail white woman.
James is the third man to grace the cover of Vogue (behind Richard Gere and George Clooney) and much of the objection surrounding the cover stems from the fact that James’ photograph is the first representation of an African American male on a Vogue cover.
Why Did Vogue Choose That Image?
Not all images from the shoot depict James as a “King Kong” figure and Bundchen as a “damsel in distress,” so what was Vogue really trying to portray through its cover?
Magazine analyst Samir Husni, the first to liken James to King Kong, stating on his Web site that the underlying racial stereotype was a conscious decision. He argues that the magazine has never taken its covers lightly in the past and chose a cover that would spark controversy.
Vogue's Shape Issue
While Vogue’s editorial staff has not stated the cover was chosen for controversial publicity, it is clear, from the other photos within the magazine and the cover runner ups, that there was a defined purpose: the cover was intended to pair up opposites. The annual issue dedicated to size and shape juxtaposes male athletes, wearing sports clothing, with female supermodels, dressed up in high fashion outfits.
Advocates for the cover see the 6-foot-9 James and 5-foot-11 Bundchen as having fun with the photo shoot and a perfect example for the content of the story. Both James and Bundchen have stated to the press several times that they are pleased with the cover.
Analyzing the Real Message of Vogue's Cover
To fully understand what famous photographer Annie Leibovitz was thinking during the photo shoot, attention needs to be turned to the other images that appeared in the magazine and on Vogue's Web site. On the Web site additional images are available for viewing, along with other cover ideas.
It comes as no surprise that other photographs also have “me want woman” undertones. For example, one photo of World-champion discus thrower, Jared Rome poses crouched (like King Kong) with model Raquel Zimmermann draped over his shoulders.
The Message of All Vogue Covers
The fact that James is black and Bundchen is white is inconsequential, and judging from the other images in photographer Leibowitz’s take, she took all the athletes featured in the issue and made them look stereotypically masculine, much in the same way Vogue highlights the female stereotype each and every month on its cover.
