Naomi Jumps Rope with Monkeys
Famed photographer Jean-Paul Goude used smart monkeys, zebra print, lace front wigs, and Beyonce’s good hair to do what Vogue failed to do when Lebron James was on their cover and people called foul. These photos in the September issue of Harper’s Bizarre are both provocative and pitiful.
The thing that makes me the most angry about the “Wild Things” layout (no really, that’s what it’s called) is that I know the magazine wants my blood pressure to rise at the sight of these photos, and I still can’t ignore it.
I’m beyond fed up with images that chop down the Black psyche. And even more so I’m tired of celebrities allowing themselves to be used to spread the pervasive notion that people of color are nothing more than untamed playthings.
I wonder if Naomi was thinking of her check when they told her to jump up and down while the white man in the background studied her.
Tags: Harper's Bazaar, Naomi Campbell
August 17th, 2009 at 09:11
*gasp* This is so not OK.
August 17th, 2009 at 16:40
[...] still have legal bills from assaulting people with BlackBerries and hair dryers or whatever … but was this really worth the money? [...]
August 17th, 2009 at 19:15
See, one thing about the, umm, white mentality is that what’s offensive to us isn’t to them. Their (the photographers) intentions might have been solely to relate some Africa(n) is Black & Black is beautiful theme. I’ve always said that we (Black people) are too sensitive sometimes, rightfully so, but sensitive nonetheless. If she was eating watermelon or fried chicken, completely different thing.
Or, if she were posing submissively to a white man throwing money @ her, or doing something with a gaggle of kids, or gangbanged-up surrounded by stereotypical “niggas”, then I would have found offense.
But, I don’t think everything is a slander or slur or shot @ “our” people.
But, I understand your point.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:45
I agree that Black people are a bit sensitive, and as you said, rightfully so, but I really don’t think the photographer is innocent here. Maybe if the spread wasn’t titled “Wild Things” I would just dismiss it as yet another stereotypical “exotic,” out of Africa photo shoot featuring Black women. The other photos aren’t as provocative as the one above which cleary has racial implications.
August 19th, 2009 at 00:07
Can’t argue with you there, sis. I’m sure there’s always a “hidden agenda” for anything along the lines of ethnicity/culture. But, isn’t that the reason our forefathers fought for equal rights? Say, if it were a white women. Then there would be a problem with her being in the African-esque setting, like “We’re the African (americans)! What’s that cave dweller doing there?!”.
But, all in all we see the same thing, but, as a Black Woman, you have a broader perspective & keener analysis. I appreciate the dialogue :v)