Rising
•Vogue magazine: Hate to say it’s “rising,” but that cover photo of LeBron James and Gisele Bündchen did exactly what it was supposed to do — attract attention.
The photo — with its similarities to King Kong images of the past — conjures hurtful stereotypes about black men. The magazine is being criticized. Photographer Annie Leibovitz is being criticized. And so is James for posing that way.
At first, I was impressed that after 116 years a black man was on the cover of Vogue. Then I saw that cover next to the “Destroy This Mad Brute” poster and a King Kong and Fay Wray shot. I understand and respect why people were hurt by the James cover and agree that those involved in the planning process were wrong to be so insensitive. This is very disappointing, because it’s divisive and not constructive. It’s yet another distraction from issues that have far more gravity such as education, employment opportunity and health care.
Ironic, though, how James has made efforts to stay away from social and political topics, yet he finds himself thrust into one.
•David Beckham: Finally, some on-the-field news for Beckham, who scored his first MLS goal in the LA Galaxy’s 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday.
Holding steady
•Mikhail Youzhny: The tennis player beat himself about the head with his racket in a win over Nicolas Almagro on Monday. Dumb. But tennis players do that from time to time. Difference is, Youzhny drew blood. Now, thanks to YouTube, he’s not a moron who injured himself in a temper tantrum, he’s a star. And if Youzhny wins a few Grand Slam events, he’ll forever be able to parlay that moment into fame. He’ll be the new John McEnroe.
Slipping
• Topps: The baseball-card company pulled another publicity stunt. This time, it’s a card of pitching prospect Kazo “The Uzi” Uzuki, who doesn’t exist. The limited-issue card was an April Fools’ prank. Hey, Topps, here’s a promotional idea for you: Go away.
The whole prank-card thing was funny when Topps doctored a photo and put noted Yankees fan Rudy Giuliani in the middle of a Boston World Series celebration. Giuliani was asking to be lampooned for saying he was rooting for the Yankees’ hated rival Red Sox.
But this time the prank card is just weak.
