Time magazine will be releasing a special edition of the Boston Marathon bombings this Thursday and it’s already sending shock-waves over the internet. The cover photo features a crying boy with his face caked in soot and mangled hair spattered with blood as he’s carried to safety by a police officer. Shortly after the image was previewed on the magazine’s official website, many critics took to Twitter and other social media outlets to express their opinions of either disgust or support of the photo. But what do you think? Is it too much or does it simply speak the truth about the reality of the world we live in?
Tag Archives: Controversy
Dustin Romero
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Michelle Visage
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As you could imagine just by seeing this ad, this one didn’t go over so well and has already been yanked. Illamasqua, an amazing line of cosmetics, thought this was a catchy way to advertise their holiday line. Uh, not so much. Minstrel realness is so 1830s. Get with it, Illamasqua!
James St. James
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Justin Timberlake has issued a formal apology on his website for the distasteful wedding video mocking homeless people that was reportedly shown at his wedding to Jessica Biel. The noteworthy portion of it reads:
“I’d like to start off by saying that I don’t live my life making fun of people (unless, of course, I’m making fun of myself on SNL)… Especially, those who are less fortunate or those in need. I grew up with a family and community that instilled ideals in me like hard work, honesty and empathy. As a matter of fact, growing up in Tennessee, I was always taught that we as people, no matter what your race, sex, or stature may be, are equal. We have a saying there that ‘Everyone puts their pants on the same way(maybe this saying doesn’t apply to guys who wear kilts. Although, I’m sure they put theirs on the same way too…)’
“As it pertains to this silly, unsavory video that was made as a joke and not in any way in mockery:
“1. I had no knowledge of its existence. I had absolutely ZERO contribution to it.
“2. My friends are good people. This was clearly a lapse in judgment which I’m sure no one who is reading this is exempt from. But, I don’t believe it was made to be insensitive. More so, I think it was made as a joke on me not having that many friends attending my own wedding (which IS kind of funny if you think about it).
“3. Like many silly rumors that I have been made aware of about the week: It was NOT shown at my wedding.
“4. I think we can all agree that it was distasteful, even though that was not it’s intention.
“Once again, in the world that we live in where everyone thinks that they know everything, I want to be very clear… I am NOT defending the video. I agree with the overall consensus. But, to use another “pants” analogy… It seems that these days, misconception gets around the world before the actual truth even wakes up and gets it’s pants on.
“I want to say that, on behalf of my friends, family, and associative knuckleheads, I am deeply sorry to anyone who was offended by the video. Again, it was something that I was not made aware of. But, I do understand the reaction and, by association, I am holding myself accountable.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. It really is a blessing to be able to speak directly to my true fans so that you can know exactly where I stand.”
-Justin
(Read the whole letter here)
Stephen Saban
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As usual, the outspoken writer of and actor on HBO’s Girls stirs up some controversy. This video ad for re-electing Barack Obama has been called “the height of vulgarity” by the indignant right, with a Breitbart News editor asking, ”How could a president with two, young blossoming daughters release an ad as disgusting as this?” We don’t get it. Seems delightful to us. What do you think? And, frankly we find that Breitbart editor describing Obama’s daughters as “blossoming” inappropriate and possibly grounds for a background check. (via thedailywhat)
Michelle Visage
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Gaga stepped out in Cologne, Germany, yesterday clearly baiting PETA again by wearing a fox around her neck. It is an obvious fake, but I do love the pot-stirring. (via tumblr)
James St. James
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Legions of Facebook users, however, disagree. One commenter wrote, “Please tell me this is FAKE. I am not wearing these Adidas Amistad Originals.” Asked another commenter: “Racist a bit? Please African Americans don’t line up for these, Where does the Respect Begin and End for our people. Boycott Please!” In response to the controversy, Adidas told The Huffington Post: “The design of the JS Roundhouse Mid is nothing more than the designer Jeremy Scott’s outrageous and unique take on fashion and has nothing to do with slavery. Jeremy Scott is renowned as a designer whose style is quirky and lighthearted. Any suggestion that this is linked to slavery is untruthful.”
Stephen Saban
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Gaga between flights at Japan’s Narita International Airport. The next leg of her Born This Way Ball tour is Indonesia, and we have to assume that unless she can maneuver a change in the airline toilet, she’ll be arriving wearing this ensemble consisting of a sequined Chanel Paris top, a jeweled cap, satin lace-up platform boots, and snagged fishnets. But hold on. According to reports, the Indonesia national police have denied Lady Gaga a permit to perform at the huge 52,000-seat Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta (her June 3 concert was sold out), after conservative Muslims publicly protested her “Satanic lyrics” which could “destroy the children’s sense of morality.” Authorities there have promised to physically stop the singer from entering Indonesia, anticipating dangerous protests outside the arena. So we’re thinking she might want to put on some pants before she deplanes.
