Vogue April 2008

Exclusion: In this Vogue cover photo we see only two people. One is white and one is black. Since there are only two people it's hard to think in terms of exclusion because it seems like Vogue is trying to be inclusive, but there definitely is a lack of non-white representation and LGBTQ+ representation. 
Stereotyping: I think that in this photo there is some stereotyping. We see a black man as a basketball player and a skinny white woman in high heels and a sheer dress. Yes, the basketball player is an actual basketball star, but to only represent him as that stereotypes him. The woman in the photo is not wearing something that reveals a hobby or profession, so why is the man? I also think the fact that the man looks very aggressive can be seen as a stereotype as well. Alongside that, the woman, being skinny, white, and blonde feeds into a stereotype that all white blondes that are skinny are happy. 
Assimilation: I view this image as a direct example of assimilation. The fact that Vogue has used a black man, in basketball attire nonetheless, makes me think that they only wanted to take the "popular" aspect and face of what society recognizes from this man to turn a profit for their magazine.  
Tokenism: I think that Vogue is definitely using the the one non-white person as a token because it's "inclusive". 
Ideology of difference: Building off of the stereotype that's at hand, the black man dressed in basketball attire, we can see how the ideology of difference comes into play. Vogue utilizing this man's identity to contrast with the woman's is like a form of consumption for magazine buyers. We see something new, something different, something aggressive, and we put it on a magazine because it sells because it's exciting and unique, paying no respect to a culture's background. 
Othering: Placing a black, somewhat enraged-looking, larger man next to a petite white woman gives off hints of othering because it looks as if we are supposed to compare the differences. We see skinny, white blondes in media everywhere, but having her next to this man send a message that tells us to recognize what's new or what we haven't seen much of in media. 
Exoticism: Much like National Geographic, I think that this image is a form of exoticism; Vogue using this man on their cover and trying to show his "rage" and basketball prowess is seen as "animalistic" next to the woman who is carefree and smiling.