By L. Amin

By now, I’m sure you have had the chance to see or pick up a copy of the July 2007, Vanity Fair Issue; which displays 20 star packed covers on the magazine stands from Barack Obama to Jay Z, George Clooney, Iman, and even President Bush. The magazine photos were done by renowned celebrity photographer: Annie Liebovitz.

In the issue which singer and activist Bono is featured as guest-editor he states the one thing that stars have in common is:

“They are all passionate about Africa.”

“That's what this issue of Vanity Fair is all about,” Bono says.

“It's about trying to bring some sex appeal to the idea of wanting to change the world.”

Supermodel Iman, as always, seems willing to help in the sex appeal department by sliding out of her dress on one of the infamous covers.

I do love the fact that the issue was, in fact, is, still selling like hot-cakes; and although the intent is good and showcases a sort of celebration of Africa.

I do still have a bit that baffles and worries me.

I don’t understand why a magazine issue is covering “ Africa” when most of these celebrities and some activists on the cover are well, American?

Why not mix it up a bit by having Alicia keys looking up to Wangari Maathai, or President Bush and Nelson Mandela standing side by side? I would have loved to see more indigenous Africans on the cover. One or two celebrities would have been enough; it now looks as though they are just eager to get another photo-op.

One thing this magazine cover is accomplishing, yet again, is that it is showcasing Africa as if it were just a cause.

Why do people treat Africa as if it were one country, with one language, and one religion, ‘one’? They forget that this continent has 54 countries, that within these countries lies many more regions and states. They forget that this land has over 800 million people who speak thousands of languages. Who, believe or not, have their own artists: celebrities, political leaders, musicians, and activists; which I am sure people such as I would have loved to read about.

So, to be honest, I won’t be the one in line at the magazine stand shelling out cash for a copy of this issue. If I can’t read about what people from this great continent have to say. Then why call it the “ AFRICA ISSUE”?

L. Amin

Dallas, Texas .

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