“Uhhhhh, no,” would be my answer, by the way. Seems like the kind of thing people would use against you if you ran for office…;)

Giles , January 23, 2006 11:21 AM (#)

Agreed. I don’t see ANY reason to use that photo.

An archival photo that explicitly illustrates the subject of the study, even if it’s uncomfortable to modern eyes, might be ok.

This seems designed to provoke independently of the text. Maybe that’s a reasonable intention, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it.

Dystopos , January 23, 2006 2:35 PM (#)

I’d have to read the book.

If the watermelon humor is a stereotype imposed on the race, then I probably wouldn’t be down with using it. But if it has roots within the community, then I wouldn’t see any problem with it.

Ben Pieratt , January 23, 2006 2:52 PM (#)

I probably would turn it down too.
But, if you’ve ever watched The Chapelle(sp?) Show, you know that their is definately an audience out there for this type of “stereotypical reference” and humor.
It would have to be really super-obviously funny to be understood correctly, though.
I just wouldn’t want it in my portfolio.

trav , January 23, 2006 2:56 PM (#)

Nope, I don’t think so. For something like this anthology, I would be more comfortable with something that is culturally specific to African Americans, or even a picture of a group of people of African American descent sharing a joke and laughing - rather than this which smacks too much of how non-African Americans perceive them.

Padmini , January 23, 2006 2:57 PM (#)

I want to say it depends on the purpose of the book. That if the book had the best intentions, poking fun at the notion of racial humor itself, I would do it. I really want to say that. But as that cover stands, I feel like the content really makes me uncomfortable.

I really like that green, though.

bt , January 23, 2006 3:06 PM (#)

ohhh, i just read the subtitle. at first i was going to comment on the title type: imho, not very attractive or creative. i do like the all lower-case letters, however. afterward that, i just saw the watermelon as a goofy smile. THEN i read the subtitle.

i couldn’t and wouldn’t get away with it.
marc

marc cardwell , January 23, 2006 3:10 PM (#)

For Ben Pieratt, watermelons are native to southern Africa and the Kalahari. They were cultivated in pharoahic Egypt and spread to Asia and Europe via North African trade routes during the 10th-13th centuries. In the New World, cultivation by Native Americans, white colonists, and Africans was simultaneous. The melon has historically been very popular in hot, humid regions (where people seem generally to consume a great deal of sweet liquids). The image of gleeful watermelon-eating accompanies racial and geographical stereotyping and self-parody.

I’m certain a more appropriate image could be found. But, as I said, appropriateness might be taking a back seat to provocation in the mind of the publisher approving this design.

Dystopos , January 23, 2006 7:05 PM (#)

Well, I saw the smiley face as well. It seems the author is purposely looking to cause a reaction (like this one on foreword). Maybe that is the author’s intention. This subject matter can easily be misinterpreted and misunderstood between audiences. I would have ditched the watermelon for something a bit more tasteful and clever. Then again … I did design “The Dishonest Church” by James Good. :)

Chuck S. , January 24, 2006 4:27 AM (#)

Then again … I did design “The Dishonest Church” by James Good.

LOL! Good one.

Wait. Can I say that?

;)

Giles , January 24, 2006 2:53 PM (#)

Paul Beatty, the editor of this compilation was on WNYC recently (he’s the author of White Boy Shuffle). I have to admit that the cover made me wince at first, but after listening to the interview (and looking at the book), I think the cover is more than appropos to the subject matter; brilliant in fact. The subtitle is really understating the fact that this is controversial and provocative commentary and I don’t think you can underplay that. So, while I might not be comfortable designing it myself, I have to admire the person who did.

EJ , February 23, 2006 12:26 AM (#)