Sounds like well thought out publicity stunt. But saying she walks in the footsteps of giants like MLK, Nelson Mandela, John Lennon and Bob Marley? She isn't even close to the trailhead, imo.
Interesting question. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the people on the Some Girls cover were mostly movie, fashion and music celebrities, who may well have been personally offended but whom the common man never really cared about. Whereas Madonna's objects are people with much more "legacy" and political significance, plus they're all dead and more or less sanctified.
I suppose a modern version of the Some Girls cover could actually include Madonna herself.
she's kept herself and the new record in the press....gotta hand her her credit/props for creating a buzz....Erotica/Bedtime Stories/Ray of Light was an amazing run.