Sound Off: Tell Us What You Think About Beyonce's Skin Tone In Promotional Photo

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - When is Beyonce not Beyonce?

A new promotional image of the singer is raising eyebrows.

The sultry superstar and Jay-Z recently welcomed their new baby Blue Ivy, but its another color that's at issue.

Her skin tone appears very pale in the image on the homepage of her website. It's not clear whether the effect was achieved through lighting, makeup, or the use of image manipulation software.

Leaving aside the issue of her skin tone, there are those who think she doesn't look like herself at all, instead resembling pop star Rhianna.

Take a look at it and tell us what you think. Is this just another glamor shot, or is it sending a message to her fans? If so, what message do you think it sends? Judge for yourself and sound off in our comments section.

Here's Beyonce in 2011:

Here's the Beyonce image just released in 2012:

D. Channsin Berry the producer of, Dark Girls, a documentary that focuses on the self esteem issues faced by young black women says that the photo sends the wrong message.

"It sends a horrible message to little girls who are darker in any culture," she said. "They may be Beyonce fans who say I want to be like Beyonce. Mommy I want to look like Beyonce."

But, do we ask the same questions when an Italian-American with dark hair by the name of Lady Gaga dyes her hair blonde? Or when the rock band Kiss dresses up like Japanese Kabuki Dancers?

Is this just a case of an artist being an artist. Dominique Sharpton of the National Action Network seems to think so.

"I feel if Beyonce comes out in pink hair, blue hair, it shouldn't matter. That's Beyonce and that's what she's doing. That's who she is," she said.

Whoever Beyonce chooses to be, one thing is certain. She is a celebrity whose every move is critiqued, and a role model for many.

Sound off in our comments section below.