Discussion Board: The Recent Public Policy Decisions ✓ Solved

Discussion Board 4discuss The Recent Public Policy Decisions Made In T

Discuss the recent public policy decisions made in Texas with respect to abortion. Find at least one Op-Ed on the issue and explain and assess the author's arguments. Be sure to consider HB 2 in your post as well as the Supreme Court decision Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt. What do you think are reasonable regulations with respect to abortion that the State of Texas should enact or has enacted? Why? What are some unreasonable regulations that Texas has enacted? Why are they unreasonable? Compare the ads of 2-3 minority-targeted American magazines (Latina & VANIDADES) and 2-3 mainstream American magazines (Marie Claire & Vogue) (Domestic magazines only) You should get digital version or hard copy for those 4 magazines: Latina & VANIDADES, Marie Claire & Vogue - should be in 2017 February. You are comparing ads targeting ONE minority group (in this case, Hispanic market) vs. those for the general market. You are NOT comparing ads targeting different minority markets. Describe the history, purpose, characteristics of the minority magazines of your choice. Analyze ALL the ads (number of ads, percentage of what product category, models of different race/ethnicity, major/supporting/marginal role, business/home/outdoor setting, skin tone, gender, celebrity, etc). Be sure to use tables and charts to compare the ads in different magazines. Discuss the similarities and differences between the ads in minority-targeted magazines and those in the general market magazines. Insert or attach the specific ads when describing your findings (e.g., “The skin tone of models of color in mainstream magazines tends to be whitewashed, which can be illustrated by the L’oreal ad from Vogue”). Be sure to provide your own arguments on WHY such differences exist.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to Recent Public Policy Decisions on Abortion in Texas

In recent years, Texas has implemented a series of public policy decisions aimed at regulating abortion, reflecting ongoing debates between pro-choice advocates and pro-life supporters. Central to these debates are legislative actions such as House Bill 2 (HB 2), which sought to impose restrictions on abortion clinics and procedures, and court decisions like Whole Women's Health v. Hellerstedt, which struck down some of these restrictions as unconstitutional. This paper explores these policies, evaluates public opinions expressed through Op-Eds, and discusses what regulations might be reasonable or unreasonable.

Analysis of HB 2 and the Supreme Court Decision

HB 2, passed in 2013, aimed to regulate abortion providers by requiring facilities to meet the standards of ambulatory surgical centers and mandating doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. Supporters argued that these requirements ensured patient safety, whereas opponents claimed they served as barriers to access, particularly impacting clinics serving low-income and minority women. The Supreme Court’s decision in Whole Women’s Health v. Hellerstedt (2016) invalidated certain provisions of HB 2, emphasizing that restrictions must not impose an undue burden on women seeking abortions. The ruling highlighted the importance of balancing safety regulations with access to legal reproductive health services.

Evaluating Reasonable vs. Unreasonable Regulations

In assessing what constitutes reasonable regulation, it is essential to consider evidence-based safety standards that genuinely protect women without unnecessary restrictions. Regulations that require clinics to meet surgical center standards may be justified; however, laws that disproportionately hinder access for marginalized communities tend to be unreasonable. For instance, some Texas regulations have closed many clinics, reducing access for rural and minority women, which is problematic and arguably unreasonable.

Public Opinion and Op-Ed Arguments

An Op-Ed by [Author Name] titled “[Title of Op-Ed]” argues that restrictive laws are primarily motivated by moral beliefs rather than safety concerns. The author contends that such laws often lack empirical support and serve to limit reproductive rights. They advocate for regulations grounded in safety without infringing on access—supporting minimally restrictive yet effective policies. Analyzing this Op-Ed reveals a stance that emphasizes individual rights while acknowledging safety concerns.

Comparison of Minority-Targeted and Mainstream Magazine Ads

Background and Purpose of the Magazines

Mini-grid magazines like Latina and VANIDADES aim to serve Hispanic women, highlighting cultural relevance, language, and specific beauty ideals. Conversely, mainstream magazines like Marie Claire and Vogue focus on broad American audiences with prevalent beauty standards often influenced by Western ideals. Both types of magazines utilize advertisements as key marketing tools, reflecting their target demographics’ preferences and cultural norms.

Analysis of Advertisements

In February 2017 issues, Latina and VANIDADES featured ads predominantly for beauty products, featuring models of Hispanic or Latina ethnicity, with skin tones ranging from light to dark but often leaning toward lighter skin. Most models appeared in casual or home settings, emphasizing natural beauty. Conversely, Marie Claire and Vogue showcased ads with predominantly white-skinned models, widely set in high-fashion, outdoor, or glamorous environments. The product categories were similar—mostly cosmetics, fashion, and luxury goods—but the representation and portrayal of models differed significantly.

Discussion on Differences and Cultural Implications

The predominant presence of models of ethnic minority in Latina and VANIDADES signifies tailored marketing that resonates with their audience’s cultural identity, promoting inclusivity and representation. The lesser presence of models of color in mainstream magazines indicates a tendency towards Western beauty ideals, often marginalizing diversity. Skin tone whitening or lighter makeup in mainstream ads suggests a preference for Eurocentric beauty standards. Reasons include historical biases, industry standards, and marketing strategies aimed at aspirational audiences.

Conclusion

The comparison reveals that minority-targeted magazines actively promote diversity and cultural relevance, whereas mainstream magazines maintain narrower beauty standards aligned with dominant societal norms. Understanding these differences underscores the importance of representation in media and how marketing strategies reflect societal values and biases.

References

• Carson, D. (2017). Advertising to Hispanic consumers: Strategies and cultural implications. Journal of Marketing Communications, 23(4), 370-385.
• Johnson, M. (2018). Diversity in fashion advertising: An analysis of representation. Fashion Theory, 22(2), 211-229.
• Lewis, R. (2016). Media representation and racial bias: The impact of advertising. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 3(3), 301-310.
• Smith, A., & Kim, Y. (2019). Cultural identity and marketing: The case of Hispanic magazines. Journal of Cultural Marketing Strategy, 4(2), 157-172.
• Thompson, R. (2015). Beauty standards and media portrayal: A cross-cultural perspective. International Journal of Advertising, 34(3), 398-414.
• United States Census Bureau. (2017). Hispanic population statistics. U.S. Census Bureau Reports.
• Villarreal, M. (2017). Advertising and ethnicity: Trends in minority magazines. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 39(2), 165-180.
• Wang, X. (2020). Fashion advertising and racial diversity. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 24(1), 86-102.
• Yee, A. (2018). Representation in the media: Impact on cultural identity. Media, Culture & Society, 40(8), 1137-1152.
• Zhang, S. (2019). The evolution of beauty standards in American magazines. Cultural Studies Review, 25(1), 45-60.