Some scholars and citizens have come to believe that racism is declining and that the chances for racial integration have improved, but we also know that corporations pay attention to racial and ethnic differences when marketing their products.

For this activity, conduct a qualitative content analysis of adver­tisements in two different magazines: a mainstream magazine that is part of the dominant culture (Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan, Businessweek) and a traditionally black magazine (Essence, Ebony, Jet, Black Enterprise). Compare and contrast the ads in the magazines. Can you identify any differences between the magazines in terms of the products or the themes of the ads? What sorts of images are used in each of the magazines? In what ways are the advertisements reflective of larger majority– minority group relationships in the United States?