Reader Is Offended by Plastic Surgery Ads

Although I commend the Los Angeles Times for its efforts to provide a relevant news vehicle to the Hispanic community, I was offended by the advertisements for cosmetic surgery in the (Feb. 13) edition of Nuestro Tiempo.

The quarter-page advertisements in this issue contained pictures which promote the Anglo version of beauty as the one to which we should aspire. I do not believe this type of advertising should be so prominently displayed in this section.

On the front page of Nuestro Tiempo was a picture of a group of mexicanos who are fighting to have a voice in government. Pictured inside is a woman who has had her Indian nose altered so she looks more Anglo.

Are these the kinds of values we want to promote within the Hispanic community? The juxtaposition of important community issues with such advertising certainly sends out a mixed message.

MARGARET I. HERNANDEZ

Whittier