As marketers increasingly develop marketing programmes tailored to certain target market segments, some critics have denounced these efforts as exploitive. For example, the preponderance of billboards advertising cigarettes, alcohol and other vices in low-income urban areas is seen as taking advantage of a vulnerable market segment. Critics can be especially harsh in evaluating marketing programmes that target minority groups, claiming they often employ stereotypes and inappropriate depictions. Others counter that targeting and positioning are critical to marketing and that these marketing programmes are an attempt to be relevant to a certain consumer group.

Discuss these opinions. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each opinion?