Nancy Reichardt’s soap opera column in the...

Nancy Reichardt’s soap opera column in the June 7 issue was a welcome addition to growing community discussion of the portrayal of Hispanics on TV. The Cruz Castillo role in “Santa Barbara” is, indeed, a positive contribution to the media image of Hispanics, and we commend New World Television for its casting of A Martinez in this role. The Imagen Awards, presented annually by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, honors TV and motion picture production companies, producers and directors for this kind of positive portrayal of Hispanics--as well as for casting Hispanic actors in non-Hispanic roles (e.g., Cesar Romero in “Falcon Crest”). Both of these types of casting decisions are important in combatting stereotypes.

Jerry Freedman Habush, Los Angeles