CELLULOID SEX

I find it interesting that Steve Tisch says that he’d feel irresponsible making “Risky Business” today because it was aimed at teen-agers and “introduced them to the world of call girls and casual sex” (“Is Hollywood Getting the Message About Safe Sex?” by John M. Wilson, July 19). It was OK in 1983 but not today because of AIDS, right?

He and other film makers are suddenly exhibiting a conscience about the negative role models they’ve been giving this vulnerable age group for years now. Parents who are trying to raise their children with strong values and high morals don’t want to be thankful for a killer virus--but it’s real tempting. It has taken an epidemic of vast proportions to instill in Hollywood a sense of responsibility that should have been there all along.

SHARON HOWARD

Van Nuys