Red Laces

On May 20 my boyfriend and I and three friends went to see a movie at the La Mirada Mall Pacific Theatres. We purchased tickets for the 5:45 p.m. showing of “Willow,” and as we were going into the theater two men from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department stopped one of our friends from going into the theater and made him return his ticket and leave. The reason: our friend was wearing red shoelaces in his shoes, somehow affiliated with the movie “Colors” that was also playing at these theaters.

I find it hard to believe that the shoelaces by themselves were the only reason he was asked to leave; you see, our friend is black. I believe if he were white, as we are, the shoelaces would not have been noticed.

I find it very upsetting that this theater would allow the Sheriff’s Department to treat people in such an arbitrary manner. It was, of course, very insulting to our friend, and not only did he return his ticket, but so did the rest of us.

Whether or not the sheriff’s men were hired or assigned to that location, the manner in which they conducted this incident did nothing to promote good will or racial understanding.

KATHLEEN KLICK

Cerritos