Hall and Double Standards

After commenting on TV talk show host Arsenio Hall’s use of racial dialect, Times critic Howard Rosenberg asks: “Isn’t it a double standard to criticize as racist such dialect when a script writer employs it as black dialogue when at the same time someone like Hall is using it on national television?” (“Bedtime for Talk? Nothing Special on Sajak, Hall Shows,” Jan. 16.)

Hall and some other comedians don’t seem to realize black racism is no better than white racism; plus they send bad signals to kids who desperately need role models (such as the praiseworthy Bill Cosby) who speak well.

A. S. DOC YOUNG

Los Angeles