ARSENIO HALL

Regarding “Fresh Talk,” by Itabari Njeri (April 16): I invite Arsenio Hall’s critics to consider how, historically, television has made black audiences feel excluded by the jargon, interests, life styles and values portrayed by typical programming. With the shoe on the other foot, perhaps some people will realize how it feels to be on the outside looking in.

I applaud Arsenio’s real message: that the dividing line between “in” and “out” is the degree to which we are willing to risk caring about one another.

BARBARA HAINES

Costa Mesa