‘Blues’ and Bigotry

Sheila Benson’s Aug. 3 review of Spike Lee’s “Mo’ Better Blues” is a classic yet unfortunate example of just how severely racism affects the thinking of white Americans.

Lee, by virtue of his access to a major film distributor, is now in position to expose the human side of black life in America to all Americans, black and white. And this is going to make many white Americans uncomfortable. Why? Because the stereotype of blacks as only singers, dancers and comedians has become so imprinted.

Racism prevents people from truly seeing blacks in any film that is character-driven (unless it is a historical drama such as “The Color Purple” or “Sounder”).

Were Woody Allen’s name on the credits of “Mo’ Better Blues,” it would be hailed as a masterpiece. Instead we’re told that Lee has trouble with his writing.

DR. ROLAND S. JEFFERSON

Los Angeles