Lines Drawn in ‘Miss Saigon’ Dispute

It seems that in this latest affront to the Asian-American community (the attitude of “Miss Saigon’s” producer), we are again ignoring the sexism inherent in the casting.

From Charlie Chan to Kurosawa’s upcoming film (which is one import from Japan we ought to ban), whenever the leading male role is an Asian character, time and time again it is played by a white actor while Asian females have opportunities to play not only leading roles as Asian characters, as in “Miss Saigon,” but in mainstream parts (witness Joan Chen in television’s “Twin Peaks”). Is this the same mentality that ensures that no Asian male can work as a news anchor in this town?

I doubt that the feminists are keeping a tally on that score.

RICHARD A. CHUNG

Los Angeles