Threat Is Hollywood, Not Japanese Owners

I agree with James Flanigan’s “Foreigners Pose No Threat to Hollywood” (Nov. 25), but for different reasons.

Quincy Jones is concerned about Japanese ownership as a possible threat to cultural sensitivity, given statements by Japanese government officials about African-Americans and Mexican-Americans. But the greatest threat comes from Hollywood itself.

Hollywood has never portrayed minority cultures or interests fairly. Contrary to Flanigan’s belief that social pressures will effect Japanese behavior, a 1953 treaty between the United States and Japan allows Japanese companies to hire managers of their own choice, and a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling only constrains foreign companies that incorporate here to be subject to U.S. civil rights laws.

Our greatest challenge is to conquer our own shortcomings; then we can address the Japanese issue.

GARY MURPH

Bellflower