Latinos and Science

I enjoyed reading the probing article by C.J. Salgado, a Cal State Los Angeles physics major, on the need to promote a more positive attitude toward scientific studies among Latino youth (“To the Moon for Menudo!” Commentary, Jan. 3).

It evoked in my mind a recent experience with my 7-year-old son when we saw the film “Edward Scissorhands.” We were fascinated by the ingenious devices depicted, but just as Vincent Price appeared my son asked me if he was the “mad scientist.” Having frequently seen Price play this kind of role, I shrugged off my son’s question fearing that this film would expose him to yet another anti-science image. However, as the film developed, it became clear that the scientist presented to humankind a very special gift. Through the pungent satire, we saw the popular misappreciation and misapprehension of the meaning and benefits of the product of inquiry and invention.

Hopefully my son, as well as other youngsters of all groups who view the film, will be more capable of seeing through the apparent oddities of science and scientists to their truly creative potentials.

MYRON ORLEANS

Anaheim Hills