Interracial Tensions

In response to “Bradley Tries to Calm Racial Animosities” and “Blacks Won’t End Korean Store Boycott,” Metro, Aug. 30-31:

When a store opens, it provides community service even if it doesn’t hire or spend there. No one need shop there, but its presence provides competition (in price, product, service, friendliness, etc.) against the shop across the street, resulting in overall better service.

The black boycott shines a light on itself, and businesses are taking note: avoid South-Central Los Angeles. Boycotting may damage one grocer’s livelihood, but it will damage the future of all of South-Central. And that spells poverty. I therefore ask: Is it worth it? The answer should be obvious. An emphatic no!

I salute Mayor Bradley for taking a stand on this issue, and I encourage other blacks, both in and out of government, to make their views known. Those who have an eye to the longer-term interests of the black community must provide leadership in challenging this boycott.

NOEL AGUILAR, Los Angeles