‘The Cay’ Not a Racist Book

It is interesting to note the lack of outcry, by any of the usual groups, concerning the proposal of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People to ban a book in our local school systems (“NAACP Seeks to Ban Novel From Classes,” Jan. 16). Where is the American Civil Liberties Union? Where are the crocodile tears shed by the media in any other attack on the First Amendment?

Having read the book, “The Cay,” I can only conclude that it must be a period of doldrums for the people complaining. The story told is one of heroism, dignity and great sacrifice on the part of Timothy, the black man. The white character is a petulant 11-year-old who has been blinded in an accident and has never interacted with another race.

The whole book is aimed at showing the growth of an ignorant child, and how a black man, born circa 1870, with no formal education, can use his intelligence, love of humanity and bravery to teach and instill the same virtues in another generation.

To claim that “The Cay” is anti-black is small-minded and requires an attitude toward life that a man with Timothy’s character would deplore.

HUGH M. FLYNN, Simi Valley