Hollywood and Jews

There was something about Legrand Clegg’s complaint about Hollywood producers of Jewish background who create negative black stereotypes (letter, Feb. 16) that struck a resonant chord in my Jewish consciousness. It was the fact that the religiously Jewish community has long complained that the entertainment industry’s portrayal of Jews has been predominantly negative as well, portraying them as either alienated in general (hustlers or cynics), or happily disappearing by intermarriage. The image of decent Jewish men and women successfully having romantic relationships with each other is virtually absent from Hollywood’s portrayal of American Jews.

If it’s any comfort to Mr. Clegg, we Jews concerned about American Jewish dignity and self-respect have a complaint about Hollywood similar to his.

LARRY SELK

Los Angeles