ON TV ROLE MODELS

For Ruben Martinez, there was “The Brady Bunch” (“East Side, West Side,” May 3). For me, a Latina (Mexican-American, then), there was “The Patty Duke Show.” Patty was my heroine. She exemplified a young, powerful teen-ager in charge of her life and destiny. She was smart, popular and white. There was never any doubt (or episodes that I can recall) that questioned whether Patty would graduate from high school or would apply for college admission. As I remember, she was encouraged by her parents to think about college.

Still, I wonder if my self-esteem would have improved during high school if Patty Duke had been Patty Diaz and still had no doubt that she was headed for college and that it was only a question of which one she would attend.

It is my hope that TV will begin to provide all minorities with uplifting images that transcend stereotypes and last more than a season. Intelligent Latino audiences are waiting by their TV sets.

CECYLIA ESCARCEGA

San Diego