Everybody’s a Target on ‘Larroquette’

So Anthony and Denise Ji-Ahnte Sibert are upset with “The John Larroquette Show’s” racial stereotyping (“ ‘The John Larroquette Show’ Confuses Racial Stereotypes With Humor,” Oct. 18). Hey, guys, everyone , regardless of race or nationality, is brought down a notch or two on that show. It takes place at a downtown bus depot where, let’s face it, the upscale are usually scarce.

If you really want to complain about African-Americans not being given dignified representation on TV, there are much easier targets. How about “Family Matters,” “Martin,” “The Sinbad Show” and many of the sketches on “In Living Color”? And, on the other end of the racial spectrum, what percentage of the white populace truly identifies with the characters on “90210” or “Melrose Place”?

I fear that the only way African-Americans are going to really get a completely fair shake on television is if they unite to create their own network.

I applaud the Siberts’ opinions more validly than those of the Terry Rakoltas and Donald Wildmons of the world, who make blanket condemnations of shows they don’t even watch, but I would tell all of them the same thing: Chill out and change the channel. The networks are not the only option.

BRIAN SEFF

Los Angeles