A ‘Half Empty’ Approach

I question Cathy Curtis’ propensity to view the world “half empty” as she flailed the Bowers Museum’s exhibits “Peru Before the Inca” and “Colors of the Dawn/Invisible People: Arts of the Amazon” (“South American Cultures From the Wrong Angle,” Oct. 19).

Given the enormity of discouraging cultural events in our daily lives, how appropriate and profitable a “half full” perspective might have been, as there was value to be appreciated.

In her quest for substance, Curtis could have taken herself as well as her readers to the Bowers’ third exhibit, “Memories, Milestones and Miracles,” a multimedia expose on breast cancer, a “cultural reality.” Breast cancer strikes one in nine women, be they mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends or lovers.

This statistic belies Curtis’ diagnosis that the Bowers Museum suffers from an “allergy to ethnography and anthropology.” Cultural and social relationships among men, women and children are profoundly influenced by this disease. Awareness of the phenomenon is valuable and substantive.

The Bowers Museum should be recognized and applauded for its awareness and for its many excellent exhibits that contribute to our community and to our culture.

PATRICIA DI SAIA

Santa Ana

Letters should be brief and must include the writer’s full name, address and phone number. No pseudonyms may be used. Letters are subject to editing and condensation. Please mention date of publication when referring to a specific article. Mail to Orange County Calendar Letters, Los Angeles Times, P.O. Box 2008, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626, or fax to (714) 966-5663.