COUNTERPUNCH LETTERS : Reality in ‘Pelican Brief’

Felipa R. Richland (“ ‘Pelican’ Grief!” Dec. 27) would do well to heed her own advice to “get out in the real world.” Julia Roberts’ portrayal of a young law student whose life suddenly is invaded by massive acts of violence is probably closer to reality than either the book’s character or Richland’s fantasy image.

Roberts’ character was rightfully traumatized. Women, unlike men, are generally not brought up to experience physical violence on a regular basis. Traditionally, males physically fight among themselves from a young age to establish hierarchy. Thank God most women do not experience fistfights, football, lacrosse, water polo, wrestling or other forms of regular violence that men consider normal “sport.”

Given this difference in growth experience, I found the Roberts character’s reaction to her boyfriend’s car-bombing death and the violent death of so many around her to be very credible.

JOHN C. COLLINS, San Juan Capistrano

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A 24-year-old woman (or man, for that matter) who exhibited more courage, resourcefulness and ingenuity would have been--like Supergirl or Superman--totally unbelievable. As a 53-year-old man, I found the Roberts character to be more brave--although a bit more naive, as well--than I would have been at age 24 under similar circumstances. Knowing what I know now, I would not even have attempted what she did. Furthermore, in the real world it is doubtful that she would have survived.

R. L. LAWRENCE, Los Angeles

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If you want to see not only smart and attractive but courageous and sensitive, go to your video rental store and rent “Terminator 2, Judgment Day,” “Alien” and “Aliens.” Forget that they are science fiction and concentrate on the remarkable performances of Linda Hamilton and Sigourney Weaver. These two women are thrown into unimaginable situations but find inner strength and determination to deal with the problem, while never giving up their femininity.

CHRISTINA LEWIS, Los Angeles