Wright’s ‘Black Boy’
* Regarding the Ventura County controversy over a school reading assignment, April 4:
I read Richard Wright’s “Black Boy” as an adolescent nearly half a century ago. I do not believe it corrupted me, but, to the contrary, opened my white, middle-class eyes to what was going on around me and, I hope, contributed to making me a more empathetic and compassionate human being.
Are the objecting parents afraid their children will be shaken from the complacency and comfort of a tight, little closed mind? I suggest the parents read the book for themselves, beginning to end. It may broaden their own horizons. If they are not moved, if they are not touched by it, then indeed they have hearts of cold white granite.
RICHARD W. NAGLE
Los Angeles
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