‘704 Hauser’ at Issue

Re “ ‘704 Hauser’ Braces for Race Issue” (April 7): It is wonderful that enlightened people have devised a new show that parents will “sit down with their kids to watch”--black parents. Unfortunately, the creators aren’t as enlightened as I’d prefer.

Armstrong Williams, a creative consultant, wants to make black people “uncomfortable” enough to re-evaluate their politics and beliefs. To this end, a white, Jewish girlfriend is being placed on the show. Unfortunately, Williams accepts “conflict” when discussing the effects interracial dating will have on story lines instead of its positive possibilities. Williams states that his opposition to interracial dating was “embedded” in him by his parents and that “even though it’s the wrong way to think,” this character’s presence bothers him.

If a white man had espoused these archaic ideas in an interview, he’d have been branded “racist” and the show would have been cast down as another attempt to capitalize on racial tensions even before it got started. It need not be. An atmosphere of exchange must prevail for our society to get past the abyss that racial separatism has carved. Williams’ honesty is admirable; his ideas are not. Yet, he is willing to admit the possibility of change by introducing it into the show. If the show is as honest as Williams, perhaps even he will become uncomfortable enough to outgrow his parents.

ELKE KOLODINSKI

Culver City