Past Caricatures Are Still Alive

Re “Collecting Controversy” (Oct. 19): I suppose I must respect whatever choices African Americans make when dealing with the racist caricatures of the past.

However I can’t help but question the motives of the many whites who buy and sell such material, and I wonder that Lynell George’s article did not mention this aspect of the issue.

Perhaps the implications were simply too disturbing. I fear that for children growing up in white households where these degrading images are displayed--not for historical perspective or any such lofty purpose, but for their entertainment value--the past is now.

MARIA RAINES

Los Angeles