VEIL REFERENCE

In discussing August Wilson’s plays, Jan Breslauer has misinterpreted the meaning of W.E.B Du Bois’ use of the phrase “born with a veil” (“He Types Only on the Blue Keys,” Jan. 14).

Among black people, to say that one is “born with a veil” is equivalent to the Irish saying “born with a caul.” Someone born with a caul (veil) is said to have occult, psychic and clairvoyant powers. In addition, a seventh son has always been cloaked with an aura of being special.

Rather than black folks gathering behind a veil to look at yesterday’s memories, the clairvoyance afforded by the veil allows them to bear the trials and adversities of today, knowing that the day after tomorrow the triumphs will be there.

JOSEPH C. D’AGUIAR

Whittier