STILL CHARMING

Thumbs down on Facets Multimedia in Chicago and their “Non-Violent, Non-Sexist Children’s Video Guide” (“Thumbs Down on ‘Cinderella’?” by Diane Garrett, Feb. 4). There is nothing remotely politically correct about a book that advocates discarding cultural classics in a time when books are once again banned from library shelves and Senator Dole attacks the popular media in the name of decency.

Children should be encouraged to be open-minded, flexible and searching. Many people are perfectly aware of the Cinderella complex and what it implies. Has anyone, however, thought about the lessons in the classic Disney film that do have value? There are lessons about jealousy, compassion and hope that are timeless.

JAMES JOHNSTON

Ventura