Required Reading for Students

Only in the myopic world of American political correctness is race so clearly indistinguishable from culture. Does teacher Alfee Enciso (Voices, March 28) really believe that whites resonate to Shakespeare only because the Bard embodies “white” culture? Is it possible that Shakespeare, Hemingway and Hawthorne are great because they illuminate universal human values and foibles?

Enciso claims the problem of illegitimacy precludes the teaching of “The Scarlet Letter” to inner-city youth. If that is so, then we would suggest the prevalence of racism precludes the reading of “The Invisible Man” by bigots. Forget the privileged reading and valuing “The Grapes of Wrath.” And don’t expect Americans to learn calculus; we didn’t invent it!

Mandating reading lists by race reinforces the notion that people think with their skins. That’s the last message LAUSD students need.

HERB ROSENBLOOM, DAN HART, Math Teachers, San Fernando High School

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Enciso is right. Students who “can’t relate to” reading assignments in a professionally designed curriculum should only be given assignments that please them. Because life and the working world are like that: Most people get to choose their work assignments, and how much they’re paid!

MONROE SLAVIN, Los Angeles