Talk About the Magic

While I am pleased that the Magic Johnson Theaters complex in Baldwin Hills is receiving front-page coverage, I was very displeased with the focus of the article (“Home Screen Advantage,” by John L. Mitchell, Feb. 14).

I am a middle-class American of African ancestry who, contrary to the reporter’s view, does not expect members of the audience to talk. I have been going to movies at the multiplex since the opening week. For the most part, the audiences have respected their fellow audience members’ right to listen to the dialogue provided by the screenwriters and actors--not the audience.

An audience should not feel free to talk back to the movie constantly. This is annoying and disruptive. To say this is some African American cultural norm and encouraged at Magic Johnson’s theaters is a sorry stereotype, contrary to their policy and just plain not true.

ROBERT G. JONES

Los Angeles