It’s Lincoln, Not Clinton

Your excellent Howard Rosenberg seems, as usual, on target when he dismisses “The Secret Diary of Desmond Pfeiffer” as banal and unfunny trash, though I don’t see quite why some of the black community have objected to a show where the only intelligent character is the black Mr. Pfeiffer (“Racism Is Not ‘Diary’s’ Crime,” Oct. 2).

I am offended by the preposterous characterization of Abraham Lincoln as a sex-crazed clone of Bill Clinton. Lincoln is generally judged to be one of our finest presidents (who also freed the slaves). To imply that he in any way resembled our current president is an outrageous and shameful insult.

CHARLTON HESTON

Beverly Hills

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By what authority or experience does Rosenberg presume to define what constitutes racism for many in the African American community?

Out of respect and empathy for my many colleagues who are of the Jewish faith, I could never minimize any outcry from their community regarding the atrocities that happened during Hitler’s time. They know the depth of that wounded experience like no other.

Likewise, African Americans are the ones who carry the visible burden of the legacy of slavery in this country, and we are the ones who claim both the right and the responsibility to cite racism when we experience it. (Note that I said the “visible burden.” Many in white America also carry the burden of accountability, which they continually evade and deny.)

So Rosenberg should understand that it is racist because African Americans say it is racist, because many African Americans experience it as racist. Period!

SAUNDREA D. YOUNG

Inglewood

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What is particularly galling to me, an African American, is Rosenberg’s refutation of a right to indignation about the show because it hadn’t yet aired. Does one actually have to see a sitcom about slavery, child abuse or rape to believe the subject matter is not fitting material for a television sitcom and the millions of young, impressionable viewers who may watch it?

The history of American film and television is replete with disgraceful “comedic” depictions of black people, many of which were quite financially successful. I deeply resent the patronizing attitude in Rosenberg and others when they deign to explain what is or is not racist material to black people. I think we have that lesson down pretty pat by now.

ROBERT BOONE

Los Angeles

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Rosenberg’s arrogance in questioning the motives of certain black leaders is blatant and misdirected. I truly wish we lived in a world where we didn’t need such watch groups as the Brotherhood Crusade, but Hollywood proves to us over and over again that these organizations are still very much in demand.

ALEJANDRO J. DIAZ

Downey