San Antonio

In an otherwise very readable “A Cultural Diamond in the Rough” (Aug. 2), Hector Tobar paints San Antonio as polarized racially and by class (based on race), missing out on the city’s complexity.

In fact, San Antonio appears as a model, not perfect but worthy of emulation, of race relations and cross-cultural integration to observant visitors; Anglos and Mexican Americans unconsciously hang around together, attending concerts and plays, playing sports. Intermarriage is commonplace, as reflected in the society page of the city’s major daily. Unlike in Los Angeles, racial tensions in the public high schools are nearly nonexistent. There is a sizable, prosperous, Mexican American middle class, including many lawyers and physicians (at least 30% of the city’s doctors are Latino).

Tobar could have talked to at least one Anglo--many are Spanish-fluent and fans of Tejano music--providing balance to the subject of race and cultural relations.

JOSEPH PLATT

Professor Emeritus, Chicano

Studies, Cal State Fullerton