Latinos on TV

I was dumbfounded by “It’s a White, White TV World Out There” (Commentary, June 7). Harry Pachon and Manuel Valencia are concerned that “the television industry remains stuck on a narrow, hackneyed image of Latinos.” While I agree with them that Latinos hold responsible positions, including state legislators, teachers, Catholic bishops and Cabinet officers, how often are these jobs portrayed in a positive light, if at all, on television? Certainly, disproportionate negative portrayals of minorities on TV are unfair and harmful!

Putting pressure on the TV industry is effective; so is participating in TV turn-off week in April (or any week for that matter). And perhaps we all need to step up and show more respect to our elected officials, teachers and clergy if we expect to see them portrayed accordingly on television.

JERRY SHEAHAN

Laguna Beach