Wrong Idea

Michael Alvear’s asinine and meritless conclusion that what distinguishes “Ellen” from “Will and Grace” is that Ellen DeGeneres’ show was “too gay” only encourages anti-gay thinking and lousy TV programming (Counterpunch, May 17). The reason “Will and Grace” is succeeding where “Ellen” did not is due to excellent writing and direction and, dare I add, hilarious comedic performances. “Ellen” was an unfunny bore. “Will and Grace” would have succeeded regardless of whether “Ellen” had ever existed. Give “Will and Grace” the credit it deserves for delivering good entertainment and leave the gay agenda out of it. One is funny; the other was not. Viewers can tell the difference.

WILLIAM J. BECKER JR.

Los Angeles

As long as the phrase “too gay” is used to justify failure in Hollywood, the insidiousness of homophobia will continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of gays and lesbians working in this town.

Even though muted characters like Will may be more popular on television than those who live out loud, like Ellen, allowing a slur like “too gay” to be an acceptable epithet reinforces the notion that the volume on homosexuality needs to be turned down in order to succeed.

MICHAEL KEARNS

Los Angeles