Life Lessons

I agree wholeheartedly with producer Moctesuma Esparza. Nothing will help Mexicans more than a solid work ethic, in conjunction with a good education (“The Warrior Within,” by Lorenza Mun~oz, Sept. 5).

I grew up in northeast Los Angeles, and my folks had the foresight to instill in me the ability to work hard without moaning about prejudice against Mexicans. One must rise above that, and take advantage of opportunities, even in the face of unfair obstacles. It’s a process called life. Olin Tezcatlipoca sounds as hatefully racist as Al Sharpton (Letters, Sept. 19). I don’t feel Esparza is my enemy; I regard him as someone who has his act together and has accomplished greatness as a Mexican without crying.

By the way, if Olin doesn’t know what constitutes a good education, he should pay attention to this Mexican from Glassell Park; I sent my boy to Boston University. He graduated in 1997. It can be done; you just have to know how to kick yourself in the rear, and assume some personal responsibility for your life.

SAMUEL A. ZAVALA

Riverside

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After reading Mexica Movement director Tezcatlipoca’s letter, is there any wonder why some people become leery of Hispanic organizations?

If Tezcatlipoca’s reasoning is that Mexicans should hire only Mexicans, then it should follow that blacks should hire only blacks (pick your favorite minority, etc.) and therefore whites should hire only whites. Is this what Mexican people really want?

By the way, don’t let the name below fool you. I am not Mexican but I am Hispanic.

CECILIA MARDESICH

San Pedro

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Esparza has proven himself over and over again to be a champion for the artistic rights of all Latinos. He has also managed to produce more Latino-themed films than anyone else in Hollywood, bringing to the screen more of our stories than anyone else.

The vast majority of Latinos share Esparza’s values of unity and inclusiveness and wholeheartedly embrace the importance of a good education and hard work.

MARCIA DEL MAR

Calabasas

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I was pleased with and impressed by the recognition accorded Esparza in Lorenza Mun~oz’s article. Unfortunately, in her zeal to emphasize his determination to overcome what he justly described as “institutional racism and external barriers,” she created a misleading and unjust picture of at least some of his teachers and counselors. I know; I was married to one of them--Lowell Harmer--and acquainted with others.

On our return to this country after almost five years in Mexico, Lowell decided to share the rich experience by becoming a teacher. Shocked by a Lincoln High School administrator’s admonition, “Don’t expect too much of these kids,” he used his post as head of the journalism department to put that notion to rest. He wanted very much to enlighten students about their heritage, to encourage them to aim for the top. During his 12-year stay at Lincoln, he guided the Railsplitter to first place each year in the Columbia Journalism Awards. Moctesuma, an editor, was one of his favorite students.

When Lowell died nearly 30 years ago, I asked people to honor him by contributing to a scholarship fund. After noted Latino journalist Ruben Salazar was killed, we combined the two funds into the Harmer-Salazar Memorial Award. Each year, prizes of $500 and $150 are awarded to Lincoln students going on to higher education.

RUTH HARMER-CAREW

Los Angeles