‘Road’ Rage Responses

Three cheers for Olin Tezcatlipoca (“ ‘Road to El Dorado’ Has No Respect for History,” Counterpunch, April 10). As a non-Hispanic student of history, I applaud Olin T. for his response to the movie. Mexico and Central America in pre-Conquest times had a high culture that was in many ways the rival of any ever known. The conquistadors’ claim to fame was superior weaponry and unmitigated gall. The Spaniards decimated and debased a culture far above their own at that time. I’m amazed that more has not been made of this story in history texts and in popular literature. Hats off also, Mr. T., for reclaiming a real Mexican name.

EILEEN SEVER

Santa Monica

Olin Tezcatlipoca characterizes “The Road to El Dorado” as outrageously disrespectful of history. Yet he never asserts that the film lacks a disclaimer, the sovereign remedy whose absence is necessary to validate his complaint. He is at liberty, via a more restrictive MPAA rating, to protect children. But the extension of that protection to me would constitute the same cultural theft, castration and enslavement he denounces. The burden of historical accuracy is delegated to such historians as he mentions. Understanding their work would not prevent “inaccurate” fiction, as he suggests, but would render it harmless.

JIM JOHNSON

Whittier

I wholeheartedly agree with Olin Tezcatlipoca on the subject of “El Dorado” having no respect for history. The film should be obliterated, as is suggested.

But why stop there? I find “Pinocchio’s” portrayal of Italians as ridiculous morons to be deplorable. And let’s not forget that film shows minors smoking! I say, ban that film! Get rid of it! It’s a public menace!

Then there’s “Snow White,” which has a scene of necrophilia (the Prince kisses a girl who is assumed to be dead, doesn’t he?). Not to mention the horrific stereotyping implication that all height-impaired men have beards and have inferior, demeaning jobs like working in dark mines. It sets back the struggles of all height-impaired people by 50 years. I believe this film has more to do with what’s wrong in the world than anything out today.

The Disney company should be ashamed. And have you seen “Peter Pan” and its disgusting, stereotyped “redskins”? Where is the tolerance and education? Just because Pan and Tinkerbell are fairies doesn’t mean they should be racists. There’s only one thing to be done with that film--burn it, erase it from public memory. And let’s not start up the argument about “Pocahontas” again, please. I ask you--if that film isn’t considered a crime, what is?

I haven’t seen any of the latest releases out there, but just look at the titles! “High Fidelity”? We all know that’s an allusion to pot-smoking. “Black and White,” with the title “Black” in white? An abomination of racism. And why must “Romeo” die? Probably an allusion to Shakespeare’s Romeo, who was Italian. Meaning all Italians must die, of course. Get rid of all of these films, I say. Or at least make sure they get my approval first.

In the meantime, I feel I should say thanks for the great free advertising for our film, Olin--I worked on “El Dorado,” but now I want to see it again; I obviously missed something.

SCOTT CLAUS

DreamWorks Feature Animation

Glendale