Howling Over ‘Coyote’s’ Mixed Messages

I found the film “Coyote Ugly” a sad, cynical spectacle--but not nearly so sad as writer Gina Wendkos’ defense of it (“Flirting With Controversy,” by Kathleen Craughwell, Aug. 8).

There’s an icky post-feminist thesis here that women can best assert their “power” by gettin’ all sexy in public places. Talent and brains are less empowering apparently than how you look in a tight leather halter. Is this the best women can hope for? Is this what life has taught Wendkos?

I hate to think so, since her thesis only helps the Maria Bellos and Piper Perabos out there--and only so long as they stay under 30 and under 110 pounds.

TIM DOYLE

Glendale

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It’s too bad that of the roughly 2% of women above the line in the film industry, most seem to want to play in the boys’ club. Whatever happened to movies like “Baby Boom,” where an intelligent woman used her brains as an entree to a high-paying job? Whoever said a nice paycheck wasn’t empowering?

SASHA LAING

Venice

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Wendkos is quoted as saying, “I have a bad feeling about art. I don’t like modern art. I hate it in fact. I think it’s a scam.” Well, I certainly know what I think is a scam--it’s the notion that flaunting one’s body for men is somehow empowering rather than degrading.

That young girls should be inspired by the ubiquitous images that show women as nothing but sexual is a depressing thought. I dread what kind of message my 10-year-old niece gets from this constant bombardment.

BARBARA DELLAMARIE

Burbank

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Producer Jerry Bruckheimer is quoted as saying, “We could have made it an ‘R,’ but we wanted young girls to see it as an inspirational story about dreams and attaining dreams” (“ ‘Coyote’s’ Wily Packaging May Blast Box Office,” by Claudia Eller, Aug. 4).

Which dreams did you want these young girls to aspire to do exactly, Mr. Bruckheimer? Learn to dance on a bar with drunken men clawing at you, or how to pour cold beer on your chest?

ALETHEA GUTHRIE

Malibu