William Collins

* In “The Surviving Brother Is the Message” (Commentary, July 23), Karen Grigsby Bates states that the reason African American William Collins on “Big Brother” was kicked out first and Gervase, the sole black man on “Survivor,” is still around is because “white America prefers its black folks cheerful.” Wrong, Ms. Bates. America would prefer that everyone, in the words of Rodney King, “just get along.”

The Big Brother house’s reaction to William is no different than the decision of the members of MTV’s “The Real World” to kick out the abrasive and always-controversial Puck, a white, blunt-spoken agitator, a few years ago. Obnoxious people come in all shapes and colors. Gervase isn’t still on the island because he’s an easygoing black guy but because he’s an easygoing guy. A cheerful demeanor is always more attractive than a serious or surly one in anybody.

As for Uncle Ben, Aunt Jemima and the Cream of Wheat chef becoming beloved icons because they were “comforting, reassuring images of black folks,” well, I guess she has a point there. Those companies might do better with more “surly and serious” white characters like Mr. Whipple, Colonel Sanders or Earnest.

MATT CARMODY

Hollywood

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Bates makes some valid points when she says that “cheerful and black is still more attractive to much of America.” However, I feel that the main issue here was William’s inability to respect the other housemates’ opinions and feelings. He stated several times, “I believe in God,” and quoted the Bible often. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t God’s law about loving and respecting your fellow human beings, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation?

BRUCE FOULKES

Santa Ana

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What Bates is really saying is that cheerful blacks are more acceptable to whites than complaining blacks. So what? Cheerful blacks are more acceptable to blacks than complaining blacks. A person can be cheerful and serious. The two are not mutually exclusive.

ROBERT S. RODGERS

Culver City