The Reviews Are In on ‘Barbershop’ Flap

I appreciate Emory Holmes II’s articulate defense of the controversial “Barbershop” character (“A Subversive Clown Uses Lies to Get at the Truth,” Sept. 28), but I’m very sad that such a defense was even necessary.

At many times in our history, freedom was something Americans gave up their lives for. Freedom means being able to say things that other people don’t like. The comments made in “Barbershop” never should have needed so much defending in the first place.

But if the Rev. Al Sharpton wants to go to the barricades over free speech, he’s still going to find people willing to defend freedom with their lives, even in these cynical, politically correct times.

PATRICIA SCHWARZ

Pasadena

*

Whoever authorized the commentary by Emory Holmes II should be fired. Holmes didn’t criticize “Barbershop” so much as he wasted a column calling Cedric the Entertainer’s character names.

Holmes called the character, who had the temerity to hold contrary views from the slaves who inhabit the civil rights plantation, a clown, a liar and a fool. What he really is saying is that the truth hurts.

I should think that a movie written, produced and directed by blacks that shows different views among blacks should be applauded. A story in which all the characters agree is not only false, it’s boring.

ROBERT S. RODGERS

Culver City

*

Holmes is right on the money. Perhaps Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton should take a course in Drama 101 so they might better understand the role of the clown, the foil and the provocateur.

You would think that Sharpton--of all people--would already know this, having played those parts so often.

MIKE PANN

Laguna Beach