Cheers for ‘Chan’

IN its decision to discontinue its “Charlie Chan” film festival, I’m afraid the Fox Movie Channel and a lot of other people are confusing two separate issues (“Fox Movie Channel Drops ‘Chan’ Film Festival,” by Brian Lowry, July 1). Is a character demeaning to a race or ethnic group or culture? And is a member of that ethnic group playing the character? They are hardly the same thing or of equal concern.

It’s true, regrettably, that a series of Caucasian actors played the lead in the old Charlie Chan movies, and our culture has changed enough that that wouldn’t be likely to happen today. But on the broadly more significant point, Charlie Chan was a brilliant detective and a wonderful role model as a human being. He was kind and just, cared about other people and, no matter how busy he was on a case, always kept a paternal eye on whichever of his children was with him. How can anyone believe this is anything less than a sterling character to be shown to new generations of children?

Bob Shayne

Malibu