Call Them ‘Americans,’ Not ‘Gringos’

Why does the L.A. Times cooperate with Jorge Vergara’s insulting use of “gringo” (“Conquistador in Cleats,” by David Davis, March 13)? That word is a racial/ethnic slur--at least when used with insulting intent, which is usually the reason for using it.

Vergara, owner of the new Chivas soccer team in Los Angeles, should have more class than to come to this country to make money and insult its citizens. An honorable Spanish speaker would say “Americano” or even “Yanqui” (with good intent). Vergara, who speaks English, could easily say “American” and drop his taunting use of “gringo.” So could the L.A. Times.

Charles K. Sergis

Calabasas