‘Chick’ challenges

IN her critique of the sexism of the “chick-flick” phenomenon [“Fettered by a Faux Stereotype,” Nov. 13], Carina Chocano evidently forgot that the film universe is not the exclusive province of white women. Time and again white female directors, actresses and critics bemoan the lack of meaty female roles in Hollywood while simultaneously presenting their life experiences as the norm, thereby reinforcing the racist invisibility of women of color in the film industry.

It is not surprising Chocano was able to cite only three films that feature women of color in her decades-spanning list of 54 films with “nuanced” portrayals of strong women. Missing were “Salt of the Earth,” “Real Women Have Curves,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “The Color Purple,” “Girls Town,” “Lakota Woman” and “Whale Rider” to name but a few offerings with substantive women-of-color protagonists.

While L.A. and the nation as a whole get browner and browner, for women of color the American image regime gets whiter, blonder and more impervious to the demographic shifts of the 21st century.

SIKIVU HUTCHINSON

Los Angeles

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AS an avid moviegoing male, I know firsthand the terror and embarrassment of being caught in a theater playing a “chick flick.” A few years ago, my future wife coaxed me into going to see “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.” I suffered through it with the fervent hope that none of my male friends would see me exit the movie house. When the lights went on at the end, I stood up and looked around the theater. There were about 200 women, and I was the only man. Most of them gave me a sympathetic smile and probably wondered what my fiancee had said or done to warrant my attendance. Actually, it was simple for her. She had earlier promised that she would bravely sit through the western or gangster movie of my choice, if I went with her to see this ultimate chick flick.

The next night I rented a mean-spirited and vicious Clint Eastwood oater (“High Plains Drifter”), yet my wife sat through it all without wincing once. I even heard a chuckle or two come out of her while Clint was blowing someone’s head off. This proves once again that, in reality, women are truly stronger than men.

CHARLES REILLY

Manhattan Beach

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I really enjoyed the article on “chick flicks.” In my own work in psychological anthropology, I often try to get people to look beyond the social categories we use to label and analyze so many things. Is it a chick thing to be interested in character and motivation? I don’t think so. Are women also aggressive and sexual and all-too-human, just as men are? Afraid so.

Good work, Carina Chocano. My all-too-human mother and sisters would appreciate it.

DOUG HOLLAN

Los Angeles