Victimization

THE continued exploitation by the media concerning victims of Katrina and Rita is just one more way to get those oh-so-important ratings to soar [“Something Crass Lurks Behind the Do-Gooder Smile,” by Paul Brownfield, Sept. 30]. Playing on the sympathy of others is certainly not a new tactic to get the attention of the audience. It goes back as far as “Queen for a Day” in the 1950s: They humiliated people daily while presenting them with a washing machine and mink stole and telling their terrible stories of hard luck.

Using people for gain is not a new thing, but it is still a shameful and disgusting way to do business and achieve high ratings in the process. If that’s the American way, you can have it.

FRANCES TERRELL LIPPMAN

Los Angeles