The past lives on

NOW that Andy Dick has upstaged Damon Wayans in the latest round of “hack comedians using the N-word to revive dead careers” [“Racial Slur Used Again, Rued Again,” by Maria Elena Fernandez, Dec. 6], it is apparent that the absurdity of banning the N-word has opened old-time black leaders to even more ridicule as they try to restore a bygone era to a new generation.

FREDERICK CLEVELAND

Hollywood

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RE “Use it? Or Lose It?” by Scott Martelle, Dec. 5: As long as Damon Wayans sees fit to elicit laughs through homophobic jokes and rappers continue to use the F-word (as in “faggot”), and the likes of Maxine Waters and Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson remain silent, I will continue to use the N-word with no regrets.

NEAL FARBER

San Bernardino