Controversy over ‘Crash’

I was disappointed that “Crash” captured the best picture award (March 6). I thought it gave a very negative, biased, distorted and unfair portrait of life in Los Angeles.

It made it appear that L.A. is a haven for racial and ethnic bigots, corrupt cops and car accidents; where residents are so alienated and isolated from one another that they need a car crash to establish human contact; where lawlessness pervades and no one is safe, not even the district attorney; and where racial tensions are simmering everywhere.

Los Angeles is actually a great melting pot where racial and ethnic harmony pervade, where police reforms have made law enforcement far more respectable and where drivers are, for the most part, considerate, law-abiding and conscientious. On the basis of “Crash” alone, one would think that Los Angeles is one of the worst places to live. But L.A. has many selling points, including a wonderful climate, scenic areas, a relatively safe environment, a strong educational and cultural tradition and great community spirit.

KENNETH L. ZIMMERMAN

Huntington Beach

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Why are the media so surprised that “Crash” won best picture? As an avid moviegoer, I feel that “Crash” is a movie for everyone, a movie with redeeming values, a movie that educates the public by showing that there are people who can change and help others. It represents the good in the world.

The only surprise should have been the winner for best original song, “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” Of all the wonderful music I heard at the movies, the academy should have been more selective in its choice.

BETH FIORELLA

San Diego