Wrong note

Re “Isaac Hayes, 1942-2008,” Aug. 11

I have to disagree with The Times’ repeated use of the term “blaxploitation” in describing Isaac Hayes’ Academy Award-winning song from the Gordon Parks movie “Shaft.” By using this term, you do Hayes a great disservice.

“Shaft” stands on its own as an action thriller. Certainly its makers didn’t set out to make a so-called blaxploitation movie -- those came later -- and I doubt Hayes set out to score such a film.

William Sottile

Palmdale