Racism’s role in ‘Wire’s’ ratings

I enjoyed Matea Gold’s article Jan. 6 on “The Wire.” My personal connection is multifold: The show was responsible for me getting my SAG card; my friend, Jeffrey Pratt Gordon, plays Johnny “Fifty” Spamanto; I’m from the Baltimore area, and I’m a fan of just plain old good acting/writing/directing.

The reason I believe “The Wire” has never caught on is the same reason that the ills of our cities aren’t addressed -- minorities make up a large portion of the show, and frankly, much of America has proved that a show about true urban minorities is not something they are interested in (“The Cosby Show” being a success because the family was wealthy).

The unfortunate underlying racism that flows through so many things in our society is even down to why people choose to watch TV shows. “The Wire” is a wonderful opportunity for our country to take a frank look at a lot that plagues its communities, and while viewers of “The Wire” are often educated, much of the television-watching public just simply . . . is not.

Patrick Brown

Los Angeles