Not a fair comparison

I think it’s despicable the way that Rachel Abramowitz immediately draws a comparison between the stories of O.J. Simpson and Gordon Stewart Northcott in her report about the movie “Changeling” [“The Other Son,” Oct. 19]. The stories have nothing in common and her line stating that both “inspired a media frenzy and captivated the Southland” is a weak explanation as to why these two men should be mentioned in the same sentence. O.J. Simpson was no saint, but he was tried and found not guilty for the murder of two adults. Ms. Abramowitz comes across as one of the many who were unhappy about that verdict and have since done everything possible to make us relive the Simpson murder trial over and over again.

It is incredible how some people in our society find it so easy to draw comparisons between O.J. Simpson, a black man charged for the murder of a white woman and her friend, to those of horrible humans like Northcott. It is this type of reporting that propagates racism and condemns men of color as criminals putting fear in the hearts and minds of Americans. Ms. Abramowitz’s comparison of these men is not a fact. It’s merely her loaded opinion, which carries significant implications for men of color. It is your job as a reputable newspaper to set the example for media outlets to exercise responsible reporting.

Elmer Roldan

Los Angeles