Racial Incident at Magic Mountain

I have seen countless articles and columns such as Dear Abby that show a very disturbing trend in people’s inability to handle problems. The unfortunate incident at Magic Mountain, where an employee hurled a racial epithet at a black family, prompted me to write this letter.

Those few offending words sent an entire family into total chaos and 18 months of therapy under three different psychiatrists. Of course, litigation raised its ugly head, and Magic Mountain has to pay $35,000 and make countless changes in its operating procedures because of an incident that it had no way of predicting or avoiding.

To this family and to countless others who needlessly despair over thoughtless remarks made by strangers, I have one question: What will happen to you when a serious problem comes along in your life? Remember, no one can make you feel inferior or insulted without your consent!

An excellent opportunity to educate this young employee on the evils of prejudice was totally missed, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few more bigots were created by this situation by the very people who claim to want to abolish prejudice.

MERCEDES EISER

Canoga Park