RACISM AND RHETORIC

When Denzel Washington glibly pontificates “It’s a racist society. Everything in this country is about color . . . ,” he does a serious injustice to the millions of people of all races who do not have racist attitudes or commit racist acts (“Life (Regular), Career (Premium),” by Patrick Goldstein, July 7).

Racism goes both ways. By indulging in such sweeping and innately dishonest rhetoric, Washington is guilty of one of the acts of racism that he supposedly deplores. We’re making progress--but we all need to work at it.

GORDON HEARNE

Encino

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Goldstein calls Washington “a Hollywood prince, the industry’s only A-list African American movie star.” A “prince” Washington may be (he certainly is a very good actor), but is Goldstein familiar with the name Morgan Freeman?

MARIAN JONES

San Diego