Disrespecting Elder
There is good reason why Larry Elder is dubbed "the most racist, anti-Black talk show host in Southern California," as you quote someone saying in the introduction to your interview with Mr. Elder ("Elder Statesman," April). While crime, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and other ills are on the increase outside the black community, Larry Elder presents these ills as black problems rather than American problems. He lets the majority population off the hook on these and other issues as well. Consider redlining. If there are "economic reasons for that," Elder neglects to comment on why the practice doesn't extend to suburban areas where business failures and home foreclosures have been epidemic in recent years.
In another arena, he rarely, if ever, criticizes preferential programs like legacies, which account for more college admissions than affirmative action. While Mr. Elder rails against UCLA admitting people based on race and sex, the Los Angeles Times prints a scathing expose of how the rich and well-connected gain admission to the UC system ahead of better qualified applicants. Among those asking for such admissions are the very regents who voted to discontinue race-based considerations.
Larry Elder's rantings about preferential treatment don't include the movie industry, either. Black underrepresentation in Hollywood was the focus of attention as this town's major industry--where nepotism and other closed-door policies are rampant--celebrated the Academy Awards. Were the entertainment business simply driven by market forces, the red carpet would be rolled out for black filmmakers, a group that consistently delivers very cost-effective and profitable product.
Would the Larry Elder Show be as successful if race were not central to its format? Elder's detractors believe he has advanced ratings and career by exploiting blacks.
Ayana Green
Los Angeles, CA