Stereotypes Limit Equality

I have had it up to here with reading newspaper articles such as “Expanding the Role of African-Americans on TV” (Oct. 26) and not seeing any parity for write-in response letters from the Latino entertainment community.

I accord the African-Americans their right to work in the media, but why should their cry be the only one heard? Latinos are as much a part of the mainstream as anyone else. But I don’t see Latinos being portrayed in as fair or equal a manner as the blacks.

Are not the real-life roles of policemen, doctors, lawyers, senators, world leaders and any human profile other than that of “maid 3” or “peon 2” important enough for the TV and motion picture producers to cast realistically? When it comes to casting Latinos in those roles, apparently not.

I think it’s high time for the Latino cultural community to stand up and be counted. It’s time for the television and film industry to give Latinos parity in performing upscale, major roles, as we are certainly an integral part of society.

GIL SERNA

Studio City