NAMING NAMES

Scott Collins’ article “Playing the Name Game” (Aug. 18) sheds unflattering light on some aspects of TV news. It is interesting that, with the increase in hate crimes, racial incidents and even race-related lawsuits, the Anglo mainstream would choose to and be directed to embrace Hispanic surnames “to gain an unfair advantage” in the marketplace.

Boy, that’s a switch! These are the same people who are doing reports on how undocumented aliens from Mexico and Central America are contributing to the decline in quality of our American way of life. Now they want Latino names to enhance their careers! This is a great message for prospective TV reporters: genealogy before journalism.

Thanks, Dad, for letting me use your name. I might even keep it.

ALLAN V. PENA

Torrance

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As a graduate student in applied linguistics at UCLA, I have spent some time studying names in various cultures. In many societies, individuals use several names throughout their lives, and often the use of these names is strictly compartmentalized to particular social or cultural functions. Similarly, many newscasters use one name as professionals and another for their “legal” name or around friends.

By using ethnic names in their professional lives, they are also evoking a powerful history and are responsible for the many associations listeners will attach to these names. Cathy Garcia has more responsibilities to the Latino community than does Cathy Warren and, according to Collins, Garcia seems to have taken hold of them, using her surname to get through to Latinos. Jim Simon (a.k.a. Avila), however, wants to cover the White House and not the “taco beat” (his words). While Jim Avila landed the job and will read the stories, Jim Simon’s ambition seems to have clouded his sense of responsibility and respect for Avila’s roots.

BETSY RYMES

Los Angeles