Suggestion for Spielberg

DreamWorks should be commended for reaching out to various “faith communities” to assure its accurate depiction of the characters in the upcoming Bible story “The Prince of Egypt” (“DreamWorks Hopes to Sensitize ‘Prince,’ ” by Jennifer Napier-Pearce, July 21). If more producers demonstrated such sensitivity, there would be fewer distortions, insults and stereotypes in Hollywood.

Nevertheless, with all due respect to the Arab and Muslim leaders consulted about the film, the ancient Egyptians were not Arab or Muslim. The Islamic invasion of Egypt took place in the 8th century, several hundred years after the ancient era, and Egypt has been predominantly Muslim ever since.

Egypt is in Africa, and its ancient inhabitants traced their origin into the interior of that continent. Early Hebrews classified the ancient Egyptians among the black sons of Ham, while Roman and Greek writers described them as black-skinned with woolly hair. Modern skeletal and sculptural remains confirm the statements and traditions of the ancients.

It will be interesting to see how Steven Spielberg, who did not hesitate to depict the slaves in “Amistad” as black, portrays the pharaohs and queens in “Prince,” who according to compelling evidence were also Negroid.

As it continues its outreach, I would strongly suggest that DreamWorks’ next dialogue be held in the black community.

DAVID L. HORNE

Chairman, Pan African Studies

Department, Cal State Northridge