‘Crossing’ the Line

Re “Strong Acting Energizes ‘Gideon’s Crossing’ ” (by Howard Rosenberg, Oct. 10): The premiere episode was beautifully written and crafted, but I was offended by the frequent use of the j-word in the opening scene. One might say it was necessary for character development of a particularly offensive man, but I ask why were the Japanese singled out to receive this abusive language?

Why not use the h-word for Jews, the s-word for Latinos or the k-word for Germans? Maybe because there are no Asians on the writing or producing staff. Maybe because the producers didn’t think people of Japanese descent would be watching the show and thereby wouldn’t be offended. Maybe they thought Asians wouldn’t speak out against this kind of disparaging language used against them.

Well, I am speaking out because this language hurts people of the 40 or so ethnic groups of Asian descent who are often dumped into one silent and anonymous mass. But in reality, people suffer under this perpetuating indifference by the media and, as Vincent Chin has proven, sometimes pay for it with their lives.

PATTY CHUNG

Santa Monica

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My question to the writers and producers of “Gideon’s Crossing” is this: Are you going to gingerly tiptoe around certain minority groups while declaring open season on others?

JEANETTE YOSHIMURA

Los Angeles