Not a Laughing Matter

This letter is long overdue but I knew I had to write after reading Roger Aaron Brown’s “ ‘N’ Word in Murphy Film Is Anything but ‘Nutty,’ ” (Calendar, Sept. 2). Finally, someone is as disturbed as I about Murphy’s reliance on the offensive epithets that lace his humor and mar his phenomenal talent. He persists in behaving like the naughty little boy fascinated by the vulgar.

Brown’s concern that children will parrot his language is well founded. My fourth-grade students loved the film and were heavily influenced by it. They may have limited English skills but now they can parrot the ‘N’ word beautifully. While I encourage children to use socially appropriate language on our elementary school campus, role models such as Murphy help to defeat my efforts. I chose to see the movie after Oprah told Murphy she loved his movie so much she saw it seven times! What was she thinking?

Friends I’ve asked about this dilemma have told me I must expect filthy language from Eddie Murphy; it’s part of his act. Well I disagree. At some point Murphy should be able to express his true genius in a non-offensive fashion. Perhaps if more of us expressed our displeasure, Murphy would consider cleaning up his act. Until then, I know I won’t pay to see Eddie Murphy again, no matter what Oprah or anyone else says.

BARBARA GETZOFF HUFF

Encino