BLACKS ON TV

Greg Braxton’s “Roots Plus 20” made some very good points (Jan. 26), but it may have missed one important factor in the question of what determines the kind of shows we see on television.

The real bottom line is ratings. If an excellent show like “Frank’s Place” doesn’t draw a big-enough share of the ratings, it’s history. If a really dumb show (no names necessary) pulls a big-enough draw, it’s here to stay--as long as the ratings don’t drop too low.

In short, the problem of African Americans (or any other group of people) being portrayed as ridiculous and laughable is due more to ratings than racism. Perhaps this is as it should be in a democracy, but it has cost us some good shows, and kept some real dogs that I would be ashamed to watch even if I thought they were funny.

FRANK EVANS

Los Angeles

*

The world is not all white. The world is not all black and white. The world is yellow, black, brown, red and white as far as people are concerned, and our entertainment based on “real life” should reflect that.

I’m an African American woman, and if there was a sitcom based on me, my friends at my day job would have to be played by black, Filipino and Mexican actresses, my friends at my night job by three older white women (one Jewish, two Catholic), a young white woman, a half-Japanese woman and a white guy, and my friends outside of work by three black females. How’s that for diverse casting?

TRACEY L. FARMER

Simi Valley

*

I couldn’t help but be impressed by the amount of research done to create this story. But I wasn’t impressed by the absence of one show that has three major black characters. It is not a comedy, and it is now entering its fifth season on the air. “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” boasts three superb black actors--Avery Brooks, Michael Dorn and Cirroc Lofton--as well as many recurring and guest roles played by blacks.

WAYNE A. EDWARDS

Inglewood

*

Why aren’t there more African Americans producing, writing and greenlighting shows? The same reason there aren’t enough African American doctors, lawyers and engineers. It’s not the studio system that’s failing the African American community, it’s the education and social welfare system.

MIKE SHELDON

North Hollywood

*

When Tim Reid talks about sitcoms, I listen (Letters, Feb. 2). His literate, wonderfully witty “Frank’s Place” was as good as most of the award-winning comedies--past or present. Reid starred in it, along with his wife. He also wrote, directed and produced the show. And “Frank’s Place” got its laughs without the crutch of canned laughter. It was canceled all too soon. My wife and I miss it to this day.

JERRY COWLE

Pacific Palisades

*

Meaning no disrespect to David L. Wolper’s well-recognized abilities as a producer, may I comment on his contribution to last Sunday’s Letters page? To wit:

Higgledy, piggledy

David L. Wolper (dude!)

Tried to write poetry--

Calendar, Times.

Rootlessly blathering

Megalomaniac

Kunta Kinte’nd himself

Worse yet, no rhymes!

FRANK LIU

Los Angeles