Why Are Latinos Described as Militants? Would Blacks Have Been Labeled That Way?
I was shocked by the use of the term “militant†in reference to Latinos in Harry Bernstein’s July 17 Labor column, “Illegal Alien Law Is Here to Stay.â€
What made these Latinos “militant?†Were they holding hostages? Were they uncivil in pressing their legitimate concerns? Or is it the mere fact that these Latinos pressed for agendas that might force the NAACP to consider issues outside African-American concerns?
The Eastern media have always had problems reporting on issues affecting the diverse Latino community. But how could The Times, in a city with a large Latino community, be so insensitive that it would call mainstream politicians “militant?†You can bet that the same insult would not be visited on African-Americans.
RALPH M. CASILLAS
Thousand Oaks
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