Comment : Thanks for the Theaters, Magic, but Why Such Nasty Security?

I was proud to be a part of the opening day celebration of the Magic Johnson Theaters in the Baldwin Hills shopping center last month. South-Central Los Angeles has desperately needed a theater since the Baldwin Theater closed in 1994. The complex is also a major part of the plan to turn the Baldwin center into a first-class mall where shoppers can purchase brand-name goods and residents can find employment.

Magic tearfully thanked hundreds of well-wishers, city and mall officials for helping him make the theater complex a reality. He promised that the theaters would provide first-run films in a comfortable, secure surrounding and at moderate prices. Everyone cheered.

But then Magic said something that disturbed me. He admonished the audience to “take care of the theater.” He repeated those words several times. In interviews the week after the opening, Magic continued to implore the “community” to take pride in the theater and not create any disturbances.

Magic apparently believes that African Americans present a special security problem. This reinforces the worst stereotypes. It conjures up the media-driven image of black neighborhoods as gang-ridden zones where anarchy reigns and productive families don’t exist.

This is a myth. The majority of South-Central residents take pride in their homes, their jobs and their community. Most young blacks in the area do not join gangs or deal drugs.

There is also no evidence that African Americans are more destructive toward property or present a greater security problem than young whites. For decades, blacks patronized the Baldwin Theater and other movie houses in South-Central. Neighborhood theaters fell victim to malls and cars, not vandalism or violence.

Unfortunately, the management at the Magic Theaters has implemented security policies that reflect the fear of black violence. A week after the opening, I went to see “Apollo 13.” There was a large uniformed, security force stationed outside and inside the theater lobby. There were also several uniformed LAPD officers on patrol around the theater. Ushers regularly patrolled the aisles inside the theaters.

Poster-sized “code of behavior” signs at the entrance spelled out types of clothing prohibited and the type of conduct expected. I saw several hyper-vigilant guards accost or verbally chastise patrons for wearing caps. Ushers rebuked several patrons who whispered a few comments during the screening.

I can certainly understand the need for security and even a standard of conduct. Patrons should not be subjected to rowdy behavior or disturbed by loud chatter during a movie. But the Magic Theaters’ policy is overkill. The near-siege climate made me feel uncomfortable and dampened my film enjoyment.

Magic reminded the audience at the opening that he has put a lot of “blood, sweat and hard work” into bringing quality entertainment back to South-Central. I applaud him for his effort. He has created a beautiful complex where patrons can enjoy films in a clean and safe environment. Let’s not spoil it by treating them as potential vandals.