LANGUAGE MATTERS

Definitions that no longer apply dishonor everyone (“Hollywood’s Crossover Black Power Players,” by Richard Natale, June 14).

The word “crossover” creates separation and reinforces stereotypes. And just what are we crossing over to? How can you compare a brilliant talent such as Quincy Jones, who occupies a universe all to himself, to anyone or anything?

When remembering Sammy Davis Jr., do we think, “Wow, what a great black crossover artist”? No, we say what an incredible person and talent. We are rapidly moving into a new millennium, isn’t it time we stopped using dishonoring definitions?

MICHELLE L. JONES

Los Angeles