La Cañada Flintridge


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I take issue with this Op-Ed article. Divakaruni argues, among other things, that the film is being judged as "poverty porn" and not as art.

Where I differ with her is on this question of art. "Slumdog Millionaire" doesn't deal with the subject of rags-to-riches in an artful way. It offers a fantasy solution to the horrors of children's exploitation -- a poor boy winning millions by being a TV contestant.

Art should offer new ways of seeing, not just present graphic images of an old vision of poverty.

Too often, Hollywood movies offer us sensation instead of moving and insightful material.

Peggy Aylsworth Levine

Santa Monica

Wrong lesson

Re “Scholar haunted by early chapter,” Column, Feb. 3

What a great message to send to gang members who may be considering changing their ways: Get out of the gang, go to school, acquire a taste for literature, get a master's degree, aspire to be a teacher and, oh, by the way, you might still get deported.

I can't believe that an immigration hearing is being held for Juan Obed Silva. Deporting Obed would be an example of vengeance, not justice.

What incentive would that offer any other gang member to reform?

David S. Berry

Altadena