Jackie Chan No Samuel L.

To the editors:

A recent edition of "Puck Willoughby" (Gallery, Sept. 21) gave Jackie Chan as an example of an ass-kicking Asian male in the media which should silence all protest from those who think that Asian males are routinely portrayed as "nerdy" and "emasculated."

This is a deceptive message! For one thing, Chan is a comic foreigner, not a real action hero like Samuel L. Jackson. For another, when was the last time anyone heard him described as sexy, or even attractive? Chan is also Asian, not Asian-American, a distinction that is entirely neglected in the strip but is central to many. Until you can find several good counterexamples and not just one bad one, the stereotype unfortunately still stands.

Heidi K. Kim '01

Sept. 21, 2000

Don't Hire Knight

To the editors:

I'm amazed that anyone, including anyone at Harvard, would consider hiring a verbally and physically abusive coach who not only continued his abusive behavior after numerous warnings but is unrepentant. It is sad to think that Harvard alums, parents and administrators would value basketball glory over their students/children and school reputation.

Martha Crawford

Farmington, Conn.

Sept. 12, 2000

Support Small Stores

To the editors:

We unfortunately find it necessary to bring to the attention of the editors a disturbing event, not in itself the end of the world, but that portends an unhealthy trend.

A Herrell's staff member called the coordinator of the first-year ice cream party and offered to contribute Herrell's ice cream to the event in order to introduce incoming students to our product. The staff member was told that the new kid on the block, a store operated by a major corporate entity, had given all of the ice cream needed for the party and that other local products were not welcome.

This series of events is not catastrophic in itself to Herrell's Ice Cream or to other entrepreneurs operating in Harvard Square. However, the community should be aware that conducting business in Harvard Square is especially challenging for small boutique operators. When privately owned boutique-style businesses no longer exist in Harvard Square, the unique flavor and experience that they create will also be lost. This issue requires the sensitivity of the Harvard community, which should be focused on supporting small businesses in order to prevent Harvard Square from resembling a developer's dream mall.

Jessica G. Leahy

Jeffrey Stanett

Sept. 12, 2000

The writers are employees of the Leamil Corp., operators of Herrell's Ice Cream in Harvard Square.