COUNTERPUNCH LETTERS : Is Spike Lee’s Racial Preference Equality?

I applaud Lee for voicing his preference to have African-American reporters interview him on the making of his “Malcolm X.” Bates couldn’t have been more correct in assessing the situation. Lee is right, a non-African-American reporter just wouldn’t get it and wouldn’t report it right.

Where do Lee’s critics get off criticizing his right to make a choice? These “critics” have not hired in the past and will not hire an African-American reporter for one reason only--not because the African-American reporter can’t write or doesn’t understand their situation but because the African-American is an African-American.

Yet these same critics shout the loudest when Lee legitimately chooses the reporter who won’t misrepresent him. I say, “Good for you, Spike.” I wish other powerful African-Americans would stand up for themselves and make choices beneficial to them and the African-American community.

DONNA J. WARREN

Hawthorne