The far right feels persecuted for racist, sexist and transphobic views. So be it

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To the Editor: I’m a baby boomer who shook my head in disbelief when columnist Jean Guerrero hinted that if Stephen Miller had been treated more kindly by his high school classmates when he espoused his opinions viciously racist, perhaps he would not have found his political footing. (“Screaming racists is not effective. Gen Z must find another way,” Opinion, May 15)

“Would another approach have been more effective?” Guerrero asked.

With Miller and his ilk? In a word, no.

She also suggested that the political far right might legitimately feel persecuted because of the harsh criticism of her views. I say them better than LGBTQ+ people, people of color and immigrants, whom they actually persecute. Right-wing politicians pass laws that deprive people of their rights.

We talk about racist, sexist, homophobic and transphobic views, and the far right is telling people that they have a right to those views. If they feel attacked for such opinions, so be it. Some things are just not up for debate.

Elise Power, Bosquet Garden

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To the Editor: Reading Guerrero’s column about finding ways to communicate with ideological opponents, I wondered if we were putting another item on teachers’ plates?

How about teaching elementary school children to debate? They might debate how long math class is, art class, or recess. Or if the right Twix bar is better than the left one. Or if milk or sodas are better for you.

If children grew up knowing how to defend their position, they would be more inclined to listen to the other party, to persuade others and to respect the point of view of others.

Suzanne Brugman, The heights of Habra

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To the Editor: Guerrero urges Gen Z not to ‘yell’ at racists. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers (like in Oklahoma) are making it easier for drivers to run over protesters with impunity.

I don’t think the left’s lack of civility is the problem here.

Raphael Mazor, Long Beach

This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

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