Bullfights and books

February 19, 1993

In a world struggling to realize more humanity and full of enlightening, edifying literature, the fact that the Monitor published a review of James A. Michener's books "Mexico" and "My Lost Mexico," Feb. 4, featuring bullfighting, is disturbing. Despite myth and tradition, this "sport" is horribly cruel, if not pointless. Behind-the-scenes findings have revealed barbaric practices involving the animal even prior to what spectators view in the ring.

Why reinforce, even to a degree, this activity in the world and in young minds still forming concepts and attitudes on how they will treat the planet and its beings? Joanne Hedge, Hollywood, Calif.

Letters are welcome. Only a selection can be published, subject to condensation, and none acknowledged. Please address them to "Readers Write," One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115.