Latin America's economic role

The article "Latin American Economies Shed Old-World Past," March 18, is based largely on ethnic and religious bias. This article states that much of Latin America's economic woes can be attributed to the unethical and undisciplined characteristics of Hispanic peoples, and that these characteristics are the result of their Iberian-derived culture and Catholic religion.

The author attempts to explain complex problems with ethnocentric platitudes and inaccurate stereotypes. With the United States economy in dire straits, moral standards declining, and violent crime rising, suggesting that Latin Americans adopt our culture and values is absurd. R. J. Kerian, Dallas

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