Harassment Case

“Has Flattery Become a Crime?” in Voices (Aug. 1) related how David Fredericks lost his contract as a result of so-called sexual harassment.

I think it would be well for Fredericks to ask himself why the lady in question reminded him of Dolly Parton. Parton is known for her unusual figure. If the lady in question was flat-chested, I’m sure she wouldn’t have taken umbrage, but in case Fredericks didn’t happen to notice if she was two cups larger than Dolly, he had a problem from the start. If he missed that, he should be more careful in the future while dishing out compliments.

JOHN G. WATKINS

Tustin

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“In this case, this comment was unwanted,” harassment-prevention specialist Monica Ballard says. Wait a minute, let me get this straight. I say something to you. You want my job, you decide to tell people my comment was unwanted, and you get me fired. Now who’s harassing who?

This is more of the Salem witch-hunt stuff that’s constantly jeopardizing our society. The alleged “victim” pretends to be victimized in order to gain power.

VIK RUBENFELD

Santa Monica

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I am a woman, born in L.A., who does not listen to country music. When I think of Parton, I think of a singer who has made it against tough odds in her childhood. If asked to think of Elizabeth Taylor, would Ballard be as insulting, or would she think of great talent, Oscars and violet eyes?

Ballard shows her prejudice against the entire Southern country music culture. Surely she, herself, is perpetuating the “country music bimbo” stereotype. I think Ballard should apologize to Parton.

KATHERINE M. RAGSDALE

Los Angeles

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When I think of Parton I think of her lengthy fingernails. I think of her sitting to Johnny Carson’s right and beautifully accompanying herself on a Martin guitar, and I think: How is she able to play those chords with those fingernails?

CHUCK ROSE

Temple City