Boycott of Store
In response to “Boycott of Store Where Man Was Killed Is Urged,” Metro, June 18:
These seem to be the facts of the case: A black man, a boxing trainer, high on cocaine, enters a Korean market to buy some booze. He hassles the woman behind the counter over the price, then pretends to have a weapon and heads for the cash register, intending to rob the store. The shopkeeper comes to the aid of his wife, scuffles with the robber, sustains three broken ribs, then finally shoots the robber in self-defense.
Now the black community is boycotting the store because, as boycott organizers said, “The shooting is symptomatic of the disrespect African-Americans experience. . . .”
If respect is the goal, these protesters are misguided. Respect is usually earned through good citizenship, not through a store robbery.
CATHERINE RHODES
Los Angeles
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