CORRECT <i> AND</i> PC

I would like to point out some minor errors in the generally favorable review of Angi Ma Wong’s new book, “Night of The Red Moon.” Stephen Tice states that the Chinese Massacre, around which this story written for young adults focuses, took place on October 26, 1871. It actually took place on October 24th. Tice makes it appear that the incident started because two rival Chinese associations were fighting over scarce jobs. In fact, it started because of rivalry over a Chinese woman who had married someone from an opposing association. When the altercation grew fierce, Police Officer Jesus Bilderrain was shot in the shoulder and a rancher named Robert Thompson was shot and killed. The number of Chinese that were murdered by the ensuing mob of ruffians, both Anglo and Hispanic, was 18, not 19, as Tice states.

Tice suggests that Wong’s effort to use correct historic names for places such as Calle de los Negros is a weakness. This, was in fact, the correct name of the street where the massacre took place, although it was known popularly as “Nigger Alley.” To me, Wong’s usage is not only accurate, it represents consideration for today’s concern for racial sensitivity. As for Tice’s comment that the character “Crazy Joe’s” ethnicity was unspecified, why should it be specified? It is clear from all the accounts of this terrible episode in Los Angeles history and from the names of those who were ultimately tried and found guilty that the mob consisted of members of the various ethnic communities living in Los Angeles in 1871.

I agree with Tice’s conclusion that “if discussed with parents or teachers, the book will help to better understanding on the part of students about Los Angeles’ (turbulent) past and present.”

JEAN BRUCE POOLE, HISTORIC MUSEUM DIRECTOR, EL PUEBLO DE LOS ANGELES HISTORICAL MONUMENT