Responsible or baring too much?

REGARDING her 13-year-old costar hearing adult dialogue, Melanie Lynskey says, “Should he be hearing this? But he’s at an age when he’s hearing much worse at school.” [“Don’t You Dare Stare,” Feb. 11] Does this over-used, nonsensical cop-out bother anyone but me?

Sitcom humor aside, there is never an excuse to lower our standards, and if our kids are hearing worse at school, then we owe it to them more than ever to set a good example. Melanie, your instincts are right and I hope you don’t lose them: He should not be hearing this stuff. His parents have sold him out to a sitcom whose double-entendres and sleazy jokes are helping shape the kind of adult he will grow up to be.

EILEEN FLAXMAN

Los Angeles

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LYNSKEY tells The Times’ Choire Sicha, “I hate when people look at me! I hate having my picture taken. I don’t like being the center of attention. It makes me anxious.”

That clearly explains why Lynskey greets Times photographer Anne Cusack wearing a scoop neck outfit with half her breasts showing. Her self-awareness is dazzling.

Thanks for the Sunday laugh.

GORDON COHN

Long Beach

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I suggest that Lynskey wear a turtleneck.

DOLORES MINERICH

Costa Mesa