Tear in His Eye

Considering Michael Wilmington’s many fine and sensitive observations about Western movies (Dec. 16) I’m surprised by his use--twice--of the term half-breed .

Unlike cattle, dogs, and cats, we human beings aren’t categorized into different breeds. To describe a mixed-race person as a half-breed is not only incorrect but demeaning, as it implies a sort of bestial-human union. Half-breed deserves to be dropped from usage like other racist terms have been.

SUZANNE McKAY

Glendale