The Editor, Sir:

After decades of marginalisation of minorities by Hollywood and recent pathetic attempts at redress (notwithstanding the roles played by Sydney Poitier), there has finally been true vindication. After much resistance, I recently assented to watching I am Legend, starring Will Smith and Alice Braga; a decision I am now glad I made because of the great influence this movie has had on my resolve to reach my goals, no matter how insurmountable the obstacles may appear.

I am Legend is an inspirational movie about one man who attempts to discover and defend a cure for a deadly virus that has the potential to wipe out human civilisation as we know it. Motivated by the life and work of Robert Nester Marley, this one man toils against all odds to save mankind.

Biological attack

In a nutshell, the movie is about an army scientist, Colonel Robert (Bob) Neville, played by Will Smith, who has been given a mandate by the government to secure New York City in the event of a biological attack.

The movie is a symbol of the changed perspective of the role of non-whites in the global village mankind calls home. I am Legend is not about Robert Neville and saving the world form doom; it is about the power of one to change the way we live on Earth. One little Rastaman from the ghettos of a third world country, with his love of music and desire to change the way we treat one another, has become a global symbol of hope, tenacity and the untapped potential for love so indelibly wired in the souls of every man, woman and child on Earth. Bob is Legend.

I am, etc.,

SHELDON D. CHANNER

sheldon_channer@yahoo.com

Bloomfield, NJ

Via Go-Jamaica