Mixed Signals

On your editorial pages, you frequently encourage the strengthening of our educational system. You deplore drug use, especially among young people.

Yet in your movie listings, you place a star, signifying “especially noteworthy,” next to “Outside Providence,” a movie that makes disrespect for education and educators a source of callow adolescent humor, and that treats drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers as Oh So Funny.

The final message of this film--that the consequences of a serious lapse of judgment can be avoided--does not serve young people well. Is The Times part of the problem or part of the solution?

ARTHUR HOYLE

Pacific Palisades

FEIFFER