Watts article

[jbor]

http://www.themodernword.com/pynchon/pynchon_essays_watts.html

One of the main themes or objectives of the article is to break down media
stereotypes and thereby promote greater intercultural awareness and
understanding. Pynchon is quite explicit about the effect of media
stereotyping on both "white" and "black" perspectives, both on their
perspectives of one another and of themselves. His analysis is quite subtle:

    "The only illusion Watts ever allowed itself was to believe for
    a long time in the white version of what a Negro was supposed to
    be. But with the Muslim and civil-rights movements that went too."

And, yes, one of the solutions he proposes in the article is for "whites" to
turn off the freeway and visit Watts, and, by his example, eventually
perhaps getting out of their cars, talking to the people and getting to know
them as he has done in writing up his report:

    "A quick look. The simplest kind of beginning. But Watts is country
    which lies, psychologically, uncounted miles further than most whites
    seem at present willing to travel."

Perhaps the primary reason for the inclusion of information about Watts
Towers and the arts festival is to provide readers with a reason to visit
this community.

best