Madam - Reading the article by Mr Michael McCaughan (April 7th), I could not help but feel a slight bit of injustice in his opinion. I have given up trying to explain to Europeans the reality of the situation in Venezuela, and how Chavez and those who believe in him have managed to convince the rest of the world that he is the Robin Hood of South America. . .but to call us racist is something that can not be tolerated. Negrito (little black) is more a term of endearment than a description of a "lazy and criminal" person, as Mr McCaughan describes. Men call their girlfriends "negritas".
Parents and family members call the little ones in the household "negritos", even if they are white as snow. . .it is more a compliment than an insult. So please, as one of the many Venezuelans living in Ireland, I would appreciate if he researches and verifies his cultural facts before bringing them into his political opinions.
DEBORAH VICUNA, Lucan Road, Lucan, Co Dublin.