In the article of September 25, “Symposium discusses Ogden’s diversity,” Mr. Jim Hurst referred to a Japanese boy and his family in the internment camp that moved to Ogden. He indicated that they became lifelong friends. I am the friend that Jim referred to and I have been proud to have him as a friend, along with his family for over 60 years.

Recognizing the fact that the paper may have precisely written what he said, I was a little concerned that the “J” word was used in print. I would like the paper to consider that the “J” word is equally as offensive and sensitive to the “N” word. There is no doubt in my mind that there would be a protest of some sort if the paper used the “N” words in any article.

In my childhood years and adult life I have been called a “J” many times and I still find it offensive reading it in print or reading it on the Internet. I would like to have you consider not using the word and using something other than the word in the future.

I am thinking that, in general, the paper refrains from using profanity and derogatory words against any religious organizations and other racial groups.

I understand the how the Standard tried to express the preciseness of quoting Mr. Hurst’s comment, but, a little filter would have put the same point across; that is my thinking.

Yukio Shimomura

Morgan Hill, Calif.