Respecting differences

Madam, - Kusi Okamura is to be applauded (Weekend, August 16th) for having the courage to confront your readers with the prejudice…

Madam, - Kusi Okamura is to be applauded (Weekend, August 16th) for having the courage to confront your readers with the prejudice she experiences in our society.

A Japanese friend of mine who has been resident in Ireland for over 10 years tells me that in recent years he has encountered increasing racial hostility from Irish people.

One despairs of changing the attitude of those who indulge in such appalling behaviour. However, those of us who are shamed and angered by such prejudice should not stay silent when we witness it. Let us try and confront those guilty of such intolerance - or at least give some moral or emotional support to those on the receiving end of such injustice. - Yours, etc.,

TONY MORIARTY, Shanid Road, Kenilworth Park, Dublin 6W.