Letters: Aug. 18, 1997

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THE GIANNI VERSACE MURDER

No one deserves to die the way designer Gianni Versace did [NATION, July 28], especially not a genius who has brought beauty and color to this world. How many people contribute such unabashed generosity and elegance? Versace transformed fashion into a celebration of our existence. Although I did not own any of his magical creations, I admired his talent in presenting beautiful, timeless works for us to appreciate. Through his exuberance, passion and artistry, Versace left his indelible mark on the world. DIVYA MIRZA Waltham, Mass.

We all keep asking what motivated Andrew Cunanan to kill. He may have been reacting to society's negative concept of homosexuality. Some gays channel their reaction to alienation into hard work, but others may manifest a grave pathology. Our competitive society produces heroes, but it also brings down many who become disillusioned with their lives. What happened to Versace in Miami Beach, Fla., was a tragedy, and society does bear some of the responsibility, since it played a part in the creation of Versace and Cunanan. STEPHEN P. TITUS New York City

The death of Gianni Versace has robbed us of a creative and compassionate individual. He earned respect all over the world. However, I am still perplexed as to why it took so long for the fbi and others to take Cunanan seriously. This man had killed before. Did it take the blood of a celebrity for the law to become more active? I know the Constitution says all people are equal, but it seems that some are more equal than others. MUTHONI GIKONYO WAYNE, Pa.

Other publications may have plastered Cunanan's terrifying face on their cover, giving him the attention he so obviously desired, but you chose to pay tribute to Versace, a great artist. Thanks for focusing on the victim. BROCK WOJTALEWICZ Custer, Wis.

I was annoyed but not surprised that you ran a picture of Versace on your cover. The better thing would have been to show Cunanan's other victims. Once again the media sent the message that if you have money, your life is valued more than if you are a working-class person. ROBIN LUEDDEKE Kenilworth, N.J.

As a person who loves beautiful clothes, I was stunned by the murder of Versace. My heart aches for his family. The one dinner dress I own that never fails to elicit compliments from women and men alike is a Versace. Bravo, Gianni! Now you'll be gowning the angels. PATRICIA DE CORDOVA Acapulco, Mexico

MADONNA'S TRIBUTE

Madonna gave a moving and sincere tribute [NATION, July 28] to a man who fully enjoyed life and the people around him. Her words were not the usual celebrity comments about a lost superstar but rather the heartfelt reflections of someone who has lost a dear friend. ED DUBEAU Mechanicsburg, Pa.

I read about Madonna's dog (being walked by Italian bodyguards), Madonna's daughter (with blue-polished toenails), Madonna's dog (needing a manicure), Madonna's terminally ill friend, Madonna's yoga instructor. Please advise: Was this the Versace tribute? REBECCA MELUCH Westlake, Ohio

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