The problems with ribbons

I just had to drop you a line and thank you for your terrific article about the academy ribbons (“At the Oscar Lectern, Just Point to Your Ribbon,” March 6).

I worked as a consultant for a few years with the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and, much to my surprise, found that the personal/professional/ego/artistic issues were much less confusing than trying to figure out how/where/when to wear the right/wrong ribbons.

The most sadly amusing part was when someone figured out that ribbon pins would put holes in women’s gowns, thus creating the “ribbon peel-and-stick-ons” that have become fashionable.

Of course, on a hot night the glue can ... oh well.

Let us never diffuse a strong political statement with a potentially torn evening gown.

Name Withheld Through the Evening Gown Witness Protection Program

Long Beach

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I wear a modest, clear, Saran Wrap ribbon that means it’s all clear to me, and if it isn’t clear to you, then you should probably wear a different ribbon.

David Wills

Manor, Texas