Today I saw something on the news: It was a grand opening of a gas station and they had a giant blownup gorilla (like a balloon). It was standing on top of the gas station. Overnight some person stole it.
Why would someone want a giant blownup gorilla? What is this world coming to? I mean, you can’t even leave your dog’s pooper scooper outside without worrying about it getting stolen. The police found the gorilla, but I still think whoever took it is a low-down dirty person. He/she is probably one of those kids who think it’s cool to do a thing like that.
P. J. H. Carol Stream
Not worth beans
I am responding to the people who work at gift shops and sell Beanie Babies (May 7 Cover) for $20. The article was talking about how everybody likes Beanie Babies nowadays. Many kids in my school like them, including kids in my class. All they are, really, is bean bags that look like animals. Sure, they’re a little cute, but there is no reason to sell them for that much money even if a lot of people like them. Pretty soon, in about five months, they will either be beat up, torn or you won’t like them anymore. They are a waste of precious money that can be saved for something important.
Ben L., 11 Skokie
Alive and kicking
I’m really ticked off about the article that implied that federal agent Fox Mulder (“X-Files”) needs a life (May 14 Cover) . Fox has got a great life. Don’t print your opinions. Not only is it rude, but some people have different opinions!
Cheryl R., 10 Libertyville
Give us a break
In response to Joe G. (May 7 Backtalk), I’m not a riot grrrl or a feminist, but come on, do you realize how egotistical you sound? Every day, I get treated different for being a girl. If I act mad or annoyed, guys say, “Well, she must be on her period.” Every month women suffer agonizing cramps, headaches, etc., so they can blow up like a balloon for nine months.
Every day I walk down the street I have to worry about getting raped, mugged or killed. Because I’m small, I’m an easy target. I love being a girl, but these are just some of the wonderful joys of being female.
Now, what were you saying about it being unfair to give girls one lousy, stinking day?
Jenna H., 15 Chicago
On April 25, “Take Our Daughters to Work” day, some boys in my class went (with their parents to work). A boy in my class thinks it was sexist, when the point was to show girls that they could have any job they want.
I think it was stupid for him to say that because in some countries men own their wives and women have no say in anything. Men get to do anything just because of their sex.
Katie S., 11 Carol Stream
Not what it seems
I am responding to Alex F. (May 7 Backtalk). I know just how you are feeling, but I’m one of the “popular” girls. The boys on the bus love to make fun of me. They call me “les,” throw tape at me and sometimes make my life miserable. You are right What goes around does come around. Remember, not all popular people are bad and everyone has their weak points. Just don’t sink to their level to find them. There is always someone older than them who rips on them, so they rip on you to make themselves feel better.
Elizabeth S., 13 Orland Park
Too grown up?
I was truly disgusted when I saw Melissa Joan Hart on a preview for a movie called “Twisted Desire” on Channel 5. To me, the girl was completely ruining her reputation. Well, I mean, at least what her reputation used to be. On the preview, she was saying bad things that she had never said before. Maybe it’s just me, but I liked Melissa a lot better when she played Clarissa on Nickelodeon.
Madeline J., 10 Chicago
Soaps rule
In response to Pasquale G. (May 14 Backtalk), first of all, there are 10 different daytime soap operas (which shouldn’t concern you if you go to school all day). And there are three basic prime-time soap operas – “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Melrose Place” and “Savannah.” You obviously have not even watched one of these shows if you think they are just about love and romance. These shows are not for everyone, but just because they’re not for you doesn’t mean others shouldn’t be allowed to enjoy them. I’d be interested to know what kind of shows you find entertaining. “Beavis & Butt-head,” maybe?
M. K., 12 Des Plaines
Soap operas are cool. If you don’t like them, then do something else instead of watching TV all day. Lots of people like to watch soap operas. I admit some are boring, but most have really good story lines.
Angela S. Bensenville
Fat chance?
I’m writing regarding “What a Catch” (April 23 Sports). I think the Rangers finally have a chance to win the pennant. I love the Rangers because I used to live in Texas. I think Pudge is going to make it big in the big leagues.
Matt S. Des Plaines
Older sibs annoy too
Big brothers stink! My big brother always beats me up when I come home from school. I wish that for a change the little brother could beat up the older brother.
Also, big brothers always eat all the food in the house. In conclusion, big brothers should be wiped off the Earth.
Bobby C., 13 Carol Stream
I’m writing on the topic of annoying little brothers (May 14 Backtalk). I have the opposite problem. My older sister doesn’t pay much attention to me. I know it’s tough being an older sister or brother, but most of the time little brothers and sisters have it just as hard. The oldest gets to drive, date and everything first. Sure, you may get blamed for more because you’re older and your parents feel it’s your responsibility. But you get someone who wants to spend time with you and looks up to you. Younger and older sisters and brothers have equal troubles.
Kimberly H., 12 Carol Stream
Archie’s for me
I’m writing in response to Amy K. (April 2 Backtalk). You’re looking for a comic for girls without mutants and sick things like chopped-up heads? I’ve been reading one like that for years. Plus, it’s for boys as well as girls. It’s Archie Comics. They’re over 50 years old, and they’re really interesting, plus they do save people and they’re funny. So try it out.
Eve E., 9 Chicago
Never too late
In response to Bahar T. (May 14 Backtalk), how dare you call us (come-lately Beatles’ fans) conformists! That is so far from the truth. I happen to enjoy the Beatles very much. Who cares what year it’s from; if you sat down and listened you would realize they are very talented and their music makes sense. Sorry if I don’t listen to people’s music whose police record is as long as their baggy pants.
Kiki B., 14 South Bend, Ind.
Rules golden
I’m responding to Michael S. (May 7 Backtalk). I agree with you on how illegal things happen at school, and how the wrong colors worn in the wrong place can have you wind up dead. Even though M.B. (April 23 Backtalk) is my twin brother, I’d have to disagree with him. Even though I think the system sucks, the rules are there to protect you.
Jon B., 13 Palatine
Justified force?
I’m responding to “The Outsiders” (April 23 Tough News). I think it’s OK what the police did. In our country you pull over if an officer tells you to. So even though the police told them to pull over, they didn’t. I think if people come into our country they should follow the rules or pay the price.
Danny C. Skokie
In God we trust
I’m writing to say something about the combination of religion and school. In science class, we study about evolution and other things, like the creation of the world. Most of the people in my class have a problem with that. We are often uncomfortable with discussing things that we believe happened differently. I don’t like the theory about us coming from stardust and things like that. I don’t have enough money to go to a Christian school because they’re all private schools in my area. But I would like to state a point, that many people have a problem with things teachers teach at school.
Laura S., 12 Wheaton
Haunted happenings?
In response to your ghost story article (April 9 Tough News), I truly believe ghosts are real. After my parakeet died, I took a picture of my mom while she was in the kitchen, and once we had the pictures developed there was a big yellow spot. And you can faintly see a bird. The yellow dot was the same color as my bird. Plus, to prove it more, the sun wasn’t even out that day and it was raining out.
Kim L., 12 Carol Stream
———-
Write letters or send editorial cartoons to Backtalk, Room 567, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago 60611. We won’t use your last name, but you must include your full name, age and phone number (we may call to make sure you wrote it). You can also contribute by computer (screen name KidNews) if you subscribe to Chicago Online. Call 1-800-922-0808. P.S. If you are hooked up online, don’t forget our KidNews Chat every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. on the Windy City Chat board.
