I think series books are beginning to get ignorant. It’s the same thing over and over again. Like R.L. Stine. I used to like R.L. Stine, but then I could predict what was going to happen next. Like in”The Night of the Living Dummy 2″ the same thing happens. The dummy only talks to the main character and tries to get her in trouble. Also, there is a series book called Shadow Zone. The same thing happens in that too. Maybe I’m getting a little too old for these books.
Omair A., 12 Chicago
Get it, guys
In response to Jenna H. (May 21 Backtalk), we agree with you completely. If guys could know what it feels like to be a girl for just one day, they’d understand. Have you ever heard the lyrics to No Doubt’s song, “Just a Girl”? Listen to them; they’re so true. When guys say”girls have the same opportunities as guys,” they’re just being ignorant. It’s discrimi-nation because we know girls who can play sports a lot better than some guys. We know girls who write better songs than guys and who play guitar better than guys. Next time you criticize a thing like”Take our Daughters to Work,” make sure you know the facts.
M.G., 14
J.R., 14 Elgin
I just want to applaud Jenna H. for what she said. For girls who feel this way, you’re not alone. My school has a girl’s group and has since last year. And while I’m no longer a member, it is only because it has helped me so much. We talked about sexual harassment, abortion, discrimination and anything else we wanted to talk about. I suggest that Jenna organize a group like this at her school.
As for Joe G. (May 7 Backtalk), if the girls where you live are totally equal to you, more power to you. However, I doubt that they are. Open your eyes and look around you. If you still insist girls and guys where you live are totally equal, you live in a unique community and should realize how lucky you are.
Sarah N. Chicago
Caution on the Net
This is in response to”Surfing your Turf? Beware!” (May 21 Tough News). More tips: If someone is being offensive, racist, swearing, etc., feel free to tell someone (a forum manager for instance). This has happened to me and I told people, and the people I told were grateful and banned the offender from the chats and forums.
And if someone is demanding your name, tell them it’s John Doe, Jane Doe, or something like that. And don’t be afraid to log off. Be polite, because it’s just as easy for someone to tell on you. Last, keep your temper down and-don’t trust anybody!
Katie J. Naperville
Believe it or not
In response to Laura S. (May 21 Backtalk), you still believe that God created the Earth? That is so last millennium! I don’t want to be mean, but how can you be so arrogant as to say your religion is the truth? There are thousands of religions. Each one believes theirs is right. I am an atheist, but I won’t condemn you because you aren’t. And no one really knows how the Earth was created. I know I don’t. Have an open mind.
Scott M., 13 Chicago
In response to Terri M. (May 14 Backtalk), you are entitled to your opinions, but so is everyone else. According to you, only Christians can get into heaven. But what about Jews? Muslims? Buddhists? It is my opinion that anyone can go to heaven.
Oh, and by the way, I have read some of the Bible. I think it’s a very nice book, the same way Dicken’s”A Tale of Two Cities” is a nice book. Just because the Bible was written, doesn’t mean I have to believe it. Lots of books have been written about aliens, but I don’t have to believe in them, do I?
L.Marie D., 15 Elburn
Fair game?
I don’t know if I’m the only one out there who thinks this, but don’t you think Dennis Rodman is being cheated by referees? I mean, watching the Bulls games, the other teams, especially the Knicks, were pushing, kicking, hitting and even punching Rodman. In my opinion, the refs are being unfair. The teams just want the Worm to go crazy and get kicked out of the game. I hope the refs re-read the rules on the game of basketball and start being fair to Rodman.
Lauren N., 12 Wheaton
Express yourself
In response to Cheryl R. (May 21 Backtalk), I feel that she should relax about the writers printing their opinions. It’s called the right of free speech. Newspaper writers and editors have every right to print their opinions. Even you, Cheryl, are expressing your opinion in the newspaper in Backtalk. If you don’t like it, don’t read it.
Jacqui C., 15 Schaumburg
Beastly TV movie
Your article on the movie”The Beast” (April 23 Word Up) attracted me to watch it. I really thought it was dumb. It was kind of scary and very weird. I have heard of squids. I don’t think it was appropriate for youngsters because they might get scared. I heard of some kids who didn’t go swimming after they saw the movie”Jaws.” I just wish they would stop making all these make-believe movies.
Narcis O. Skokie
Time out on rough stuff
I’m responding to”NBA players are hurting for a title” (May 14 Sports). This is really getting out of hand. What happened to M.J. was really bad. I mean, who does Keith Askins think he is? I’ll tell you what he is, he’s crazy. Good thing M.J. is better.
Mike B., 11 Crete
Sweet home, Chicago Bulls
I’m writing to Sean H. (May 14 Backtalk). If the reason everybody likes the Bulls is because they are the best team in the NBA, well then people are shallow or don’t watch any of their games. Most people go to their games, support them and like them, not because of their winning, but because the Bulls are their home team and have good players like Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman.
And if that doesn’t convince you, then last year why did all the people go to the Cubs games? Because they were losers? No, because they are loyal fans. So, if you think the only reason for liking the Bulls is because they win, maybe you, and your school should watch a game sometime. And I can tell you, the Bulls will never be a team of the past!
Melissa L., 14 Woodstock
You should root for your home team through good and bad. Maybe your friends are a little fickle, but why not join them? The Bulls are experiencing a winning season any Chicagoan should be proud of. When you get older and your kids ask you what it was like to see Michael Jordan play, you might want to be prepared with the response, “I was able to see the greatest b-ball player of all time play in the NBA.”
Get out of the cold and into the Bulls, cause they might not be hot for long.
Jill G., 14 Elmhurst
Air time
I agree with your judgements on “Space: Above and Beyond” and “Sliders” (May 7 Backtalk), but unfortunately you missed two other great shows which may get the axe. (The first is) “Nowhere Man,” starring Bruce Greenwood as Thomas Veil. Another show is the better of the two “Star Trek” shows, “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” This is way better than the pathetic “Voyager.” Anyway, I suggest they not cancel any of these shows.
Josh L., 14 Elwood
(Editor’s note: Sorry, Josh, but “Nowhere Man” is gone; “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” will be back.)
Family friends
I’m writing in response to Bobby C. (May 21 Backtalk). I think that older siblings are fun. My older sister takes me places and is nice to me. Why won’t you give your older brother a chance? I’m not saying I never get mad at her, but she is a very good friend and a great sister. When I’m upset I try to look past what she might have done and forgive her. Maybe you should try to do the same because it is really sad when kids are blessed with family members and they are really mean to each other, for instance, by saying “They should be wiped off the Earth.”
Nora C., 12 Chicago
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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.
