Dear Editor:
We think that school should stay open during the summer. There is nothing to do when school is out. We have no homework and no obligations. We are forced to stay cooped up in the house, only to watch trashy talk shows that we despise.
Playing outside will only give us skin cancer. We would be safe, happy and busy in school. When we go to school, we go back to cool!
Phineas S., 9 and Hermia A., 10, Glenview
I have had a Giga pet before and it made my life miserable.
In the three weeks I had it, my life was made miserable. First, my camp wouldn’t allow it. Then I lied to my parents about it. Lastly, the mother of kids I baby-sit wouldn’t allow it in her house. I finally returned it, and now my life is much better.
To all you kids out there: Return it or don’t get one because you will regret it, unless you have nothing to do but sit around and take care of it.
Meredith B., 11, Evanston
I own a Tamagotchi and I must say, pushing two buttons to cure their sickness isn’t the same effect as dragging your dog to the vet, but it’s a toy, what do you expect?
Also, do you have to drag your cat to school, soccer, parties and everywhere you go? My cat isn’t even allowed outside!
So I don’t get why everyone is making such a big fuss about it. You’re getting tired of it? Take the batteries out and let the others have their fun.
Elizabeth O., 11, Barrington
NOT HIS FAULT
In response to Eric M. (July 22 Backtalk), I agree with you 100 percent. Everyone knows that slavery was undoubtedly a bad thing that existed, but Clinton shouldn’t have to apologize for something that certainly was not his fault.
I think his apology was merely to make himself, as president, look good to the public. If he really wanted to show his sympathy for those slaves, the least he could do is to have a statue or memorial built representing that time period.
There’s one thing that Clinton can’t do, and that is changing the past.
Monica J., 13, Northbrook
It is not President Clinton’s fault that the United States had slaves. An apology won’t make any difference, because it’s 100 years later. Slavery happened a long time ago. An apology is not necessary.
Chloe G., 12, Chicago
DINO-SORE
In response to Matt B. (July 29 Backtalk): Would you please check yourself! I’m not going to defend Barney the dinosaur, but you really have no reason to worry if Barney “doesn’t teach kids about gangs or other dangers.”
The average ages of children who watch this show are 2 to 7 years old. Don’t you think children that young should have a chance to be children for a while before having to deal with gangs, crime and violence? If you really think we should tell these kids that there is no real Barney, why don’t we tell them there’s no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy?
You need to stop worrying about bringing the young kids of America into reality too quickly.
Elisabeth M., 14, Cary
In response to Matt B.: I agree that kids should be told that Barney is just a man in a suit. But Barney teaches kids how to have fun in a little-kid way.
This is not the only show that kids watch or hear. They might hear the news when their parents talk about it or when they watch it on TV. They might even watch shows with gangs in them. They will not “meet a gang, and then think that gangs are OK, because Barney did not talk about gangs.” Even 3-year-olds are able to recognize bullies.
Karen G., 14, Park Ridge
“Barney” is written for very young children at a critical age. They need to be encouraged to use their imaginations and learn to exhibit good moral behaviors. Once they learn these things, they will be ready to handle more difficult lessons, such as gangs, drugs and sex.
Parents should be the educators of these issues, not a purple dinosaur. Think about it. If the gang members would have had the opportunity to learn good morals in the first place, we might not even have the gang problems we do today.
Lisa B., 14, Genoa
OTHER LIFE FORMS
I am responding to Jon D. (July 15 Backtalk) about “Give Mars a chance.” I totally agree. I’m not saying I believe there is life on Mars; I’m talking about Mars and the rest of the universe.
Even though it may be too hot or too cold, things may be able to survive. Some species may not have to drink or eat to survive. All because a place is too hot or too cold doesn’t mean life can’t exist. Maybe some other life forms need the temperature to be 1,000 degrees. The people at NASA and other places should be more flexible about this.
Aaron Y., 12, Bloomingdale
SEEING RED
I thought that article about skin cancer was irresponsible (July 22 Tough News). When I read it I felt like I was going to get skin cancer because I got sunburned recently. Please be more careful how the articles are written next time.
Meagan R., 9
GOTCHA COVERED
In a recent issue (July 22 Cover), you said a certain hair mascara was too expensive ($20). In the Delia’s catalog, you can get four colors for $6 a bottle.
Madeleine H., 13, Winnetka
———-
Editor’s note: Thanks for giving us a clue–we love Delia’s! Anyone who wants a catalog can call 1-800-335-4269.
RECOGNIZE US TOO
I have read your latest issue of KidNews and found the section on a volunteer at Pet Rescue (July 22 Cover) to be quite disturbing.
I wish that the article had acknowledged the rest of the volunteers. I ask from you to take time in your paper to also recognize the others at Pet Rescue who also donate their time and love to the many homeless animals there. We try to do our best to help there, and thought that the article displayed only Jay’s efforts, and that it implied that he was the only volunteer with a miraculous cause.
Lisa S., 15, Addison
FASHION LASHIN’
I am writing in response to Lindsay M. (July 29 Backtalk): I think Lindsay is both right and wrong.
It’s true, all people don’t wear what you writers consider “in,” but some people do.
The stuff about not wearing anything important from other cultures is completely wrong. People have the freedom to choose what they want to wear.
And about the slang-word stuff: Not everyone does talk like that, but again, some do. I don’t think it’s so bad to use slang words, because schools teach the right way to speak.
I am not disappointed with KidNews. Everyone is their own person and it doesn’t make a difference if some people are different from others.
Samantha S., 11, Oak Forest
Lindsay, do you know how many people wear what you call crap? Did you really think that the KidNews newspaper editor got up one day and said, “Let’s insult people that still like the ’80s”?
There was no article that offended the ’80s. If you think that the articles about today’s fashion were offending, then you’re just too sensitive.
C.J.A., 10, Tinley Park
To Lindsay, first of all, it’s cool that you wear stuff from the ’80s. Vintage styles are “in” nowadays. But I am quite bewildered that you call the styles KidNews prints as the “c word” (you shouldn’t even be cursing!). They just try to show us the latest fashions.
But I completely agree with you on articles that degrade and overexpose certain cultures. It is absurd to try to imitate a person just because it looks fashionable, when in reality, it serves as a significant purpose in a person’s culture. I also believe KidNews does not use slang words purposefully, but merely as a gesture to get into the flow of things and get readers’ attention.
Gayathri R., 14, Vernon Hills
