Dear Editor:
This is in response to Cassie J. (Aug. 19 Backtalk), who wrote in to say how much she loved Barbie dolls. Well, I am a firm believer in free speech and I believe everyone has a right to their own opinion, but I ask of you, are Barbies really healthy toys for little girls? Barbie has no personality, no life. She teaches little girls that their one purpose in life is to “catch a man” and parades around in silly little outfits like Day-Glo orange cocktail dresses, suede halter tops and string bikinis. Is this a nice way for little girls to think they should dress?
Should the young women of our country think they should walk around on tiptoe all the time, stick out their chests and say things like “math is hard!” and “let’s bake cookies for the boys!”
If the girls of America are supposed to grow up into strong, can-do women, what are these dolls teaching them?
Lisa L., River Forest
I got a Giga Pet (a Virtual Alien) from my dad’s parents because my brother asked for one for him and me. In all those two weeks of having it, I’ve gotten way tired of it. I’m to the point of smashing its stupid small butt with a sledgehammer and making an Anti-Giga Pet with the remains.
You’ve got to take care of a stupid little crying picture all the time. My brother has one, and he still loves it. He takes care of it every second, and it’s like 7 years old right now. Mine’s DEAD.
So, other kids out there, don’t get a Giga Pet or Tamagotchi! Y’all will regret it. Don’t buy it it’s a waste of like $15. You could have gotten something worth better than a Giga Bore.
I would rather have gotten the money for the Giga Pet than the pet, so I could have an addition to my savings for a Nintendo 64. Giga Pet will be pass soon, I hope. They suck.
Brian M., 13, Schaumburg
IN ALL FAIRNESS
I am writing in response to “Singled out” (Aug. 12 Tough News): I am against such programs like affirmative action because they are worthless and unfair. Since I am of Asian blood, according to the government and other groups I would be considered a “minority.” Just being called that makes me angry, and having the government actually step in to make sure “minorities” get special privileges makes me even more enraged.
True, some programs are needed for the disabled, but just because you are not Caucasian does not mean you are entitled to special privileges.
I would rather earn whatever I achieve than have it given to me. For isn’t America supposed to be the land of opportunity and not handouts?
Kevin W., 14, Broadview
MONUMENTAL APOLOGY
In response to Brandi T. (Aug. 12 Backtalk): I agree with you in many ways. Slavery did not end until the Civil War ended, and no, African-Americans have not received a direct apology for slavery. But exactly what should be said, or would it be written? If the apology was written, would it be published or sent out by mail? To whom should it be addressed?
Heather M., 11, Park Forest
WHINING VS. OPINION
Jeff E. (Aug. 19 Backtalk) said that kids are always bad-mouthing each other in the column. Well, I’d just like to point out two things. First, does “the writers are a sorry bunch of whining pansies” sound familiar?
Have you ever listened to the kids in your school during passing period? We aren’t exactly the angelic kids that our grandparents used to be. And yes, times have changed, and so have the kids, but some of us need to start paying attention and stop being hypocrites.
If you really think that the ” bad-mouthing” and “insults” are only in Backtalk, you (and others) need to take a good look (and listen too!) around. So just remember, people have different opinions, and they may not mean to sound whiny.
And if you have a problem with what they have to say, try to give your opinion without name-calling and with patience.
Leah F., 13, America Online
I am writing in response to Jeff E.: Your contradicting and unauthorized letter was, in my opinion, a complete failure. Why did you directly insult the authors of many excellent Backtalk letters? These are the young men and women with whom you will deal every day of your life. Yes, they are very opinionated, but so are you! Learn to deal with them in a mature manner now and save yourself the trouble in the future.
Ryland A., 15, Evanston
SUMMER CASH
I noticed the story “Cool cash” (Aug. 12 Backtalk) and decided to write. Since one week after the end of school, I have had a baby-sitting job three days a week for three kids. My normal pay from them is $125 a week. I also have another job for one kid two times a week, which brings in $40. I also mow a neighbor’s lawn for $20. That’s a per week total of $185 for a 13-year-old!
This summer I have purchased a great stereo and bike and put over $500 in my bank account.
Jon R., 13
I had a very important and hard-working summer job. It may not sound as if it took so much work, but I had to go three times a day to take care of a boxer dog. After his family left, my first trip was at 8 a.m. I fed him, played and sometimes watered the plants/lawn. Then we relaxed until 9 a.m. I came again from 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 5 p.m.
At the end of eight days, I’d earned over $60, and there were still about four free weeks left of summer.
Rachel M., 14, Oak Park
QUALITY CONTROL
Recently, I have noticed that the quality, topics and information of the articles in KidNews have gone down considerably.
For example, in the Aug. 12 issue, there was an article titled “The Barbie Beat.” The whole article was based on a song about Barbie. Maybe it’s just me, but you guys seem kind of desperate for topics. I hope you can bring the quality up.
Orly H., 12, Highland Park
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