I know that racism exists, but I predict that with all the ways people use it to their own advantage, it will become a joke. The KKK still exists, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, lately, accusations of racism have made the accuser look like a fool. For example, the whole idea that punishing Latrell Sprewell is racism is just stupid.
Let’s say a white basketball player got mad at his coach. So he runs over and attacks him while saying, “I will kill you.” Would there be any doubt that the man would be punished?
To say that Sprewell shouldn’t be punished because he’s black and his coach is white is what is racist.
— Sarah W., 12
He’s a scream
Hey, you guys have no idea how psyched I was this morning when I saw that tiny pic of Jamie Kennedy (Dec. 30 Features)! Here is some info on Jamie. He said the following was true in an America Online chat Dec. 23: He was born May 25, 1970 (yes, he’s 27, but doesn’t look it!); he divides his time between L.A. and San Francisco; he’s the youngest of six kids and was born in upper Darby, Pa.; he loves the horror genre and had a blast on “Scream” and “Scream 2”; he is single and played in “Romeo & Juliet” (as Sampson Montague, the guy with the pink hair… oh yeahhh); he has a teensy part in “As Good As It Gets”; he has done a LOT of indie films; there was a rumor that he was doing a “Gilligan’s Island” movie (playing Gilligan), but it’s not true; Jamie is currently filming “Enemy of the State” with…Will Smith!
Check out these two JK Web sites:
1. members.aol.com/piper1013/index.htm.
2. www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Boulevard/5032/jkplanet.html.
— Hayley, 14
Star-struck!
I am an adoring fan of many celebrities. As a result, I end up going to watch their movies. This past month alone I have seen six. Usually I don’t have that kind of time, but with winter vacation and all…
One of my top picks is “Scream 2,” although this movie probably should not be seen by anyone under 12. “Tomorrow Never Dies” was also a class act, and any kid who enjoys watching movies with high-tech action should go see it. The third and most beloved to me was “Titanic,” basically because I’m a sucker for romance. These movies are worthwhile to see, though perhaps for a mature young audience. However, these days that seems to be scarce.
— P.V. Texas
P.S.: If you could do me a favor, I would like to request a mailing address for Leonardo DiCaprio. Thanks a million!
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Editor’s note: You can write to Leo in care of Creative Artists Agency, 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212. Believe it or not, there’s a store in California that sells only Leo merchandise. It’s called The DiCaprio Store; the phone number is 800-556-4670. Also, we found a truly fab Leo Web site: www.celebsite.com/people/leonardodicaprio/.
Change the world
In response to Liz (Dec. 23 Cover), I disagree with you. Even at the age of 14, you can change people’s minds. If every president, king and leader read your letter, I think it would make them think twice about starting a war.
I truly admire anyone who uses words to express opinions as strongly as you did. Not only did you want world peace for your benefit, but also for present and future generations. Never say you can’t make a difference, because with freedom of speech and freedom of the press, you can make at least a small difference in somebody’s life.
— Kate D., 11, Aurora
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Editor’s note: Want to send the letter – or a letter of your own – to world leaders? You go! A great book, updated in ’97, will give you a world of addresses: “How to Write World Leaders” by Rick Lawler ($12.50). We tried to order it on the Internet (which we’re still not convinced is the greatest idea), but it was on back order. So we’re ordering one from our neighborhood bookstore. You could order one yourself – just tell your bookstore the title and author – or wait till ours comes in and catch the occasional addresses we print. But the book is way handy (we had a previous version), cuz it gives great tips on writing a world-class big shot – and tips on what NOT to do.
I totally agree with Liz. We don’t live in a perfect world, and peace on Earth is something that won’t just happen all of a sudden. There’s so much hatred and violence in this world that no matter what one person or any group tries to do, it won’t stop.
I see (the quest for) peace as being like a long-term assignment. When the teacher assigns it, the students don’t worry about it and throw the paper in their backpacks. As the due date for the assignment approaches, the students reluctantly start. As the deadline comes closer and closer, many students have put it off so long (they) start to panic. The night before the assignment is due, students are up until the early hours of the morning trying to complete it. Whether they finish is based on how long they can stay up that night. The quest for peace is like a long-term assignment. It’s achieved over time.
When will all the hatred and violence end?
— Amy L., 14, Orland Park
Death toys
I think there should be stricter laws on guns, or even bans on people getting them at all. Guns are only made to harm people. Guns don’t do anything but that. A lot of people get hurt or killed each year because of guns.
Guns also kill kids. Kids get killed by guns by not knowing what they are. They think the gun is a toy or cool and they start shooting.
Because of a person playing with a gun, my Uncle William was killed. He was only 29 when he was shot to death. My Uncle David was also shot, but managed to survive. Because of these incidents I realized how terrible guns are.
— Marc A., 11, Skokie
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Editor’s note: For more on this issue, check out this week’s Tough News story (Page 3).
Remembering Farley
I think it’s horrible that Chris Farley died. I loved his physical comedy and all his shows and movies. I’ll really miss him. I would hope that his next two movies are good so all his fans have something more to remember him by. So long, Chris.
— Sarah K., 12, Darien
News update: The Cook County medical examiner announced Friday that Farley died of an accidental overdose of cocaine and morphine.
Take a stand
I recently went to a leadership conference for freshman studies. There we learned how to be leaders. We also learned how to listen to each other.
During one of our classes we got to discussing Martin Luther King Jr. and his non-violent civil rights movement. We had to write out what we would do (to stop racism). We are hoping to get set up in March at our school.
— Trina S., 13, Addison
Selling violence
The company that makes Warheads candy should change the name (Dec. 16 Cover). I know they have the name because of the effect on your mouth, but a warhead is a bomb. I’m not saying the candy is bad, because it tastes good. But it promotes violence. I know it’s hard to change a name, but the Washington Wizards changed their name from Bullets to Wizards (because of the word’s association with violence).
— Jacob H., 10, Skokie
A time for dating
In response to Liz S. (Dec. 30 Backtalk), when you are in 5th grade you should not be worried about boys, you should be worried about getting an “A” or passing that test on Friday. You will have your chance with boys in high school and in 7th or 8th grade. What could a boy do for you in 5th grade? Give you a Barbie?
If you think you’re not going to get anyone in 7th or 8th grade, then you’re not thinking, because boys come and go. So you should wait till you are older.
— Dawn B., 13 Chicago
Get serious in ’98
I feel that 1997 was the worst year of my life. Everyone’s obsessing and fighting over petty things like bands, famous people, clothes, who’s better and bigger. Has anyone been paying attention to what’s happening?
People are getting killed for reasons that could have so easily been avoided. One example is Notorious B.I.G. He was gunned down. If the person who killed him had actually thought about what he was doing, he would probably not have done it.
I hope now that the person realizes all the pain and suffering he has caused to the family, friends and fans of Notorious B.I.G.
The same goes for others, such as Princess Diana, 2Pac and a lot more. I myself lost two friends this year in a car accident.
If you’re going to write to Backtalk, please make it worth reading.
— Dree E., 13, St. Charles
Good call
In response to “Calling it as they see it” (Dec. 30 Sports): It is wonderful that women are finally getting involved with something such as a referee for the NBA.
I recently went to visit my relatives in Indiana and went to see the Indiana Pacers play the New Jersey Nets at the Marketsquare Arena. Then for the first time I saw a woman referee run to make a call, and I was very surprised to see one on the court. She was the only woman on the whole court, which sure takes a lot of willpower to do.
Women are getting a lot more oppurtunities to do things today than they did before.
— Melissa A., 12, America Online
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Write letters or send editorial cartoons to Backtalk, 5th Floor, 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 send us letters by e-mail (screen name KidNews @aol. com).
