It’s great that Puerto Rico might become a state (March 10 Tough News). It would help our nation in many ways and give us a taste of a different culture. I do think even if they don’t become a state, they should have the right to vote. They are considered part of the U.S., so why can’t they vote? I think the Puerto Ricans’ ideas could help our nation.
Laura C., 12 Darien
What’s normal?
I have passively regarded your multiple Backtalk letters regarding stereotypes. Until now. Everybody is arguing with each other, but wake up! Stereotypes will never go away. There are stereotypes about blacks, whites, blonds, Hispanics and especially gays. All the teens in school are running around whispering about the “gay kid.” My question: How many people know any gay people? I was recently introduced to a homosexual adult, and he’s totally normal. But how does a teenager know this? They don’t. One stereotype about gay teenagers I particularly despise is when a gay guy proclaims his homosexuality, every guy is sure that the “gay kid” is in love with him. Hello? If you’re straight, do you think every girl is interested? Not a chance.
We’re all different – fat, skinny, smart, dumb, popular, gay… Who cares? Get over the phobia of being “abnormal” and be yourself.
B. S., 14
Not parental
I am mad about the parents who didn’t want their babies after they were born and refused to take them home (March 10 Tough News). I think that before she got pregnant she should have thought about all the responsibilities of having a child. When she got pregnant that meant she was willing to take the responsibility. Also, she must have known that she was pregnant with more than one baby before she went in for the delivery. Now, it is too late, and I think that they should take the babies out of the hospital! If she can’t, then she should put them up for adoption. I don’t think that they should just leave the poor babies’ at the hospital, for the babies sake and for the sake of the people who work at the hospital. They have enough on their hands.
Lindsay C., 11 Wilmette
Teen TV
I agree with Jackie L. (March 10 Backtalk) about “Dawson’s Creek.” It may seem a little ridiculous to adults, but to teens it’s a show that we’re attracted to. Instead of going around issues like sex and puberty, it addresses them in a way that teens find appealing. “Dawson’s Creek” is funny and interesting, and my friends and I talk about it days after it’s over. I think adults should lighten up about this show. Smart teens won’t be influenced by what goes on in this show. Dumb ones won’t either. We know better.
Gwynne R.,13 Evanston
Who cares?
In response to Jonathan H. (March 10 Backtalk), I just wanted to say that I totally disagree with you and that you use poor points to support your opinion. Most of my friends don’t even care about this “scandal” (involving President Clinton). I think that it’s a media scandal. They probably ran out of good news and needed something to talk about. You say that it affects our government and economy. How? I’m sure if the government did something wrong, we would care, but you’re comparing two completely different things. This has nothing to do with us. It’s his business.
Carly F., 13
Tale of tragedy
In response to Shelly A. (March 10 Backtalk), I totally agree with you. For those people who say “Titanic” wasn’t scary, you’re wrong. When I saw the movie, I thought it was scary. And I also have another point. For those people who went to see the movie just because Leonardo DiCaprio is in it, that was a stupid choice. James Cameron wanted to bring back what happened in 1912. Over 1,500 people died on that ship when it sank, and I cry for all those people. I agree that there were many things they could have done to save everyone on that ship. They could have even prevented the ship from hitting the iceberg. I hope people who saw the movie learned what really happened. I think James Cameron did a wonderful job.
Julie, 14
In response to Shelly A., I do not think “Titanic” was scary. It was very realistic and a great movie but it didn’t fall under the category of scary. It was a great portrayal of the tragic things that happened on that night. It was very sad because of scenes like those you have mentioned. It was especially sad when they showed pictures of those trapped on the boat.
Laura C., 12 Darien
Totally two-faced
I totally agree with the letter that “A Hanson non-poser” wrote (March 10 Backtalk). I knew a whole bunch of girls who liked Hanson over the summer, but when school started, they suddenly hated them. I’ve loved Hanson since I first saw them, and I’m not afraid to say it. Unlike more than half this population, I’m not obsessed with being accepted. I have a friend who feels the same way. My other friends don’t even care that we like them. Sometimes, after I’ve been talking to someone awhile, I’ll tell them I like Hanson. If they keep talking to me, it’s someone worth being friends with. But most of the time they’ll say I’m a dork or gay or some trash like that. I just wanted to say people like that are sick.
Noel L. Homewood
I don’t know who this “Hanson non-poser” is, but I have to say you have a major problem. Not everybody is a poser. I think Hanson stinks, with their little boy voices and long girls’ hair.
If you want to slobber all over Taylor and his brothers, at least do it where civilized people don’t have to read about it.
Michelle Z., 13 Lake Zurich
I’m sick of people dissing me for liking something they don’t like. It isn’t right. Everyone has their own opinion, and they shouldn’t have to change it for anyone. Yeah, so what if Sally likes Hanson and Jenny hates them. It shouldn’t give Jenny any right to pick on Sally. Personally, I don’t like Hanson, but I don’t make fun of people who do. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m obsessed with The Backstreet Boys. So what?
Christina S. Chicago
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