I want to respond to Ian H. (Sept. 15 Backtalk) about people being prejudiced about what other people wear. I think, yes, people may be prejudiced or judgmental, but if someone wants to wear something different, they shouldn’t worry about what other people think. In my school, there is a girl who dresses a different way; she dyes her hair and wears fishnets, pants that have lots of stuff hanging off them and a spiky chain thing. I have known her my whole life. She doesn’t care about what other people think. She is one of the sweetest people I know, and people should look at her personality instead of judging her for things she wears.
Susan R., 13
I know how Ian H. feels. I have been friends with a person, “Jake,” for a long time. We became friends many years ago, and last year he admitted to me that he was gay.
Jake was just a normal guy, and I never suspected he was gay. Two years ago, he started wearing an earring on his right ear. I thought it looked cool, so I got one too. I had no clue it symbolized homosexuality. People started making fun of me and avoiding me just because I wore it.
People just assumed I was gay with no proof. I could not stop crying in school because I felt so alone, which caused even more people to make fun of me. Now people find any reason they can to make fun of everything I do, just because they are prejudiced.
I hope this makes people realize that what they do hurts other people’s feelings, and it isn’t so funny when you are the victim.
B., 15
Naperville
MOVING ON…
Dana S. (Sept. 29 Backtalk), you’re right. A lot of people don’t know what they’re talking or arguing about (concerning horseback riding). It’s nuts. And about the whole Backstreet Boys vs. Hanson thing, let it go. It’s boring. We all have opinions; no need to diss each other for them.
R. B.
I agree with the editor on this one. It’s no use trying to convince other people to change their minds about which band to like. Or to trash and rip on the band they like because you don’t like that particular band. I think it’s better to just accept each other’s opinions for what they are. If you like Hanson, fine. If you like BSB, fine. If you don’t like either, fine! Everybody’s different and entitled to their own opinion. I am, however, an avid Hanson fan.
Sandra, 14
WHAT’S THE HARM?
This letter is in response to Brian M. (Sept. 29 Backtalk), who said horoscopes should be taken out of KidNews because they lie. First of all, you say that horoscopes, satanism, astrology, seances and fortunetelling are “horrible stuff.” Although I don’t agree with these practices myself, I don’t think that it is anyone’s place to say they are bad. One of the rights promised to us in this country is freedom of press and religion. Do you realize how precious that is? We go through life without thinking about it, but it is a really powerful thing. Opinions and practices, as long as they don’t cause harm, should be preserved even when they are unpopular.
S., 16 and reader of KN since Day 1
Dear Brian M.: I’m a civil person, so I’ll be nice and try to explain to you about “other things.” Anyone who’s halfway intelligent knows that, yes, these horoscopes are fake and meant for fun. Congrats to you and the brilliant mind power it must have taken to figure that out! You mention how evil witchcraft is. You’re misled. Black magic is satanism. Witchcraft is an earth-based religion called Wicca. True practicers of Wicca do not believe in the devil — it is a religion of light and love.
Wicca comes from the word Wicce, meaning Wise One. Magic is basically a medical practice with herbs (the “potion” parts at least). Would you believe doctors are starting to employ it (not the chants — the use of herbs)?!
The New Age movement is a coming back to self and alternative healing, a way to find peace.
Finally, yes, there are people who are out for your money. Who goes to them for a reading? If you want a reading, find a reputable source. If you don’t want to read the horoscopes, then don’t. Who’s forcing you?
I was raised Catholic and yet am an active member in the New Age community. I keep an open mind.
Leia, 15
I wholeheartedly agree with Brian M. I know that a newspaper is supposed to have content that everyone can be interested in. However, to place a horoscope, no harm intended or otherwise, is inappropriate for minors. As Brian said, infatuation with the horoscope can lead to events, interests or associations that could eventually bring harm to a person. Furthermore, the horoscopes can be very misleading to anyone who relies on the newspaper for truths and accurate facts.
Thank you to Brian M. for having the conviction to stand up against this problem. Please take the horoscopes out.
Jenny Z., 14
Naperville
LOOK AT THE LIES…
With this whole Clinton thing going on, people seem to be losing a grip of what it is really all about. Ken Starr did not put together a 420-page report to prove that Clinton had “sexual relations” but to prove that he lied, which is an impeachable offense!
I know people in Europe who are feeling all sympathetic for Clinton. Why? Because Clinton isn’t their president!
If any of you are still trying to feel sorry for Clinton, let me help you change your mind. When someone lies to you, you don’t trust them, right? Of course not. Let’s say the liar is not your friend, but is the most powerful man in the world. Doesn’t give you much trust in the system, does it?
There are a few people on this planet that you always want to know you can trust: your parents, your teachers, your relatives, your best of friends and your elected political figures. Heck, you put these people into office and you are the one paying their salary, and if they think that they can just outright lie to a nation, then they have another think coming!
Eric, 14
Wilmette
…AND THE WASTE
In response to the President Clinton sex scandal, I just want to say that I am disgusted. No, I am not disgusted by the fact that our leader cheated on his wife (even though I believe that was wrong). I am disgusted because millions of dollars were spent on investigating whether or not President Clinton had sex with another woman. I can think of much better ways for that money to be put to use. For example, a new school or playground or swimming pool could have been built. But no, instead, millions were wasted on finding out whether or not the president had sex with another woman.
Daniela O., 13
HORSEBACK FLAK
Jonathan B., in your letter you said horse racing was a sport, but horseback riding was not. Well, I have a question for you: What do you think those people on the horses’ backs in a race are? Here’s a hint: Horseback RIDERS! How would the horses win races without RIDERS? The horses would run all over the track, probably running into each other, and what would be the point? Horses need riders to guide them.
Why do horses have to gallop down a track for it to be a sport? And if horseback riding isn’t a sport, why is showjumping an Olympic event? Just a thought.
Jennie J., 15
GIMME AN S…P…O…
In reply to the question about whether cheer-leading is a sport (Sept. 22 Backtalk), I think it is. I bet no one could tell me a valid reason it isn’t. It’s demanding, like other sports, and it does involve competition, and even if you don’t count regionals and nationals as competition, I could say that things people consider sports (ice skating, etc.) don’t have a competition, unless they’re getting points from judges. The only reason some “macho” football player says it’s not is because he doesn’t want to think that girls are doing something rough, tough and demanding.
Lori S., 10
Woodridge
PROUD AND SCARED
I don’t think the people in the world care about the people who need help. I am concerned that black people are getting mistreated. I don’t think that it is fair to them that they get treated like that.
If I was an 11-year-old black girl, I would be proud and scared. I would be proud of who I am and that I am special because I am me. I would be scared because knowing that the black people were owned, killed and once slaves gets me scared, and I am an 11-year-old white girl.
I know inside that if black people made it this far, they can make it all the way. All people are equal, no matter what they look like.
Nicole D.
Island Lake
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Backtalk is a place where kids can express all sorts of opinions, whether we at KidNews agree with them or not. Everyone needs a place to let his or her voice be heard. Besides, exposure to different views helps people better understand their fellow human beings.
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).
