I am very disappointed that for the Nov. 2 issue on the cover (“Celebrity candidates? Run!”), you had to say, “Just keep the shirt on, Bran” to Brandi Chastain. No one is yelling at runners for not wearing a T-shirt over a sports bra, so why yell at her? She accomplished such an amazing feat! Please, focus on the good things next time!
— Bridget G., 10
Note from KidNews: We agree that soccer star Chastain is awesome, which we tried to show by describing her “steel nerves” and saying how we figured she could handle a hostile Congress if she became prez. We were just suggesting that a U.S. president might want to keep her shirt on! (And we were just havin’ fun, anyway.)
5TH ROW AT BSB CONCERT WAS ROSY
I am responding to your article “BSB concertgoers lose their loot ” (Nov. 2 Backtalk). First of all, Nick, Howie, A.J, Kevin and Brian really didn’t have anything to do with that. I went to that concert, and you are right. You couldn’t bring in flowers or posters. My little sister, who is 6, brought a rose for Brian and was very upset she couldn’t bring it in. They did sell roses for about $4 and posters of the guys for $5. I don’t think it was fair what they did, but seeing BSB from the fifth row, you really don’t think about it.
— Carreen T., 13
HARRY’S VERY COOL
I have been seeing so many articles in the newspaper and so many blurbs on TV that are saying no to the Harry Potter books. I can see why some parents disagree with the violence in them (say, for instance, in the second book, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” terrible things are happening in the school). And, after all that happened in Columbine High School, the parents want less violence. But personally, I have no problem at all with the books. I’ve read all three. I know about freedom of the press where you voice both sides of the opinion, and I’m voicing mine: There is nothing wrong with the books. They are fiction and only as violent as you make them. If you have a problem with the books, don’t read them! It’s not J.K. Rowling’s fault that you don’t like her books. But in every story, good triumphs over evil. And that should be a moral we stick with.
— Cassie K., 12
BRAVE BOY
I’m writing about the kid who doesn’t have a whole brain (Oct. 12 Tough News). They had to remove half of his brain to help him, because a virus was destroying his brain. That would be a hard thing to live with. His development is a little delayed. He will have to retrain his brain to do the things that were controlled by the part of the brain that they removed. This is a lot for a little kid to go through. He should be able to live a normal life, just like a normal kid should.
— John T., 13
UNLOADING ABOUT LIMP BIZKIT
I was very disappointed about your Limp Bizkit review (Oct. 19 Backtalk). They are an incredibly talented bunch of guys, and as a dedicated fan who just so happens to be from the female populace, I don’t appreciate you calling them misogynists. The offensive, female-bashing lyrics are meant for girls who mistreat men.
When TLC came out with “No Scrubs,” do you think anyone cared if they were doing any male-bashing? No, not really. The song was catchy and fun to sing to.
Plus, it kills me to see you so supportive of these happy-go-lucky boy bands. As a respected newspaper, you should be open to all variations of music, including rock and alternative. If the lyrics are too explicit, buy the edited version at Wal-Mart.
— Carolyn H., 13
I want to add something about Fred Durst. Fred is a really nice person when you get to know him. Just because he swears in his songs doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. His concerts are really fun, but you get kicked in the head and everything that goes with that.
— Courtney A., 12
LISTEN MORE CLOSELY
I’m writing in response to Maura L. (Oct. 26 Backtalk), who wrote that Alanis Morrisette’s lyrics all talk about “how horrible men are.” That’s not true. A lot of her songs are about forgiving, apologizing or learning how to accept your actions. A few (like “You Oughta Know”) talk about guys in a negative light, but they are about what a particular guy did to her (but people interpret songs different ways).
People have different opinions, and I respect yours, but I just don’t get why people like Limp Bizkit. I think that people should appreciate music for its meaning, not its dance beat.
— Phoebe R., 11
DON’T PUT DOWN KIDS
This letter is in response to Amanda W. (Oct. 26 Backtalk). People, kids rather, write into Backtalk and voice what they think. That doesn’t seem “intolerant and self-righteous” to me. Here comes a big fat generalization for you, Amanda: You’re 14, and that hardly qualifies as an adult. I find it rather hypocritical to be putting kids down when you yourself are an adolescent. Here’s a reason people act the way they do: It’s human nature for some people to be egotistical and self-righteous. Also, adults are able to express their opinions better because they’re, obviously, older and wiser than us kids.
I think you should have thought it over before saying things such as, “Kids have no tact or political correctness.” If Backtalk was supposed to be politically correct, would kids still be able to express their freedom of speech and opinion?
— Jenny, 13
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, `FASHION FREAK’ JOE RESPONDS
Do you think anyone would’ve needed to respond if I was wrong (about girls being “fashion freaks”)? Of course not. I’ve seen group after group of girls at the mall when I go there to buy video games. I’ve seen my sister do the exact same thing. There are only three stores young girls would go to: clothes, makeup and those stores that sell perfume and other such things. I’m sorry, but it’s just a fact.
— Joe S.
KidNews note: We’re giving Joe the last word here, because we printed so many responses to his first letter. Great debate, readers!
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Write letters or send editorial cartoons to Backtalk, Chicago Tribune, 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 (ctc-kidnews@ tribune.com).
