Why is everyone in a rush to grow up these days? I do agree that all the articles on Britney Spears, ‘N Sync and BSB are a little (actually, a lot) nauseating. Doesn’t anyone ever get tired of hearing about them? I agree KidNews does need to publish some news articles, but they don’t have to be about like serious serious news. … If we wanted to hear about that all the time, we’d watch the news every night and there would be no need for KidNews. And everyone does not have to take the opinions of everyone else so seriously. What I’m trying to say is that if someone writes something that you totally disagree with, you don’t have to like snap. This Backtalk is so everyone can express their own opinion. Calm down, people. It’ll be all right.
As soon as people start liking anyone more original than BSB or ‘N Sync, I know people are going to find something wrong with them, whether it’s true or false. They do that with everyone who starts to become famous. So don’t take it so personally next time.
— C.G.
In sync with lots of bands
I would like to comment on what Elyse (Dec. 14 Backtalk) said about how Christina Aguilera is wishing she could lose her virginity. Give me a break! If you’re talking about “Genie in a Bottle,” Christina is talking about getting respect from guys. I feel she is being a great role model for girls. Second, I really want to make it clear that not all ‘N Sync lovers are Valley Girls, blonds or use “like” and think about the mall and boys all the time. I’m African-American, and I feel that I am the biggest ‘N Sync fan in the world. I also like Limp Biskit, Kid Rock and Korn, so don’t even trip.
— Brittany B., 13
George is just a guy
I am responding to the article printed about George Harrison (Jan. 5 Backtalk). Harrison wakes up every day the same way that you and I do, and believe it or not, he puts his pants on one leg at a time. Just because he was the member of a group of four guys who produced amazing music does not mean he should be treated any different than the person who sits next to you in school.
This case has gotten the attention of so many people. Well, guess what, everyone? This happens every day. Celebrities sadly are treated so much differently in our society, so, yes, stalkers come with the territory. That doesn’t make it right, but because people idolize celebrities to an amazing degree, it makes it common. Celebrities do help people express themselves, whether it’s loving the music they produce or admiring the way they perform. But (because of some) fans who are so uncontrollably obsessed, it’s a believable reality why so many celebrities turn to drugs and alcohol to escape.
— Colleen K.
I think that fans have to learn to control themselves. They have to realize that (celebrities) are just people, like them, who just happen to be in the public eye. But since no one can control others’ actions, better precautions should be taken to protect the celebs. Fans are a price of fame, but the obsession shouldn’t be.
— Rachael H., 14
No Tupac proof
I am writing in response to all the people who contributed to the Jan. 4 issue of Balktalk on the late Tupac Shakur. When I read the articles of people saying they thought he was alive and they displayed their “proof,” I’m sorry, guys, but everything that you said does not prove he is alive. Just because a new album is laid out does not prove he is still alive. Rappers like Tupac have recorded so many songs since they began that I bet he could throw out two more “new” albums. Just because someone has money and “gets all the girls” does not by any means make his life perfect. If Tupac is really alive, he obviously faked his death for a reason, probably to escape the spotlight and all the troubles it brought him, the things we didn’t see.
— Liz K., 15
OK, I’d like to make a quick point to Chris W. (Jan. 4 Backtalk). I agree that Tupac is still alive, but I believe he did fake his death. Why? I don’t know. Someone was probably after him or his money (maybe a stalker), and if he decided to live life on “easy street,” he’d be yet more open to assassination. Also, Notorious B.I.G. also just released an album, but that doesn’t mean he’s alive. His record company did it.
Now I’d like to put in my two cents’ worth about Pokmon. I’m tired of hearing about it. All these hard-core fans are simply neurotic (who cares whether one pronounces it Pokiemon?). The game is a complete ripoff of Magic the Gathering (which I’m not too fond of either), the movie is terrible (or so I hear), and the merchandise is cheesy. It’s a cute show, but now it’s gotten to the point where there are ripoffs of it (“Digimon,” which is even more cheesy). I also don’t see why the cards are worth SO MUCH MONEY. I don’t collect any cards, and I honestly don’t see the point to it if you’re not going to play (which is, many times, the situation). Pokmon cards, however, are worse than baseball or Magic cards, because they branch off into holographic and Japanese. It’s disgusting to see all that money go to waste, honestly. Ugh.
— Rebecca, 13
Pokmon…is there anything American kids won’t swallow? Oh, well, it’s not my place to criticize. Here, then, are my opinions of the various facts of the Pokmon craze:
THE VIDEO GAME: OK, but not worth shelling out $30 for – and definitely not worth shelling out $90 for all three versions solely so you can have a “complete” collection.
THE TV SHOW: Funny, but mainly for its camp value. Especially when you figure that, on the whole, Japanese cartoons aren’t what we’d call politically correct.
THE MOVIE: Haven’t seen it, so to avoid making a mistake, I have no opinion on it at this time.
THE MERCHANDISE: Well, once again, toymakers have seen a craze and then manufactured shortages (so) what they do make can sell at inflated prices.
THE CARDS: Basically another CCG in an already crowded market However, this one doesn’t quite go as deep as some of the others… say, Magic, for example. On the whole, an unremarkable fad. It’s big now, but all I need to do is say “Power Rangers,” and I think it makes my point quite clear. Thanks.
— Anonymous
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