Thanks for the review on Bush (Feb. 8 Features). After their two-year silence, I know fans like me were ready for their new album. Even though their sound changed in this album and they experimented with some techno devices, it still had plenty of edge! If some don’t understand the lyrics, they just haven’t experienced enough of life yet. Besides, most art, including music, is interpretational. As long as it makes the listener or viewer rethink their previous viewpoints and beliefs, more power to it! Even Bush was reconsidering their past sound, as evidenced by their lighter sounds in this album. I hope to see more expansion from Bush in the future.
— Jenny A., 15
MJ’s no traitor
I’m responding to Zach G.’s letter about Michael Jordan (Feb. 8 Backtalk). I don’t think Michael should be called a traitor in Chicago. He wasn’t offered a job as a manager here, and he isn’t even from Chicago. I also think that Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan shouldn’t be called traitors, just because they said they were going to retire but they came back. What’s wrong with coming back?
— Bonnie T., 10
WWF is no joke…
Did anybody see the ABC special about the wrestler Mankind? It was SAD. I know wrestling is supposed to be fake, but it isn’t. Wrestling is getting way too real. If wrestling is fake, how come Mankind walks away with broken ribs, jaws, concussions and back problems? Mankind is not a big tough guy that lives alone. He has a wife and two young kids. A couple of weeks ago, his wife and kids walked out after sitting ringside because of 11 uncontested blows to his head. Wrestling is not as fake as you all think.
Lucas S., 11
Or is it?
I would like to reply to the comment made by Becca P. (Feb. 8 Backtalk) about Al Snow. He has been in wrestling for years, and his mannequin head is a trademark and a joke. So is Socko with Mankind. In addition, kids who have toys and dolls shouldn’t be watching WWF or any other kind of wrestling, because it has the rating TV 14 attached to it.
Also, in response to Emily K.’s comment on Christina Aguilera’s song “Genie in a Bottle” (Feb. 1 Backtalk), I must disagree. She is 18 years old and probably is talking about something sexual. Maybe not losing her virginity, but something along those lines. She can say things on MTV or other programs, but she is most likely doing it because she doesn’t want to have a bad rap with parents and the media.
— Dave G., 14
The wheel deal
I’m responding to C. (Feb. 8 Backtalk). I think you’re extremely rude (that’s just my opinion). If someone is going slow, your parents or whoever is driving the car should pass them. Besides, you don’t know why a person is driving so slow. Just think about other people. But I agree with you about having people take a driving test.
— Caitlin D., 11
I agree with C. Pokey drivers are annoying. I know the feeling. You usually get stuck behind one when you’re going somewhere and you are in a rush. But not everyone over 50 is slow. Some younger people are slow. Don’t just blame older people.
— Rorry S., 11
I am writing in response to C. You say that whenever you are going to be late, there is always a slow person in front of you. Well, here is a tip… Leave earlier! Don’t blame others!
— Theresa G., 10
Ignorance isn’t bliss
I look around my school and see so many people ridiculing things they know nothing about. I usually don’t get mad about other people’s business, but it makes me mad to see them doing this because they’re ignorant.
I suppose this affects me more than some people, because a lot of the time it’s about my choice of religion, Wicca. Numerous people run around spouting off about something they know nothing about. They tell me I worship the devil or that I probably perform sacrifices on animals or babies, and several other degrading things that are in no way true.
All I am asking is, please, do not try to inflict your beliefs on others – in everything, not just religion. They have made their choices, as you have made yours, and in America, that is absolutely OK. Next time you want to ridicule a person because they have different beliefs than you, think twice because you wouldn’t want them doing that to you.
— Rayven
Trash talk
If you are offended by the way people talk about each other, Sarah P. (Feb. 1 Backtalk), then ignore them. Why are you bad-mouthing us boys? I mean, if you don’t like the way we talk, then do not listen.
Another thing is that boys are human. The boys that are not perverts shouldn’t be labeled as dorks, nerds or losers.
I may say that the boy who got expelled deserved it. But why do you have to take it out on the other boys? If you don’t understand the way regular people act, then don’t insult them. The boys in your school may seem weird to you, but everybody else might think they are cool!
— Bill F., 12
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