Each time I read the Backtalk section, someone HAS to pick on a star (Britney Spears, for example). Do you expect all the stars – Mandy Moore, Christina Aguilera, etc. – to be the PERFECT person to please their audiences? The record deal they signed didn’t include “be a perfect role model for all the little 6-year-olds out there.” Becoming a role model is not what these stars choose; people make the assumption that if you’re a star, you need to be perfect for those children who “look up to them.” To put it simply: The way these stars dress isn’t the reason why there are elementary students wearing lipstick and tube tops. No, don’t blame the media for that. It’s your choice for making the decisions in your life, and you are responsible for the outcome.
— H., 12
In response to S., 14 (June 6 Backtalk), I understand your point about the provocativeness of Mandy Moore’s clothing and how she contradicted herself by saying, “You don’t need to show lots of skin to be classified as beautiful,” but don’t you think you are also doing the same? Think about it – if Mandy Moore wears flashy clothing, why do you think Christina Aguilera is a role model? Have you seen pictures of her at all? Maybe the one the editors put in will give you a hint. Tell me that isn’t the least bit provocative. First of all, I don’t think someone should primarily classify a role model as one who dresses properly. It’s true that is an important factor, but what about inside beauty?
— Katie W., 15
My Backtalk is to all the girls/guys who have been talking about role models. You may not think any girl pop stars can become role models from the way they dress, but ask yourself… haven’t you thought what it’d be like to wear clothes like that or to be that famous??? I know I have, but does that make me a bad person if I own a shirt like Britney’s? I don’t think so. How they dress shouldn’t mean anything; they are singers, not models. I know there are young kids who see them as role models, but is it all bad that they’re looking to someone with dreams, expectations, goals? All I am saying is if you look past the clothes, you’ve got some really cool people who have a mind of their own.
— Emily H., 12
———-
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).
