October 12, 1999

I just read Sarah King's article entitled 'The "Real" Teen Girl vs the "Perfect" Teen Girl'. I just wanted to say that I agree completely with her. I mean, who cares if someone doesn't wear a size two, doesn't have blonde hair, or isn't 'pretty' by today's standards? Just because they don't look like a movie star doesn't mean they're not a real nice person and a good friend. Besides, it's what's that counts.

Rebecca Mercer
Shearstown, Newfoundland

June 4, 1999

Hello School Net People,

I read Jonathon M's editorial regarding a burn victim who was flown from
Newfoundland to Boston. I'm not going to criticize the content of the
article, but I did want to talk about the misuse of the word electrocution.

If you are electrocuted you can't be flown anywhere for treatment unless by
treatment you mean burial or cremation. If you are electrocuted, you are
dead. That's what electrocution means, death by electric shock.

I only wrote this because I constantly hear people misusing the word and if
you're going to be a journalist you might as well use the language properly,
or at least have an understanding of the rules before breaking them all up.

Thank you,
Bob Howard

April 30, 1999

I loved the article on tear-away pants!!
I personally have no use for these items but whatever their purpose, the article was great and full of comic relief from such a serious topic. Congrats to the writer!!

Ariana Patey, I. J. Samson Junior High
St. John's, Newfoundland

April 23, 1999

I'm responding about the tear away pants as it appears that you were being extremely sarcastic. Do you happen to play soccer? If you don't then the number one rule in St. John's is safe soccer. Jeans or pants, do not fall into this category because you can easily trip in them or trip someone else. Try sitting on the bench on a cold day and suddenly being told that they need you on the field in 10 seconds. By the time you get your cleets off,jeans or cords off and cleets back on the coach will have another player on the field. However, with tear aways, all you have to do is rip them off and hop on the field in no time. As for your comment about others ripping them off you,heres a solution,where a pair of shorts under them. A bit of advice seek an athletes advice before writing another comment on sports apparell.
Thanks.

Robert Comerford, Memorial University
St. John's, Newfoundland

March 18, 1999

Jillian (Freeman), my friend, my pal!! You rock!!! Fab-o-lous article! It spoke so much for women's views and rights. Kate's article (on curly hair) was great too, very funny!

Ariana Patey, I. J. Samson Junior High
St. John's, Newfoundland

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March 18, 1999

I just finished reading the article by the young woman about feminism and I am very happy to see that she is interested in the feminist movement... but, I think that it is important to be careful not to judge others harshly, but rather to spend energy working hard to change things. This involves acting instead of complaining. Gloria Steinem is still alive and working now. She will be sixty five on the 25th of march, and she is still active in politics, policy, and the feminist movement. There are so many young girls out in the world that share Ms. Freeman's beliefs and if they come together and do something, then things will change.

I was offended by the snide, judgemental, and bitter remarks that she used when describing the popular role models of the 90s. It does not help to criticize someone superfically. I love Ani Difranco's songs because they carry with them a political message. I also love Ally McBeal. Ally's short skirts are less revealing and promiscuous than her secratary's little outfits, and she is not ditzy. She is intelligent, flustered, and trying to make sence of her life...what is so degrading about that? The spice Girls little"gil powuh" could be sending a very good lesson to young girls who see beautiful, sexy, and successful women stand up and proclaim their strengh. Older girls that I know really don't pay much attention the the Spice anyway. Stand up and take some action...then tell us about it! Good Luck.

Katy Pannoni, West Springfield High School
Springfield, VA, USA

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March 1, 1999

I just finished Jillian Freeman's article re: "girl Power."

This young person has realized what many people, male and female have not, namely that it is not about feminism, but rather about equality. I am and have been a strong proponent of equality in the classroom (I am a high school teacher) and in my personal life (I am a husband and parent of three girls.) It is sad that far too many so-called feminists don't want equality as much as they want "their turn." For example, if we can't get rid of PLAYBOY we'll create PLAYGIRL. Some may consider this equality; I, and I suspect, Freeman may as well, consider it as just more of the same. The body parts have changed, but the intent and sadly, the result, are just the same.

As long as there are people like Freeman in the world, there is still hope.

I applaud her intelligence, insight and eloquence.

Matthew Alexander, Pasadena Academy
Pasadena, Newfoundland

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