Going Postal - Readers respond to the "In bed with..." article (SPIN, October '98)

Back - Index - Submissions - - What is RSS? Date: Oct 04, 2098 Source: SPIN Magazine, October 1998 Submitted By: Quit Playing Games With Our Hearts I cringe at celebrity slam articles in which it is apparent the journalist has spent a lot of time yukking it up with their celebrity/victim, only to later print how rotten that person is. It doesn't so much make the celebrity look bad as it makes the journalist look like a hypocrite. Maureen Callahan's article "In Bed With the Backstreet Boys" [July] is such an article. Personally, I found Nick's rude comments about an ugly girl to be refreshingly naive and honest; a more guileful celeb would have realized how awful it would come off and would have been careful only to say what sounds good. So what if Nick's only after the hottest babes? So what if he loves to gaze in the mirror? I'm not saying it's wonderful for him to be a self-centered jerk, just that it's no big news for a teenage guy (especially an extremely popular jock boy) to be less than an ideal humanitarian. This doesn't mean he can't mature to be a fine man of depth and good character some day. While I'm not an adoring Backstreet Boys fan, my ten-year-old daughter is, and I'd hate for her to sour on the music just because her favorite performer isn't perfect. After all, the boys' voices are good, their songs are danceable, and I don't need to blush when my daughter sings their lyrics in public. Sherry Hall Bailey, Colorado I cannot believe the arrogance of the Backstreet Boys. What jerks! Instead of appreciating the teens who made them popular, they degrade them by ignoring a handicapped girl and making fun of a fat girl. If it weren't for these girls, the Backstreet Boys would be nobody. Kirsten Hart-Gill Gulfport, Mississippi I am a 17-year-old Backstreet Boys fan. I've never been hysterical at any of the 11 shows I've attended. They don't rule my life, though they certainly are a big part of it. In regard to comments about Nick, who can blame him? What else can you expect from an 18-year-old guy? He's my fave, but he's such a little prick I sometimes wonder why I like him. I wouldn't be surprised if he had thrown an autograph back at a fan. If he had done that to me I'd probably have had a go at him, but it wouldn't put me off. Perhaps he was annoyed at having to face screaming girls all day. Fans should realize the Boys are just like anyone else. They get annoyed, tired, and may treat you badly when they're down. Sara Watson Cheshire, England We all knew from the beginning Spin would never endorse a pop group-let alone a "boy band"-but then why bother to write this article? It's only disillusioned many young girls. In fact, I was at the House of Blues show with the "not-so-pretty" girl. Nick was not laughing and Howie did not look the least bit upset to dance with her. Rather, it is you who have upset this poor girl because she probably read the article and is crying her eyes out right now. Please remember the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Brenda Keane Staten Island, New York The Backstreet Boys make me sick. What planet do they live on where it is okay to publicly put down girls because they are overweight? Perhaps it hasn't dawned on them they are role models. They should be ashamed of themselves. Rebecca Laurie Pelham, Massachusetts A lot of fans probably read your July issue and started to cry. If I were the Backstreet Boys, I would slap a legal suit on you faster than you could say "Backstreet Boys." I'm sure all their other fans are with me when I say, "Your magazine is nothing but trash." Becky Dymond Duryea, Pennsylvania Thank you so much for printing the article on the Backstreet Boys. I am getting tired of reports that make them sound like Boy Scouts. It's good to know they can be cruel and do the same things and think the same thoughts as everyone else their age does. Martha Perault Massillon, Ohio That handicapped girl should be happy one of the Backstreet Boys even talked to her. So many girls would love to have one of the Backstreet Boys look at them-let alone talk to them. Just because she is handicapped does not mean she deserves special treatment. All the Backstreet fans agree the Backstreet Boys are not as mean as you portray them. Danielle Trimble Fort Monroe, Virginia How dare you say bad things about the Backstreet Boys! What are you trying to do, kill them? Nikki Hill Louisville, Kentucky You totally trashed the Backstreet Boys. The article must be fake. First of all, Nick doesn't like tuna, and second, Kevin is 26, not 27. Jessica Griffith Glen Burnie, Maryland Not only does Maureen Callahan go out of her way to make derogatory remarks about the guys, but her description of their fans is insulting and condescending. Odd, isn't she insinuating that's how the Boys treat their fans? Angela Johnston Baton Rouge, Louisiana Your article has outraged many Backstreet Boys fans and has prompted some to become ex-fans. Even though we scream in their ears and try to steal their personal belongings, they still love us. The Backstreet Boys are incredible human beings who care a lot about people and each other. Wendi Zavatsky Arlington, Texas You may have received letters from many upset young, frustrated, and crazed girls. I suggest you ignore them. Those girls are living in a dream world. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big Backstreet Boys fan myself. I own the "All Access" videos, three of their CDs, and have posters on my walls, and a scrap folder with articles and pictures. I love the Boys, but these fans think they are perfect. Give them a break, ladies! Screaming in their faces, allowing them no private life, asking them to sign a billion autographs (you know these guys have Carpal Tunnel by now), and flashing cameras nonstop in their faces-all of this must get on their nerves at some point. Let's face reality: The Boys are only boys. Mako Blevens Wichita, Kansas Comment on this item. 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