"That's Life" is web-zine centered around a column that offers straight-forward advice to teens with problems or questions. If you are a teenager with questions about life, love, or anything else, send them our way at askthatslife@hotmail.com . Alan Smithee and John Doe will respond, and your question may be posted in the column.
Dear "That's Life,"
My family does not have a lot of money, so most of my clothes are hand-me-downs or are from discount stores. Kids at school make fun of me for not having fashionable or name brand clothes. It's so embarrassing! What can I do? HELP!
Signed Good Will Hunting
Good Will Hunting,
Sounds like you've got some real losers at your school. Maybe they don't know that Good Will clothing is a current fashion in some groups. Next time someone gives you grief about what you wear, tell them that you're glad that they care more about your wardrobe than you do. If they are too moronic to understand this or so pathetic that they don't give you a break, just ignore them and feel sorry that they are so insecure.
Take care,
A.S. and J.D.
"That's Life,"
I've been hearing about cases of people suing McDonald's for making them fat. I'm glad someone is finally standing against the destructive effects of the marketing that the fast food industry puts out. There is no information put out about the negative effects of eating fast food! Adults are enticed by the convenience and children are sucked in by the toys and promotions. As a teenager who has also grown up on this fast food brainwashing, I would like to take part in the fight against the deception of McDonald's and other restaurants. It's such a hard battle because they cover up their lies and try to pull the wool over our eyes. Do you have any suggestions?
Signed Bulge Battler
Dear Bulge Battler,
If you think that fast food restaurants are greedy corporations that try to "deceive" their customers with advertising, you must think that most companies in America are evil. You're free to think that, but I beg to differ. You can't stop businesses from using marketing ploys, that's how they make lots of money. My suggestions to you are to take a serious look at mass-produced fast food, imagine the kind of person who thinks that a steady diet of fast food will not have "negative effects", and then find that person and get him some serious help. If you want to make a difference, I suggest going to the individuals who are hooked on fast food and providing alternatives to it, rather than trying to add warning labels to the fast food wrappers or take cartoon characters off of the advertising.
Take care,
J.D.