letters.

Seeking a Perfect Bod

Your article on body images and the media ("Obsession for Men," 2/14/00) was a job well done. A lot of times, we may be influenced by ads, videos, and commercials to live up to the male ideal of perfection. It was only recently that I noticed the effect these ads can have on the male ego. Boys are not often the focus of such articles, and are thus kept in the dark about just how vulnerable we can be underneath the tough exterior.

KEVIN BOOKER Passaic, N.J.

In "Cut to Fit" (2/14/00), you said teenagers are chasing an unrealistic dream of physical perfection. This is not so in many cases. If someone has the bone structure of a 20-year-old, they may be ready to have plastic surgery. I do not understand why getting a nose job is so bad. If it helps a person's self-esteem, good for them. In high school, appearance is everything. You have to get someone to talk to you before they can listen to what you have to say.

KELLY SHEA La Jolla, Calif.

Rocker, Call Your Mom

Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker deserves to be dismissed from baseball for his racist remarks ("Baseball's Bigmouth," 1/31/00). Like mom has always said, "If you don't have any thing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Rocker needs to listen to his mom.

JEREMY JOHNS Tiffin, Ohio

No one should be fired for their beliefs.

TONY GANT Madisonville, Ky.

John Rocker had the freedom of speech to say what he did. But he shouldn't get away without punishment. He deserves a seven-week suspension and a $50,000 fine. It's also part of his punishment that millions of fans have lost a role model. Whenever I watched Rocker pitch, I thought, "Wow! That guy is pretty good." Now when I see him I--and most others--will say, "Oh, it's that jerk who has no respect for anyone different."

SCOTT CHANISKI Edison, N.J.

He spoke the truth. Although he should not have said it, it is all true, and no one can say that it is not!

GREG MADDOX Piedmont, S.C.

Defending the Flag

I am a proud descendant of several Confederate soldiers. If people checked their history, they would see that not one slave ship flew the Confederate...