Letters.

• Position: Brief Article

What's Eminem's Magic?

I know thousands of females who go weak in the knees just by hearing Eminem's name (Letters, 12/11/00). I just don't get why. Does bleaching your hair blond, cussing, promoting violence, getting pierced ears, and wearing baggy clothes make you cool? I mean, he goes along with the styles that males wear nowadays--spiked-up hair, pants so low their butts are hanging out, and a real big attitude. Do guys honestly expect gifts to drool over them because of this? If they do, they must be tuning in to Eminem too much.

MARISSA LATHWAM Los Angeles, Calif.

It seems that Eminem is the only singer being bad-mouthed. But look at Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Picky Martin. They want to be sex symbols. I think it is fine to wear all these sexy clothes, but stop promoting them to children. And stop making movies that say you have to have sex to be a winner--with no mention of pregnancy, HIV, or other STDs. Eminem is not the one who is killing people.

DANIEL P. SCHWEITZER Walhalla, N.D.

What has Eminem done that has adults putting him on the same level as Marilyn Manson--besides explicit lyrics? Marilyn has done the stuff he raps about, and Eminem never has.

MIRANDA MARTIN Ripon, Calif.

I come from a Christian family that went to church every Sunday. I attended my first Marilyn Manson concert in November. He puts on a superb show, which is what he sets out to do. I still follow the "good" way of life, but I have broadened my horizons through learning--including listening to what Manson has to say.

JON WHITE Livonia, Mich.

When to Cheat

I've never cheated on an important test ("Truth or Consequences," 1/1/01), but if it came down to me and someone else trying to get into law school, I would ponder the point.

JOSEPH DAWSON Semora, N.C.

Cheaters...