
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 10, 1994                    TAG: 9406100045 
SECTION: DAILY BREAK                     PAGE: B13    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: TRACI & DORAN 
DATELINE: 940610                                 LENGTH: Medium

IF YOU WANT TO DATE A GIRL, SPEAK UP

{LEAD} DEAR TRACI AND Doran:

I'm 15 and I'm white, and I like a girl who is black. I'm not sure if she goes for white guys or not. What should I do?

{REST} - Confused at Booker T. Washington High

Dear Confused,

You'll never know until you ask her. And we see no reason why you shouldn't ask her out, because girls usually like it when a guy is straightforward with them.

However, you need to realize that problems could arise for you if you get into an interracial relationship. Although we are not trying to discourage you, you need to know that not everyone in your family or your group of friends will accept your dating out of your race.

But if the two of you really like each other and feel strong enough to face possible backlash, don't be discouraged. Just prepare yourself for negativity from others.

Dear Traci and Doran,

I have been given the chance to purchase a gun, but I don't know if I should or not. All I know is if I get in some trouble, then that gun will get me out of it. What should I do? - Help

Dear Help,

Guns and gun control are a big issue in our world today and for good reason. Guns have only one purpose - to maim or kill. Do you want to take the responsibility for harming, or even killing, another person?

If you do get into some trouble, a gun can only get you further into trouble. Maybe you will never get into an altercation and you won't have to use that gun. But a school official or law enforcement officer might find that gun on you. You will automatically be suspended if you bring it to school. Those are situations where a gun is definitely not going to be of any advantage to you.

Also, it is ILLEGAL for a minor to buy or possess a handgun. And if you buy that gun off the street, you might be getting yourself into more trouble because, chances are, that the gun is unregistered, or even stolen.

Keep in mind that a violent act of any type is no solution to a problem; violence only makes things worse. There are other ways to solve problems. Talk it out and find a solution. Keep your head on straight, and watch who you hang around with. Avoid violent acts to solve problems. by CNB