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Best of the Week
of Dec. 6, 1998
Here are the most intriguing cross-cultural exchanges either begun or
advanced during the week of Dec. 6, 1998, as selected by Y?
These postings, as well as "Best of the Week" entries from previous
weeks, also can be found in their respective
archives, which we invite you to browse.
There, you will find questions that have received answers, as well as
questions still awaiting responses. We encourage you to answer any
questions relevant to your demographic background, as well as to ask
any provocative question you desire. Answers posted are not
necessarily meant to represent the views of an entire demographic
group, but can provide a window into the insights of an individual
from that group.
First-time users should first make a quick stop at our
guidelines pages for asking and
answering questions.
Question Code
Key:
|
A=Age
|
GD=General
Diversity
|
RE=Religion
|
|
C=Class
|
G=Geography
|
SE=Sensitive
Matters
|
|
D=Disabilities
|
O=Occupation
|
SO=Sexual
Orientation
|
|
GE=Gender
|
R=Race/Ethnicity
|
|
THE QUESTION:
RE122: I've noticed that many
Native American men I see have long hair. Is this for
spiritual/religious reasons, or just preference?
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
K. O'Connor, 26, Hispanic, Salt Lake City, UT
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
C9: This question is almost the
opposite of C1: With University of Michigan students returning for
the fall, most of our stores have been deluged. I was in line at
Target, behind a young woman wearing clothes that looked like they'd
made several trips through the thrift store - thin, worn hooded
sweatshirt, falling-apart sneakers, etc. In short, she was dressed
like a lot of U of M students. If you haven't heard, this ain't
exactly a cheap school, and it's even less so for out-of-state
students. I don't know why I was surprised to see her paying with an
Optima Gold card. Why do the poor try to make themselves look
ostentatiously rich, and the rich try to make themselves look
homeless?
POSTED SEPT. 7, 1998
White male, college town working stiff, Ann Arbor, MI
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
I find it telling that the
responses to this thread fail to point out how deep the prejudice
against someone from a relatively privileged background can be. "Poor
little rich kids" are easy targets for people who try to develop
their own legitmacy by criticizing an element of society almost
everyone is envious of. Like race or arguably sexual orientation, the
financial resources of one's parents are an inherited trait. To find
fault with how these kids live is automatic for some bigots and an
easy step for many others. You can't win by wearing sloppy clothes or
"money" clothes, and you spend an inordinate amount of energy proving
you are "worthy" of the advantages fate has bestowed upon you.
Imagine not feeling able to disclose any information about your
background without drawing the kind of negative judgments and petty
jealousy that attach themselves so casually to privilege.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
C. H., 34, upper-middle class family, Washington, DC
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
RE119: Do most religions still
teach "Spare the rod, spoil the child" when it comes to discipline?
Or have most Christians become "kinder and gentler" in that regard?
What about other religions (Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Hindu,
Pagan, etc.)? What effects do you think this has had on the state of
today's youth?
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Jack, 28, agnostic, male, Irvine, CA
ANSWER 1:
Most pagan parents I know
rarely or never spank their children. There is an oft-stated opinion
(mostly among pagans who aren't parents) that this does not result in
enough discipline. While I am not entirely opposed to spanking in all
circumstances, I think the root of the problem is that "inflicting
pain" and "discipline" have been so confused. Spanking does not by
itself develop good discipline, nor does discipline require spanking.
But understanding and establishing discipline through other means
seems to be too rarely grasped.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Catherine H., ex-teacher, witch <tylik@eskimo.com>, Woodinville, WA
FURTHER NOTICE:
I'm not sure about all
religions, but the Catholic Church, once famous for its in-school
beatings, has completely backed off child violence. It seems that the
emphasis is now on parental patience and self-dicipline. While a
strict upbringing is still valued, value has also been placed on the
ability of adults to deal with misbehavior in a non-corporal way.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
D.M.M., 24, white Catholic <donikam@hotmail.com>, Charleston, SC
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
SO104: To any homosexual man: Why
do you like guys? What is it about guys that attracts you that women
don't have?
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
M. Guindon <abqteachr@netscape.net>, Albuquerque, NM
ANSWER 1:
That is really difficult to
quantify. In my case, it's the male physique, the strength, the
sameness to me that attracts me. I can appreciate a beautiful woman,
but there's little attraction. I've been married, so I know the
"mechanics" work, but the emotional bonding and desire to really make
it work just wasn't there. In the gay community you will find all
types: Guys who like any type of guy, guys who only like men of
color, guys who only like Asians, guys who only like younger men,
guys who only like older men. So, to speak for my own likes: I like a
man who's trim and fit, not a muscle-bound jock, but someone who just
takes care of himself. Ethnicity is immaterial to me, as is age. If a
guy has that "look" that pushes my buttons, I can't help but be
attracted. Just as my straight male friends all have different takes
on what makes a woman attractive, so do gay men.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Mark B. 37, gay white male <bentley@cyberramp.net>, Dallas, TX
FURTHER NOTICE:
This is a very difficult
question to answer, especially briefly. I think it would be just as
difficult for a heterosexual man to explain why he favors women to
men. They just do. Personally, I like the male physique. Don't get me
wrong, I can appreciate a beautiful, voluptuous woman with
intelligence, great hair and gorgeous legs (The X-Files' Dana Scully comes to mind), but I find myself much more
attracted to men. I like strong, muscular arms, legs and chests,
great hair and a killer smile (and a nice butt doesn't hurt, either),
and I find myself attracted to more sporty, athletic types. However,
I do not find all
men attractive (as I assume
heterosexual men don't find all women attractive).
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
J. Crumpton, 31 <tc@explorearizona.com>, Phoenix, AZ
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Simply put, there's no
accounting for taste, and no one knows the mysteries of the human
heart. Besides, gay men don't just like "men," they like
types, just like anyone else. Some like effeminate
men, some like masculine men, some like Asians, some like whites,
etc.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Mark S., 30, white, gay male, Houston , TX
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
This is a debate no one has
been able to successfully conclude. I don't think woman lack
something that precludes me from having mutual loving relationships
with them. I have a desire to form those kinds of bonds in my life.
But for me, all the needs for a loving, respectful, affectionate,
caring, compassionate, egalitarian and supportive relationship are
fulfilled by men.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Topaz, 26, gay male <sirTopaz@netscape.net>, Boston, MA
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
What makes you (assuming you
are) attracted to women and not men? Sometimes it's physical,
sometimes emotional/spiritual, but regardless, 99.99 percent of the
time, they have to have the same XY chromosomal make-up. That said,
here's an ego bruiser: Gay men do not find all straight men
attractive - the ones who are most vocal (and homophobic) are
typically not in the attractive category (even for straight
women).
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Michael, 36 gay white male <txmichael@worldnet.att.net>, Houston, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
For the same reason you like
members of the opposite sex: I just do. It's the way I am. I never
made a conscious decision to prefer men, just as you never made a
conscious decision to prefer members of the opposite sex.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Travis S., 28, gay male <00tdspence@bsuvc.bsu.edu>, Muncie, IN
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
RE39: Why do people in some Asian
cultures shave the heads of their babies on or around their first
birthday? What is the cultural/religious significance? I desire as
detailed an answer as possible.
POSTED APRIL 30, 1998
L.A., 29, white female, Boston, MA
ANSWER 1:
I am from Thailand, where
this custom is still practiced widely. The hair is shaved more for
hygienic reasons, as the climate in our country is very humid. The
head is not completely shaved - usually a patch covering the crown is
left. This is to protect the head, as the crown is still not fully
formed in the child's first year. In choosing a child's hairstyle,
parents will give a couple of clay dolls with differing hairstyles to
the child (some with pigtails or topknot, or as many as three to four
knots of hair). The child will choose one style for
himself/herself.
POSTED JULY 23, 1998
K.P., Chinese-Thai, Bangkok
FURTHER NOTICE:
Vietnamese people believe
they will grow thicker and nicer hair once it has been shaved. As a
matter of fact, my wife is wanting to do this to our six-month-old
twin boys.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
John, 28, Vietnamese <jvu@iex.com>, Dallas, TX
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
R526: To people of all races: Is
it hard for you to get along with people of other races, and if so,
which races, and why?
POSTED NOV. 17, 1998
D. Price <abqteachr@netscape.net>, Albuquerque, NM
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I guess I have some problems
with all races (though I prefer to call them "ethnic groups").
With black people: It's a problem of YOMS - "You're Oppressing
Me Syndrome." I don't get up in the morning and say, "Well, who can I
oppress today?" In fact, I don't even think about black people - I
don't care about them at all. I have no black friends, and I have had
numerous bad encounters with black people. In general, I'm just not
comfortable around them. I think that many whites have what I call
the "silent fear," and that is that they are going to be around
blacks who might "turn savage" on them. I just don't trust
black people, and yes, it is
prejudice, but it is based on
the majority of my experience, which is all I have to rely
upon.
With Jewish people: I'm sick of hearing them whine and complain
about being persecuted. My ancestors came to this country as slaves -
sold into slavery for crimes against the crown. They had a choice of
being executed or coming to America, where they were literally worked
to death. Yet you don't hear me bashing the Queen of England about
it. A night doesn't pass that I'm not bombarded with "Holocaust News"
on TV. I just don't care.
Actually, now that I think about it,
I don't really have a problem with Oriental people. I wouldn't
date/mate/marry one - but then again, we Scots think we're a rung or
two above everyone else, anyway!
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Tim, single white male, 30 <Fafnir777@hotmail.com>, Jacksonville, FL
(Director's Note: From time to
time, Y? posts submissions that push or exceed the envelope of our
standards for constructive dialogue, in most cases to give users a
sample of the kind of responses we normally reject, but also when
they address a direct question seeking such feedback, as in the case
of the inflammatory comments above and those posted in ANSWER 1 of
R416. As always, we depend on your feedback to help us
determine whether such a strategy can serve a constructive or
educational purpose by letting users respond to such
postings.)
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
I'm not really sure there's
anything constructive to be gained by posting responses like this. I
think we're all painfully aware that attitudes like this exist. Space
and time is better devoted to people who want to learn something. The
confirmed bigots don't need any encouragement.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Susan, New York, NY
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
Regarding Tim's posting: My
first reaction is to wonder if he is late for a KKK meeting. However,
it is honest, and until we can all talk openly, even about our
prejudices or ugly opinions, will we ever really communicate, or get
anywhere? I don't agree with it, but I think people need to know this
opinion exists out there, especially white people (like myself) who
thought we had come much further than this.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Craig M., Minneapolis, MN
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
Why is Tim's response being
singled out as inflammatory? We're not going to learn anything about
each other if you post 50 responses of people saying (and lying), "I
love people of all races." Tim's opinion is at least interesting and
honest. Whether you agree with his viewpoints or not, they're still
as valid as anyone else's.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
D.M.M., white female <donikam@hotmail.com>, Charleston, SC
FURTHER NOTICE 6:
I would like to see all
responses - not just the sanitized, politically correct ones.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Michell, white female, 31, Panama City, FL
FURTHER NOTICE 7:
Well, I have to say, this is
a nice reality check. I've spent the last month in a long,
educational conversation with another poster to this forum, debating
the fact that the typical white person is not racist. I should have
known better than to maintain that kind of optimism. Tim's post just
goes to show that no matter how many white people shove off the
tradition of racism, there will always be others to carry the torch.
At least he was being honest. I do see the educational value of
allowing all points of view, even the offensive ones, to have a place
in the discussion. Other responses seem to support that conclusion,
so why not modify the forum rules so that only the most blatant and
baiting posts get rejected? Saying "I hate all white people!" might
be too much, but explaining why you dislike white people is very
different. After all, how can you know how other people feel if you
are never allowed to hear or read those words?
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
John K., white male, 25, Cranford, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE 8:
Tim 1) was being honest, 2)
had identified the areas that personally made him uncomfortable with
certain ethnic groups, and 3) had also identified another ethnic
group with whom he had not had any prior bad experiences and could
therefore envision developing interactive relationships with. His
answer was not "politically correct." Sorry! I thought that's not
what this forum was about. I I think Tim probably has not given
himself and others the opportunity to change his uncomfortable
experiences to more positive ones. That's because he has shut down,
and at this stage probably does not interact at all with the ethnic
groups with which he has had problems.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
M.G., white, female, 41, Miami , FL
FURTHER NOTICE 9:
"Inflammatory"? All Tim
talked about was real life experience. Perhaps the next question
ought to be "Why has Y? become a politically correct bastion for
white male bashers?" If Tim had bad experiences, is it any wonder he
may feel the way he does?
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Chris <ferret@ncoonect.net>, WI
FURTHER NOTICE 10:
I firmly believe that
virtually all racism is due to ignorance and fear of the unknown. As
a white male who grew up in Texas, I was about as racist as anyone
until I entered college. Once there, I found myself interacting with
blacks and Hispanics, and came to realize that my prejudices were
based on suppositions that just didn't hold up in reality. To those
people who say they're sick of a minority group "whining" about being
oppressed: Are you judging an entire race on your impression of
individuals you know? I doubt it. If you interacted more with blacks
or Hispanics or Jews, you would likely find that most don't sit
around complaining all day; they just get on with their lives, just
like you. As an aside, I believe racism works both ways. Blacks and
Hispanics and all other minorities often avoid whites for the same
reasons we avoid them. We all need to just chill out and talk to each
other a little bit more.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
J Wilker, 30, white male, Allentown , PA
FURTHER NOTICE 11:
Not only do my sentiments
concur with Craig's and D.M.M's, but I graciously thank the moderater
to the ends of the earth for posting a raw, sincere, point-blank
response. While I respect the moderator's judgment, I am not really
interested in answers watered down with reserved or hidden statements
to avoid my feelings being hurt. Give it to me straight instead of
beating around the bush, so I don't have to read between the lines to
figure out what you're really saying/thinking/feeling/believing.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Alonzo C., 32, African American, Jacksonville, FL
FURTHER NOTICE 12:
I can relate very well to
Tim's response. Although I have known several black people who I
liked and would consider good friends, I have also had very many
negative encounters with black people, moreso than whites or any
other race. So I would probably consider myself prejudiced. I should
not be so blind, you say? But that's the way it is. I have an opinion
formed from personal experiences. What does that mean? It means that
when I see a black person walking down the street, I think he's
snooching around looking for something to steal. It means when I see
a news story about a crime, and the perpetrator is black, I think,
"Typical." This is wrong, you say, and you're right. It's wrong,
racist, stereotyping and counter-productive. But that's the way it
is. A lot more white people think the same way I do than you think,
probably moreso down here in the South than other parts of the
country (for historical reasons). Most people don't like to say it,
though. I think this answers the original question fairly well,
although many of you may be offended. Too bad. The truth hurts.
That's what this forum is for, the truth, and there it is.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
J. Sin, young white male, GA
FURTHER NOTICE 13:
Tim's response confirms what
most black people have known for year: White hatred of blacks stems
from fear. Turn savage? Does he mean whip him until he bleeds, or
maybe lynch him in front of his family? How about set him on fire and
then behead him, or perhaps drag him down the street tied to the back
of a truck? Savage? Let's talk about savagery.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
R.G., black female, Richmond, VA
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
D12: With issues such as
anorexia, bulimia and disease-induced weight loss, why don't
Americans embrace the overweight population like people in other
countries do?
POSTED MAY 14, 1998
C. Butler, 22, African American, Big Beautiful Woman <Cherylb4u@AOL.com>, Memphis, TN
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Since I was little, I was
always the "fat kid" in most of the social groups I hung out with.
After puberty, I would go through periods of weight loss and weight
gain, all of which were directly related to how much exercise I was
receiving. When I turned 23, I finally made the difficult lifestyle
changes needed to accommodate my slow metabolism, and started
exercising on a regular basis. Three years later, I've now gone from
215 pounds to 165, and I feel and look 100 percent better, but if I
still don't run three miles every other day I get fat, regardless of
what I eat. While I realize many severely obese individuals have
problems beyond sheer lazyness, I can't help but wonder how little
overweight people really do exercise.
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Steve K., 26 straight white male <skerr@netcom.com>, Seattle, WA
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
G59: Why do Americans think
Mexicans are taking over their jobs?
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
R. Garcia <abqteachr@netscape.net>, Albuquerque, NM
ANSWER 1:
That perception stems from
the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which lowered the
economic barriers that prevented U.S. companies from diverting their
jobs south of the border, where the labor market is much cheaper. At
this point, I sense that sentiment is more of a political issue than
one of prejudice, although I assume there are some out there who
blame the Mexicans, rather than the American politicians who passed
the law. There are others, though, who realize that NAFTA is an
attempt to improve the lives of all North Americans, not just those
living in the United States, and that we cannot in good conscience
continue protectionist policies that left our neighbors behind.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Dan, 34 <dnh6n@virginia.edu>, Charlottesville, VA
FURTHER NOTICE:
There are two main reasons
for this misconception: Corporate relocation and the constant reports
of illegal immigration. Corporations discovered it was easier to work
in Mexico, under less-strigent environmental regulations and labor
laws, than it was to stay in the United States. And while the case is
sometimes overstated, there is a constant problem of illegal
immigration into the United States from Mexico. This overshadows the
fact that once a Mexican legitimately immigrates into the United
States, he or she has as much right to a job as any other American.
And from my experience, unions do a great job demonizing both sides
of the issue and perpetuating this incorrect point of view.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
John K., 25 <the-macs@geocities.com>, Cranford, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Those of us who think Mexico
is taking jobs away are not really being honest with ourselves; we
take the easy way out of how to cope with irresponsible legislative
loopholes and blame the people of Mexico for our discomfort. Some
companies change from supporting the Americans who have supported
them for years, and sell off their interests in the United States, go
south of our border and take advantage of Mexican workers who may not
be as organized and free. Some of us have no experience with
organized labor anyhow, and so our perception is even more slanted
toward blaming the people we can see "benefitting" from our loss of
long-term, well-paying jobs, instead of the true problem of how to
even out all of the world economies so that everyone has equal
chances to prosper.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Camilla N., 40, white female former union carpenter, Millerton,
PA
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
Maybe you just perceive
Americans' resentment of
illegal Mexican immigrants
coming here to work. Personally, this is the only class of Mexican
workers I resent, and rightfully so, I might add.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Mark S., 30, white male, Houston , TX
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
It is simple. This is what
happens: Immigrants come into countries and take lower-paying jobs ,
which is perfectly acceptable. But then Americans think they are too
good to work with the immigrants, so they leave those jobs. Then the
immigrants slowly turn to higher-paying jobs, and then Americans get
out of those jobs because they don't want to be equal to the
immigrants. This creates a huge gap where now almost every lawn
maintenace guy in Florida is an immigrant, and almost every
McDonald's worker is an immigrant. This is the same thing happening
in France. The Arabs come in and take the lower-paying jobs, and the
French are snobs and won't work with the immigrants. It's kind of
sick.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
R.E.M. <thesiegelfam@prodigy.net>
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
GD2: Have the diversity classes
currently required in college had any noticeable effect on reducing
racism?
POSTED MARCH 11, 1998
N.C., Lawrence, KS
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
Racial
diversity/multicultural classes in college really came across as a
giant snow job to me. No one could ever ask a question that reflected
poorly on minorities (such as "Why do I see gay people having sex in
rest stops?") without getting yelled at and put down. And yes, for
the record I am gay and out, so please don't pull the homophobia card
on me. Questions about the academic performance of African Americans
were even more stridently attacked. There was a lot of defensiveness,
and I don't think people were honest. I respected minorities a lot
less afterward because their behavior was bombastic, didactic,and
most importantly evasive. Frankly, the only way a minority group can
win my respect is by achieving something tangible.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Will H., gay male, New York, NY
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
R543: I have heard Italians and
Italian Americans call African Americans "Eggplants." Can someone
tell me what this term means, and its origin?
POSTED DEC. 2, 1998
African American <Crizo@hotmail.com>, Chicago, IL
ANSWER 1:
I come from an Italian
family, and I believe the eggplant term originated because Italians
thought black people's skin resembled the color of an eggplant. In
Italian eggplant is pronounced "moo-lin-yan," which you may also have
heard. In my opinion, it is somewhat of a slur, but it is a not
really a malicious name. I've only heard it used a few times in my
life, when my older relatives were joking around.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Jim, male, NJ
FURTHER NOTICE:
I am a white
Scottish-American female who has had two Italian boyfriends who have
used this term. They actually used the word "melanzane" (sp?), which
is the Italian word for eggplant, and they seemed to be referring to
the similarity of the color of an eggplant to black skin. They seemed
to use it in reference to men rather than women. I am not condoning
the use of this racist term, just reporting on it.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
M. Malcolm, white female, Boston, MA
To
respond
BACK TO
TOP
THE QUESTION:
RE118: It seems to me as though
the majority of atheists in the United States had a Catholic
upbringing. Is this accurate, and if so, why?
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Mike S., 24, male, atheist <christDenied@yahoo.com>, Philadelphia, PA
ANSWER 1:
When I left the Catholic
Church, I became an atheist. In retrospect, I believe I found so much
wrong with the church that I even doubted the existence of God. Now I
am agnostic.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Nancy S., 44, ex-Catholic <ranebow@iname.com>, Butler, PA
FURTHER NOTICE:
Roman Catholics are the
largest single religious group in the United States. Since most
atheists were brought up in some religion, a
large percentage (though not the majority, by any means) are bound to
have been raised Catholic. I do not believe a disproportionate number
of atheists are ex-Catholics, but I do believe a disproportionate
percentage of the outspoken, vocal atheists are ex-Catholics. Why?
Because a child raised in a liberal Protestant Church or in a Reform
Jewish community had far less to rebel against. If a teenage Reform
Jew or Unitarian suddenly concludes there is no God, he'll simply
drop out of his religion and forget about it, because it never made a
deep impression on him, and never made any "oppressive" demands of
him. But the Catholic Church (and the fundamentalist Protestant
churches) make many demands of their followers, and make a huge
impression on their members, both positively and negatively. Thus, an
ex-Catholic atheist or an ex-Baptist atheist has much more resentment
and anger against his former religion. An atheist ex-Catholic will
continue ranting and raving against the Church decades after leaving,
while an atheist ex-Episcoplian doesn't even think about the church
he left behind. That may give the impression there are more
ex-Catholic atheists than there really are.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Astorian, Irish-American Catholic male, 37 <Astorian@aol.com>, Austin , TX
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I am an athiest and don't
believe most were brought up Christian. I feel that most were kids
who were either forced into the church setting and did not like it,
or were kids who educated themselves about other religions and
theories and chose what was most factual to them, not just because
they were brought up Christian
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Rachel K., Daytona Beach , FL
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
I don't know if the majority
of atheists had a Catholic upbringing, but certainly their are many
adults who were raised in Catholic households who now reject
religion. I think the strictness of the Catholic faith often turns
people off. I find it to be a religion that mandates a person to feel
guilty for being human. I was sent to 12 years of Catholic school
which I think made me resent organized religion. I do believe in God
but I think religion is a private and personal matter between you and
your God.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Nicole, 22 <ngebhart@hotmail.com>, N.J.
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
While Catholicism certainly
has its fair share of defectors, I can't say that my experience as an
athiest has been the same. Most of my athiest friends are either
ex-Christian or ex-Jew. I think the key factor in relating the number
of people rejecting a religion is how rigid and controlling the
religion can become. It is not surprising that the autocratic control
and hierarchal nature of the Catholic church would turn off more
independent thinkers.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
J. Smith, 36, Caucasian, Louisville, KY
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
It is true for me. Maybe
because I feel Catholicism is the least plausible of the religions
floating around, and being forced into such a rigid, authoritarian
system makes one reflect on it a little more than a looser, more
welcoming faith.
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Lynda, 29, CT
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THE QUESTION:
R548: Why does it seem that
professional mens sports teams (football, basketball) are becoming
more and more dominated by black players?
POSTED DEC. 4, 1998
Maria K., female, Rowley, MA
ANSWER 1:
I feel it's because black
people are adapted to physical activites due to their traditional
ancestory. Genetics and evolution are most likely involved. For
instance, most black people have broader and flatter noses, to allow
more air into their lungs. This is due to the hot climates black
people have lived in for thousands of years in Africa. In contrast,
most white people have smaller noses, due to living in colder
climates, so they restrict the cold air entering their body. One
could also argue that it's because most black people are at a
disadvantage when they grow up due to poorer schools, unequal
education, etc., and that sports is a good way for the disadvantaged
to succeed. And unfortunately, there is a large percentage of
disadvantaged black people in the United States.
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
J. Sin , white male who can't jump, GA
FURTHER NOTICE:
I am sure there are various
explanations why it appears some professional sports are dominated by
African Americans. Some may be based on solid research, while others
may be based on myth. However, there is one important factor I would
like for you to keep in mind: The people who select these fine
athletes are for the most part non-minorities, i.e. Caucasians. The
question therefore should be directed to them - Why do they place
such large numbers of African Americans on their teams?
POSTED DEC. 9, 1998
Joe P., old geezer, black male, Tallahassee, Fl
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
I come from an
African-American family and we seem to have little athletic ability,
despite our genetic heritage. I can't sing well, either. Maybe what
you are seeing is a lack of opportunity in the African-American
community for other career possibilities, or more media exposure for
celebrities vs. people in other fields. I couldn't compete in these
careers. I became a physician instead.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Susan, black female, MA
FURTHER NOTICE 3:
To J.Sin: The overwhelming
majority of black Americans are not disadvantaged. In terms of
poverty, the last numbers I saw on black impoverished people was
somewhere around 25 percent, which means 75 percent are above the
poverty level. Also, is there any documentation of a correlation of
airflow into the lungs and attainment of a professional athletic
career? Let's be careful.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Black female, MA
FURTHER NOTICE 4:
Why would the size of one's
nose have anything to do with professional sports ability? I'm
confused.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Jen, white female, 21 <Jravani123@aol.com>, Lansing, MI
FURTHER NOTICE 5:
Most people don't want to
hear it, but there is much truth in what Jimmy the Greek once said
and was subsequently fired for. The majority of blacks in this
country came from plantation slaves and were literally "bred" for
better performance in their tasks. Just like livestock were and are
still selectively bred. It's not a dispersion on the race, just the
facts.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Griz <grizzly800@aol.com>, West Palm Beach , Fl
FURTHER NOTICE 6:
In certain competitive
sports, very small differences (a tenth of a second over 40 yards,
for example) separate the top pros from the also-rans. Genetic
differences can be critically important. I have seen reputable
articles, one in Sports Illustrated, descibing the positive
mechanical impact of leg structures more common to blacks than whites
- one dealt with the shape of the heel bone, and one the ratio of the
length of the femur to the lower leg. These are contributing factors
to the success of blacks in sprints, jumps and sports that emphasize
sprints and jumps. Athletics emphasizing arms aren't as dominated by
blacks - pitching in baseball, quarterbacking in football, throwing
events in track and field. Tennis and swimming may also fit this
hypothesis, although cultural and facility access issues may be at
play as well.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
B. Hale, white <halehart@aol>, Hartford, CT
FURTHER NOTICE 7:
To J. Sin: I work in a health
care enviroment and see just as many black Americans with breathing
problems as whites. The one area I see more role models for black
Americans is in sports. Where you have role models, you have people
striving for that field. Gee, I wonder why. Could it be that when a
qualified black applies for a computer programmer job, it's easier to
say the white person is better qualified? If I can jump higher and
shoot baskets better than the person next to me because I've worked
my butt off, it's kind of hard to say the other person is better
qualified.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Alma, lesbian who cant even jump <pridewks@seacove.net>, Kempner, TX
FURTHER NOTICE 8:
The first answer was
questionable at best. How does a broad nose allow more air? Besides,
people usually breathe through their mouths when exercising. Genetics
may be the answer, but most likely for reasons other than those the
answerer gave, in my opinion.
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Mark S., 30, white male, Houston , TX
FURTHER NOTICE 9:
The differences in black and
white physiology are more easily explained by slavery. In a short
period of time (geologically speaking) the weaker blacks in this
country were rooted out. The ultimate Darwinism was in effect that if
you couldn't haul a bail of cotton or pick half a field, you were
killed because you were weak. True blacks may have developed traits
while in Africa, but that theory crumbles when applied to "African"
Americans because of mixed ancestry. Most "African" Americans are
mixed, giving them features similar to many whites (skin color is the
distinguishing characteristic).
POSTED DEC. 11, 1998
Nigel <nkwate@home.com>
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THE QUESTION:
R551: I've noticed that
Asian-American women tend to be over-represented in symphony
orchestras and musical groups such as high school bands. Why is this?
Is it because of some inherent skill in music, better training,
etc.?
POSTED DEC. 4, 1998
J.C., white male, 40s, New London , NH
ANSWER 1:
It is not a question of
inherent ability but one of family environment. In my high school on
the East Coast, which was about 50 percent Asian, I could literally
count on one hand the number of friends I had who had not taken piano
lessons as a child. Most quit due to lack of talent, but an early
introduction to music does foster an interest. In my high school
orchestra, most of us had started with piano and then went on to
other instuments. I don't know about symphony orchestras, but I think
it's safe to say that if a higher percentage of Asian kids take music
lessons than non-Asian kids, then Asians will "appear" to be
over-represented in symphony orchestras in the long run. But it is a
matter of identifying and nurturing talent, not one of raw talent
within a given racial group. I've never noticed the gender difference
you point out. In the two orchestras I took part in while in high
school, there wasn't any Asian male/female gender imbalance to speak
of.
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Kae L., 25, Asian American <kaelakim@hotmail.com>, Los Angeles, CA
FURTHER NOTICE:
I am no expert in this
subject, but I can share with you what I observed as an Asian.
Although there are many possible explanations to your question, such
as social prestige and cultural values, I think the major reason
Asians have a disproportionate representation in music groups can be
largely attributed to parental encouragement. I grew up in a mixed
racial environment: I had and still have friends of different races.
But I don't recall my white or Hispanic friends' parents had the same
degree of zealousness in regard to pushing their child to learn
musical instruments as the Asian parents do. I actually can't find a
single Asian female friend I know who has not played the piano or
violin sometime in their life.
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
J.C. <jimmychou@bigfoot.com>, South Pasadena , CA
FURTHER NOTICE 2:
Generally speaking, Asian
parents place a great emphasis on learning a musical instrument as
part of the education process. Violin, piano and cello are at the top
of the list. "Lighter" sounding brass instruments such as an oboe or
flute are next. Guitar or any rock instruments are not really
accepted as part of bettering oneself. However, unless they're a true
militant parent, they'll accept that as an honest effort (as long as
they realize it's a hobby and never a career - but hey, that's
another question).
POSTED DEC. 7, 1998
Gary Z., Asian male <mediaxing@excite.com>, Danville, CA
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