DARE TO ASK: You asked, so we need answers
By PHILLIP MILANO, The Times-Union
Remember folks, this is your column. We are merely the conduit through which
you, and occasionally the experts who foolishly agree to talk to us, offer
cross-cultural enlightenment.
In that spirit, as our second year of Dare-to-Ask-mania draws to a close, we
offer a few of the questions posed of late for which we seek more replies. Who
knows? Readers might benefit if you fill this cultural void with your vast
expertise.
In other words: These queries are begging for your answers! The future of
this diverse and wacky world might hang in the balance! The life you save could
be your own!
To take part, go to www.yforum.com and type in "newspaper column" (no quote
marks) in the keyword field on the search page.
Voila, a rich tableau of inquiry will pop up, including momentousness such as
this:
Question
Why are black people crazy about Chinese food?
Tom I., 34, Paris
Question
How come the hottest-looking models are always from foreign countries?
Roland, 15, Fleming Island
Question
If someone is upset with you and waving their hand with fingers outstretched
in the air a few inches from your face, is it considered racist to say, "You
need to stop going all Shanaynay on me"?
Kay, white, Jacksonville
Question
Why do Japanese exchange students want to spend hours in my bathroom? What
could they be doing?
Dando, Orange, Calif.
Question
Why do a lot of Hispanic women pluck their eyebrows and then draw them on
with an eyebrow pencil?
Ellen, 48, white, Broomfield, Colo.
Question
Why do white girls seem to go further with sexual activity, i.e. "put out,"
more, than girls of other races?
TJ, 19, Puerto Rican, Swarthmore, Penn.
Question
What do deaf people do to earn a living?
Laura B., 48, Jacksonville,
Question
Why do families I see at the mall dress their little girls in short-short
shorts or tight T-shirts that say things like "Cherry" or "Flirt" or "Your
boyfriend wants me"?
Clare, 27, Jacksonville
Question
Are most older men who call a young woman "baby," "honey," etc., hoping to
escalate these seemingly tender remarks to sexual behavior?
Annika, 18, Tucson, Ariz.
Question
Do homosexuals get excited when they see themselves naked in front of the
mirror?
Tom W., 68, Miami
Question
Why do certain foods such as Honey Smacks and asparagus make your urine smell
funny?
Tom T., Jacksonville
Phillip Milano, author of I Can't Believe You Asked That! (Perigee),
moderates cross-cultural dialogue at Y? The National Forum on People's
Differences. Visit www.yforum.com to submit questions and answers, or mail to
Phillip Milano, c/o The Florida Times-Union, P.O. Box 1949, Jacksonville, FL
32231. Include contact information. For Dare to Ask podcasts, go to
Jacksonville.com keyword: milano.