Best of the Week
of March 31, 2002
Best of Week
Archives
Here are the most intriguing cross-cultural exchanges
either begun or advanced during the week of March 31, 2002, as
selected by Y? These postings, as well as "Best of the
Week" entries from previous weeks, also can be found by accessing
Y?'s database using the search form, or, in
the case of answers posted before April 24, 1999, in the
Original Archives (all questions
from the Original Archives have been entered into the database as
well). In the Original Archives, as well as in the database, you will
find questions that have received answers, as well as questions still
awaiting responses. You are encouraged 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 Y?'s
guidelines pages for asking and
answering questions.
The book
on Y? is here!
"Why Do White People Smell Like Wet
Dogs
When They Come Out Of The Rain?"
Order it here!
Read the
Associated Press story on "Wet Dogs"
Question:
How do people feel about the recent infusion of new stereotypes
about African Americans in movies and television, in which they are
portrayed as wise authority figures who guide and mentor younger
white males? For example, Morgan Freeman in 'Seven' and Denzel
Washington in 'Training Day'? Is the infusion of hip-hop America in
suburbia a reason? Are African Americans now looked at to fill a role
as suave, debonair and graceful, and if they do not fulfill their
role, are they viewed as social malcontents;? Are all
African-American males supposed to dress well, speak elegantly and
walk with subdued confidence in order to be recognized by white
America?
POSTED 4/2/2002
Yair K., Alexandria, VA, United States, Mesg ID
3242002102634
Responses:
That's nothing new. It's the old 'noble savage' idea that somehow
blacks or especially Native Americans are 'tuned in' to some ancient
knowledge and wisdom that the rest of us have lost touch with.
Another good example is the elderly black woman in Stephen King's The
Stand. I have heard black people complain about this.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Rick, Springfield, OH, United States, Male, Atheist,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 42200295614
I must admit a bit of confusion over your questions. By using the
term 'stereotype,' are you implying that there are no blacks who
perform as mentors over 'non-blacks'? That this situation does not
take place in the 'real world'? (Look to the military, for one
example). Are you implying that blacks as opposed to other races are
not capable of being suave, debonair and graceful? That aside, is
your view of blacks merely a repetition of stereotypes? Dou do
realize that being suave, debonair, graceful and having the ability
to mentor are not 'race' engendered? That blacks as well as people of
all races are capable of such? Perhaps Hollywood's portrayal of these
stereotypes, as you call them, are more reflective of the 'real'
world. Perhaps seeing them on the screen opens one's mind to the
reality that black people do exist and perform, just like anybody
else. Real black men do nurture, mentor and support people of all
races. Historically, blacks were responsible for 'mentoring' the
youngster, who then went on to assume the role as his/her boss - a la
'breaking the color barrier' in the business world. And it is true
that many blacks were taught you have to be twice as smart, twice as
good to get the job.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Serene, Chandler, AZ, United States, 43, Female, Christian,
Black/African American, Straight, Self Employed, Business Owner, 2
Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID 422002103519
'Training Day'? An epiphany in race relations? Denzel Washington
plays a crooked, preening degenerate who drugs, frames for murder and
attempts to kill his protege, all in one day. In the end, he is
betrayed by his own people. Hey, I was far more impressed with the
African-American guy who taught me a way to store my old e-mails
outside of Microsoft Outlook. The Hispanic guy who coached my son's
Little League basketball team was far more influential, and he didn't
try to kill anyone nor use the F word once per sentence. Believe me,
only Hollywood thinks that Hollywood is ahead of the curve on
anything.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Steve, Houston, TX, United States, 45, Male, White/Caucasian,
Corporate Cubicle Person no Longer on Sabbatical, Over 4 Years of
College, Upper class, Mesg ID 42200210814
I believe there's a definite push to get away from the 'Buckwheat'
stereotype of old and the 'gangster' stereotype of more recent. From
Amos and Andy to the Lone Ranger, history had a way of putting
non-whites into lesser roles. Putting forth such positive stereotypes
may be on one hand overkill, but on the other it's only making up for
decades of lost time. However, progress will be completed when
African Americans can play the silly flunky and the wise elder in
equal numbers without attracting outrage. Yeah, there is a tendency
for whites to look upon other ethnic cultures as somehow more soulful
and real than their own. It's a natural rebellion, but an expected
one, as it's been the common one for several generations now. Comfort
and privilege will often form doubts about one's place in the world,
and create longings for lives without the perceived 'evilness' of
such a charmed life. From New Age blond 'shamanists' to suburbia
hip-hoppers, this is not an uncommon trait and will always have its
place in middle-class culture.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Seamus, Charlestown, MA, United States, Male, Catholic,
White/Caucasian, Tree Trimmer, High School Diploma, Lower class, Mesg
ID 42200222259
I don't see how two movies that have African Americans as superior
officers constitutes a stereotype, and Denzel Washington was
certainly not the typical wise authority figure in that movie; he had
his own agenda. In the last few years, African Americans have had
many more roles than usual and have finally been able to play more
versatile roles than just comedians and sidekicks. As far as how we
are supposed to look and act, I think all Americans are supposed to
try to dress well and speak eloquently and have confidence,
regardless of what anyone else thinks. Why should that be considered
a black or white thing?
POSTED 4/4/2002
Sherman, Richmond, CA, United States, <sjack916@aol.com>,
33, Male, Christian, Black/African American, Straight, contractor,
Technical School, Lower middle class, Mesg ID 432002121526
How do people feel? Normal, I hope. The images you see of positive
African-American males is simply the movies catching up with life.
Those role models are not new in life, only in media. As an
African-American man, I worry more about the negative images you see.
It is those negative images that many people think are normal. Maybe
one day it will be the reverse.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Harvey, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 48, Male, Black/African
American, Sales, 2 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
43200285301
To
respond
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Question:
Do non-government employees (or people in general) really
believe that government employees are lazy, dumb and/or rude, or is
this just a media stereotype that gets perpetuated? If people believe
this, why?
POSTED 4/2/2002
Janet E., Atlanta, GA, United States, 50, Female, Unity School
of Christianity, Straight, Trainer, Over 4 Years of College, Middle
class, Mesg ID 3262002113122
To
respond
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Question:
Why are some people more comfortable discussing personal issues
in the workplace and not accepting of those who choose not to?
Specifically, women who hold an entire office hostage to their
personal issues, such as a quest to become pregnant, sexual matters,
family problems, etc.? When you are uncomfortable or shy away from
such topics, you are then perceived as 'anti-social or
unsympathetic,' which leads to a belief that you are not a team
player or unfriendly. Have others encountered and/or been victimized
by such comments and behaviors? How do you combat it?
POSTED 4/2/2002
Serene, Chandler, AZ, United States, 43, Female, Christian,
Black/African American, Straight, Self-employed, 2 Years of College,
Middle class, Mesg ID 326200275244
To
respond
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Question:
So many women I know want to get rid of all the negatives of
male-dominated, pre-feminism society, but then they want to keep all
the perks ('But I'm a girl, can't you do it for me?') What's the
deal?
POSTED 4/2/2002
Nathan H., St. Louis, MO, United States,
<jester8835N@Netscape.net>, 16, Male, Methodist,
White/Caucasian, Straight, High School Student, Middle class, Mesg ID
327200294834
Responses:
Yeah, girls sometimes still want guys to do the heavy lifting.
And guys have their lazy moments, too, expecting girls to do the
dishes. We all secretly want to have all the perks of being an adult
human being while doing the minimum amount of work/responsibility.
Some of the excuses we use to get out of doing something are
gender-related because that excuse happens to be handy. My spouse
says: 'Can't you sew on this button? You're better at it,' even
though he is in the same house with the same needles and thread in
the cabinet as I am. For each time you hear a female saying, 'But
can't you do it, you're the guy?' look for an equal number of times
that you expect someone else to do the work because they're a girl
(your mom to do the laundry, etc.) - see if it balances out. And see
if you don't hear a lot of other excuses that aren't really
indications that someone doesn't want to do something regardless of
gender.
POSTED 4/4/2002
Kelly, Austin, TX, United States, <bunrab@aol.com>, 48,
Female, Atheist, White/Caucasian, Professional, Over 4 Years of
College, Upper middle class, Mesg ID 432002114301
To
respond
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Question:
I understand the need for 'people of color,' or any people for
that matter, to make strides in areas they previously haven't. I
think it's good for society. But these delineations make my head
hurt. What exactly is an 'African American'? I think the term is
over-used and sometimes even abused. To be accurate, shouldn't Halle
Berry have been the first 'Mulatto-American' best actress? Also, if
she had gotten more of her mom's genes than her dad's, would I even
be writing this? I have a friend who looks 'white,' but is so many
things melded into one it's not even funny. Which box should she
check? And more importantly, why does it matter? Frankly, I think all
this categorization is divisive and sad. We should get over it.
POSTED 4/2/2002
Ed S., New York, NY, United States, 29, Male, Agnostic,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 328200273233
To
respond
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Question:
Why do straight women always assume the worst when a lesbian
compliments them?
POSTED 3/18/2002
Whitney J, Glendale, CA, United States, Female, Mesg ID
3182002121928
Responses:
Homophobia.
POSTED 4/2/2002
Emma, L.os Angeles, CA, , Female, Straight, Mesg ID 327200284745
I think anyone is a little leary if someone they're not interested
in compliments them. If a straight woman is a little uncomfortable
with a lesbian complimenting them, they're also probably
uncomfortable with a man they don't find attractive doing the same.
Of course, some women are just going to be uncomfortable around
lesbians, and that's just their own issue.
POSTED 4/2/2002
A.R., Sacramento, CA, United States, 31, Female, White/Caucasian,
Straight, Actor and Singer, Over 4 Years of College, Lower middle
class, Mesg ID 41200213828
I have a very good lesbian friend, and we have talked about this
before. I think most people do not understand gay people, and
therefore feel threatened by them. As my friend told a girl once who
made a comment about her sexuality: 'Are you attracted to every man
you see? What makes you think I am attracted to you then? Don't
flatter yourself.'
POSTED 4/2/2002
Allison J., Odessa, TX, United States, Female, Straight, Mesg ID
318200294031
Probably for the same reason that many men, straight or extremely
closeted, fear sharing a locker room, dorm room or other close
community with openly gay men. Ignorance regarding sexual orientation
may lead the fearful to worry that 1) they'll have to deal with an
unwanted sexual advance or 2) that they're somehow giving off a vibe
that makes others think the complimentee is gay. I'm straight but
appreciate being told -even by those I'm not sexually interested in
-that I look good or that something is attractive about me.
POSTED 4/2/2002
C., Austin, TX, , 30-ish, Female, Jewish, White/Caucasian,
Straight, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
3192002111636
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respond
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Question:
I love all the people of the world, but why do some of them
have breath that smells like hot garbage?
POSTED 3/17/2002
Jost, Hayward, CA, United States, Mesg ID 312200284731
Responses:
This is unquestionably THE stupidest question I have seen on this
generally excellent site.
POSTED 4/2/2002
Carter, Chicago, IL, , Male, Mesg ID 3202002103706
I'm guessing that they don't brush their teeth.
POSTED 4/2/2002
Daria, Tampa, FL, United States, Female, Mesg ID 324200225244
To
respond
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Question:
Why do white people smell like wet dogs when they come out of
the rain?
POSTED 3/1/1999
Cass, Detroit, MI, United States, Female, Mesg ID
3199102022
Responses:
To my knowledge, blacks' hair doesn't produce the grease that a
white person's does, and perhaps the lamb's wool explanation is
partly correct. Maybe it's not really the hair but the grease that
produces the smell, in 'reaction' to the water.
POSTED 4/2/2002
Rob, Royal Oak, MI, United States, 29, Male, White/Caucasian,
Straight, Architect, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
318200285801
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respond
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