Best of the Week
of Oct. 24, 2004
Best of Week
Archives
Here are the most intriguing cross-cultural exchanges
either begun or advanced during the week of Oct. 24, 2004, 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
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.
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"I
Can't
Believe You
Asked That!"
(Perigee,
2004)
Question:
When an Islamic man marries, it is my understanding that there are
civil and religious contracts. A friend of mine who is Islamic told
me that in the United States, the civil contract protects the woman.
But he did not go into detail. Can someone please explain the
difference in the two contracts, and in what way the contract
protects the woman?
POSTED 10/25/2004
Maria T., Jacksonville, FL, United States, 60, Female, Christian,
White/Caucasian, Straight, sales, 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 1019200484822
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Question:
I have a sort of tightening of my nerves that was the
result of cerebral hypoxia, very similar to CP. It isn't noticable
except for a slight trembling of my hands caused by my nerves
tightening. This happens in social situations. For example, I can't
pick up a martini glass or any glass without spilling it, or carry
trays, etc. My hands just nervously tremble. I'm a very attractive
girl who even looks younger than 27. But I have always felt
embarrassed about my situation and have not dated. Could someone tell
me how to overcome this? I live so close to Manhattan and can't even
bring myself to go out and meet people. I'm afraid I may spill
something or whatever. How will I meet a nice guy?
POSTED 10/25/2004
Anna, Staten Island, NY, United States, 27, Female, Orthodox
Christian, White/Caucasian, Straight, Entrepreneur, 4 Years of
College, Middle class, Mesg ID 1021200441031
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Question:
Why are black males so fixated on girls' butts?
POSTED 10/25/2004
Briana G., Iowa City, IA, United States, Female, Mesg ID
1025200420213
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Question:
Why don't teens cherish their virginity anymore? Why would you want
to lose it so fast, and to someone you're guaranteed not to be with
20 years from now? I'm 17 and cherish my virginity very much, and
plan to save it until my wedding day. Doesn't anyone care about this
anymore?
POSTED 10/24/2004
Anna, Memphis, TN, United States, <ghsvolleygirl@hotmail.com>,
17, Female, Christian, White/Caucasian, Straight, student, Less than
High School Diploma, Upper middle class, Mesg ID 10232004103742
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Question:
We recently acquired a deaf cat and he cries all the time, even
louder when frustrated. It made me wonder if deaf people scream, too,
when they are frustrated.
POSTED 10/24/2004
Ezzie, Pittsburgh, PA, United States, 52, Female, Atheist,
White/Caucasian, Lesbian, Instructor, 4 Years of College, Middle
class, Mesg ID 1023200485211
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Question:
Why don't many women seem to mind being touched by a gay man in
ways that would get a straight man slapped?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Steve M., Chattanooga, TN, United States, 42, Male, White/Caucasian,
Straight, contractor, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
1032004104650
Responses:
I am a 40-year-old woman and have had male friends, straight and
gay, throughout my life. The reason I believe women don't mind the
fondling from gay men is that it is nonconfrontational, and a way to
feel attractive without feeling pressure to 'put out'. Gay men,
generally, are very attentive and affectionate, and women love that.
It is so refreshing to have an honest male point of view about things
that straight men don't normally show an interest in, such as fashion
and decorating. The openness of such a relationship is quite
extraordinary and can be very intense and loving, with none of the
usual anxieties that go along with being with men (we can ask "Do I
look fat?" or "Am I sounding stupid?"). Gay men tend to be very
understanding, sweet, fun and the best friends women could have. The
physical aspect comes quite naturally and feels good.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Dawn, New Britain, CT, United States, 40, Female, Catholic,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Fibromyalgia/PTSD, Disabled, High School
Diploma, Upper middle class, Mesg ID 106200490333
I think it's because women realize the men are not deriving any
sexual gratification or getting aroused by the contact. Plus, women
in general want to feel attractive, and attention from a gay man
helps that, with the added bonus of not wondering what the guy's
motives are.
POSTED 10/10/2004
JJ, San Diego, CA, United States, 30, Female, Lesbian, Middle class,
Mesg ID 107200444426
Because they know that the men are gay, so the touching isn't really
sexually motivated.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Kari, Puy, WA, United States, 16, Female, Native American, American
Indian, Straight, student, Less than High School Diploma, Lower
class, Mesg ID 107200450127
It's not threatening to be touched like that by a gay man because you
know he's not getting aroused.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Kristina, Washington, DC, United States, 23, Female, Black/African
American, Straight, Word Processor, 2 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 109200494214
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Question:
Why do black people tend to potty-train their children very
early, and white people tend to train them very late?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Lynn, Memphis, TN, United States, Female, Mesg ID 103200494904
Responses:
Black people feel you should not be at the age where you are able
to walk, talk and play, yet cannot take the time to determine when
you need to use the lavatory. Another reason is that boys, by age
3-4, and girls, by age 2-3, are too old to be peeing on themselves.
Besides, what's the use of buying diapers when your child shouldn't
be still in them, anyway? It's a waste of money and time.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Nyla, Willingboro, NJ, United States, <Chic_Naliana@yahoo.com>,
17, Female, Christian, Black/African American, Straight, student,
High School Diploma, Middle class, Mesg ID 1072004113817
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Question:
I can understand anyone who wants to improve the quality of his or
her life by moving from a 'ghetto' to a nicer neighborhood. What I
don't get is why, instead of raising the level of their lifestyle to
their new surroundings, they instead bring their 'ghetto' lifestyle
with them and begin to bring their new neighborhoods down to that
level. They live more than one family to a housing unit, bring
wrecked cars to their yards, fail to maintain their property, and act
and dress in the same manner they did in the 'ghetto'. One example is
the common practice of minority youths who walk in the road in front
of traffic, disregarding motorists or deliberately challenging them
to do something about it. Why do they do these things?
POSTED 10/25/2004
J. Michaels, W. Hartford, CT, United States, 55, Male,
White/Caucasian, 2 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
10182004114840
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Question:
Why do certain religions feel the need to do door to door
'recruiting' or teaching? And why, when you tell them you aren't
interested in their information, do they insist on continuing?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Leann, Crown Point, IN, United States, 27, Female, Agnostic,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Technical School, Lower middle class, Mesg
ID 9282004101231
Responses:
Many Christian faiths compel their members to
“witness” to non-believers in an attempt to convert them.
Those religions that have historically been seen as
“evangelical” have often put a higher value on recruiting
new members than on actually following the ethical philosophy put
forth by Jesus of Nazareth. These people have “dumbed”
down the idea of “witnessing” by viewing it as strictly a
verbal, persuasive activity or marketing exercise. In truth,
witnessing should consist of simply living out the principles put
forth by Christ, or as the Christian philosopher Valentinus put it:
'Speak truth to those who seek it, And speak of understanding to
those who have erred. Strengthen the feet of those who stumble;
Extend your hands to those who are sick; Feed those who are hungry;
Give rest to those who are weary; And raise up those who wish to
rise.' A true Christian converts others by just acts, not by
relentless browbeating. Of course, yelling at someone is easier than
acting justly. It is far easier to worship Jesus’ name than to
follow his example.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Anthony U., Bluefield, WV, United States, 32, Male, Unitarian,
White/Caucasian, Straight, University Administrator, Over 4 Years of
College, Middle class, Mesg ID 1052004101436
They are commanded to proselytize, and they feel they are doing God's
work, which is more important than your or my privacy. I just tell
them I'm an atheist, wish them well and close the door. It works.
Just don't waste time arguing with true believers.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Vail, Philadelphia, PA, United States, <vailbass@yahoo.com>,
40, Male, Atheist, racial mutt, Straight, 2 Years of College, Lower
middle class, Mesg ID 109200481413
Growing up in an evangelical church, I heard this analogy: What if
you had the cure for all diseases? You knew how to cure AIDS, cancer
and everything else. You knew how to end suffering. Would you share
it with others or keep it to yourself? Some people of faith believe
their faith needs to be shared. They see their own lives as better.
They are blessed and happy and at peace. They have left behind their
old problems and embraced a better life. They want to share, and they
feel that keeping this to themselves is cruel. And so, with the best
intentions, they refuse to leave people alone about it. They see it
in the same light as having an intervention for a friend in trouble.
If you truly cared about a person, you would help them, even if they
kept rejecting you. Be it alcohol, drugs or lack of faith. And not
wanting anyone to go to Hell is also a concern. Again, if you were
truly caring, would you want anyone to go to Hell? But that's the
ideal motivation. There are other, less-ideal motivations: 1) Some
faiths teach that if you don't go door-to-door, you yourself go to
Hell. So these folks are doing it for themselves, not necessarily
you. 2) Some people are determined to evangelize because they are
actually insecure about their faith; thus, they go door-to-door in an
effort to persuade themselves. 3) Some people have a martyr complex
and thrive off the rejection. 4) Some people can't stand the thought
of people living differently than they, and are out to change that.
There are many reasons. In the end, people are silly creatures, and
that explains many of life's questions.
POSTED 10/24/2004
Charles F., Houston, TX, United States, Male, Christian,
White/Caucasian, Over 4 Years of College, Mesg ID 1017200444501
The reason most people give for preaching door to door is that they
believe that what they have to say is important for everyone's life.
I'm an Evangelical Christian, so I've done this before. To us it's
kind of like being a decent neighbor and spreading the word through
the community when a hurricane is announced, helping people get ready
for it. The reason we insist even when people say they're not
interested is that to us this is a matter of life and death.
POSTED 10/24/2004
Justin, Philadelphia, PA, United States, Male, Christian, College
Student, 2 Years of College, Lower class, Mesg ID 1022200492003
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Question:
Why do lower-class people who drop out of school and say 'there's no
brains in my family' think that education is not for them? Everybody
has a talent, so why do they assume they have no brains just because
they are poor?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Eoin M., Bridgeport, CT, United States, 20, Male, Atheist,
White/Caucasian, Straight, student, 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 102200482349
Responses:
I work in higher education and have for the past four years done
admissions work at a private liberal arts institution. Education is
more that brains. In many ways it assumes a skill set of navigating
through a specific type of bureaucracy. I think less than 30 percent
of the country has a four-year degree. The culture of higher
education is intimidating. In some cases, attending college may
create more fear of separation from the culture they know best with a
majority who have not gone to college and fear what may happen if you
do.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Seth G., Yellow Springs, OH, United States, 33, Male, Jewish,
White/Caucasian, Enrollment Services, Over 4 Years of College, Middle
class, Mesg ID 1052004112347
Actually, you have the matter the wrong way around. They are poor
because they think they have no brains and drop out of school. There
are several reasons they think this way. They live in a tradition,
almost a culture, of people who don't finish school. Because of that,
someone in this situation who wants more education must contend with
their families and peers considering them 'uppity' and perhaps
actively discouraging them from more schooling. Also, they are
probably not being mentored properly; nobody is bothering to say 'you
can be different, you can show you're smart enough to break out of
the mold, you can be whatever you want to be.' They probably never
heard of financial aid, either; the idea that you don't need money to
go on with schooling is completely foreign to them.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Linda, Small town upstate, NY, United States, 62, Female,
White/Caucasian, Computer Engineer, Over 4 Years of College, Middle
class, Mesg ID 108200440312
By the time lower-class kids reach high school, many have been told
(verbally, through body language, actions of abandonment, etc.) that
they are not smart. Basic affirmations that build self-esteem as a
young child were non-existent or weren't reinforced with examples.
Often the parents don't have the time or knowledge to read to their
kids a lot, help with homework, take parenting classes, etc. All of
these things help parents break the cycle and show kids the
importance of education.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Anne, Cedar Falls, IA, United States, 21, Female, White/Caucasian,
Student, 4 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID 1092004124116
Though modern sociological thought calls it blaming the victim, there
is a 'culture of poverty' involving modes of thinking and behavior
that help keep poor people poor. An analogy might be the person who
does poorly in math claiming he's just not good at it when all he
really needs is to buckle down and do it. For him it's an easy
out.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Vail, Philadelphia, PA, United States, <vailbass@yahoo.com>,
40, Male, Atheist, racial mutt, Straight, 2 Years of College, Lower
middle class, Mesg ID 109200474618
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Question:
It seems that in America, black people are crazy about Chinese
food. I live in France and this is not the case, and my British
friends say they have never noticed it. What are the cultural reasons
(if any) behind this affinity for Chinese food?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Tom I., Paris, NA, France, 34, Male, White/Caucasian, Straight,
professor, Over 4 Years of College, Mesg ID 9282004115736
Responses:
I wouldn't say all black folks are crazy about Chinese food, but
Asian restaurants, especially Chinese take-out places, have always
been plentiful in working-class and low-income black neighborhoods
(it's economical for a business to open in lower-income neighborhoods
because the rent is cheaper). Because of that, many black Americans
have been exposed to Chinese food. The food is relatively
inexpensive, not to mention rather tasty.
POSTED 10/10/2004
KD, Virginia Beach, VA, United States, 20s, Female, Christian,
Black/African American, Straight, 4 Years of College, Lower middle
class, Mesg ID 105200482135
I am black and like Chinese food, but I am part Asian. None of my
black friends like Chinese food very much (they tolerate it for my
sake every so often), but for the most part, I don't know any black
people - except those who are mixed with Asian - who love Chinese
food the way you are saying. What do you base this weird assumption
on?
POSTED 10/10/2004
Sharon, Clinton Township, MI, United States, Female, Baptist,
Black/African American, Straight, Upper middle class, Mesg ID
1062004121135
No Responses
It's been my experience that every country has its own version of
high-quality convenience food. In America it's Chinese, in France
it's Vietnamese, in England it's Indian, and in the Netherlands it's
Indonesian. I theorize this is because this is where each country had
its colonies (America just imported its colonies) and took the locals
as servants. When the servants had children, the only jobs they could
get were as cooks. Because they could not get jobs as 'respectable
chefs,' regardless of the quality of the food, the cuisine became
fast food and developed (unfairly) low-class associations. I find
this very regrettable, especially as each of these cultures has
absolutely amazing food that sadly cannot be properly experienced in
some countries.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Alex, Beloit, WI, United States, 21, Male, Jewish, White/Caucasian,
Writer, 2 Years of College, Upper class, Mesg ID 107200430232
I believe it is not really the Chinese food that black people like
but the combination of all-you-can-eat buffets and the fact that one
doesn't feel the need to tip well, because it's usually just drinks
being refilled by the waitstaff. The black culture seems to have a
well-known aversion to tipping.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Shane, Memphis, TN, United States, 28, Female, Secular Humanist,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 107200473454
Black people are rich in taste for great-tasting things ... and
Chinese food is just good as hell!
POSTED 10/10/2004
Nyla, Willingboro, NJ, United States, <Chic_Naliana@yahoo.com>,
17, Female, Christian, Black/African American, Straight, student,
High School Diploma, Middle class, Mesg ID 1082004120221
I'm a white American who loves Chinese food (Japanese, too). Over the
years, I have been to many Asian restaurants, yet I don't recall
having ever seen many black people in any of them. In fact, I've
noticed very few. I'm curious about where you got this notion. I
think I will have to start making an effort to take a (discreet) look
at other restaurant patrons. Perhaps I will come back here and let
you know what I learn.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Marie, Louisville, KY, United States, 35, Female, White/Caucasian,
self-employed, High School Diploma, Upper middle class, Mesg ID
1082004112046
Most people in America love Chinese cuisine. I haven't noticed a
preponderance of black people in any Chinese restaurant I have ever
visited. Maybe Europeans don't appreciate Chinese cuisine as much as
Americans, but you can be sure that Caucasian Americans enjoy Chinese
cuisine at approximately the same level that African Americans
do.
POSTED 10/24/2004
John, Detroit, MI, United States, 39, Male, Catholic,
White/Caucasian, Straight, 2 Years of College, Lower class, Mesg ID
1012200422214
I am black and have never noticed any unusually high affinity for
Chinese food among the black people I've known. If I can speculate,
though, I would note that many Chinese dishes use rice, which is very
common in black culture. Certain specific Chinese dishes use
vegetables, fried meat and/or sauces, which are also common in black
culture.
POSTED 10/24/2004
Mike W., Houston, TX, United States, Male, Black/African American,
Over 4 Years of College, Mesg ID 1012200470134
There isn't a cultural reason. Chinese food tastes good to lots of
folks (I see many Hispanics whenever I go to a Chinese
restaurant).
POSTED 10/24/2004
E.D., Kansas City, MO, United States, 48, Female, Black/African
American, Mesg ID 1021200491342
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Question:
Why do so many old people drive Buicks? I just don't get it.
There are lots more luxurious cars if that's what they like, but it's
always Buicks. What's up with that?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Hermione, Birmingham, AL, United States, 34, Female, Agnostic,
White/Caucasian, Straight, IT, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 929200435325
Responses:
My dad has driven Buicks for many years. He always buys high-end
older Buicks, even though he has enough money to buy a brand new one.
His cars always ride like you are floating on air. I remember when I
was a kid, every car we had would have a rattle or squeak somewhere
under the dash board. It drove my dad crazy. He says none of his
Buicks ever rattle or squeak like that. A few years ago, he told his
wife that he always wanted a Caddy. So they went and traded in his
Buick. Within a week, they had returned the Caddy and brought home
the same Buick!
POSTED 10/10/2004
Christie, Southern Illinois, IL, United States, 37, Female, Straight,
depression, anxiety, Lower middle class, Mesg ID 104200483907
There are a few reasons older people still believe in driving an
American car, and Buicks are second in line to Lexus in reliability.
Buicks are also inexpensive compared to other autos.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Gerald, Sacramento, CA, United States, 42, Male, Christian,
Black/African American, Straight, 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 107200453358
Most people over 60 (especially men) don't want to stand out in a
crowd (notice the men over 60 who exclusively wear Earth-tone
polyester clothing), and most Buicks from the '80s until recently
have very non-descript styling. Also, as people age in this country,
they tend to get overweight, have health issues and limited physical
mobility, and Buicks don't sit too low or too high and are mid- to
large-size cars with large doors and bench seats, which make the car
easy for someone with limited flexibility to get in and out of.
Imagine your grandparents trying to get in and out of a Corvette!
Also, Baby Boomers and the World War II generation are the last
Americans to be brand loyal. For people over 50, Buick has been a
status symbol of quality and luxury throughout their lifetime. Not
only that, but Buick Park Avenues are one of the most luxurious cars
in the world, even if American cars don't carry as much 'look at me'
factor as foreign makes. Finally, there's the cost. The average Buick
is $25k, while the average Benz or Lexus is $40k. Why pay $20k more
when you are not getting $20k more? Keep in mind that aging Baby
Boomers don't care about looking like a 'Gangsta Rapper' with 'Bling
Bling' or 'glossing'.
POSTED 10/10/2004
CR, Pontiac, MI, United States, 34, Upper middle class, Mesg ID
107200455331
I'm in a strange minority: I'm 28, drive a great, big Buick and love
it. My friends rip on me for driving a 'Grampa Car,' but it's the
only ride I'd want. I'm a long and tall guy (6'3' with wide shoulders
and long limbs) so the big American cars fit me right, and I always
like to buy American. Buicks are built for comfort and power, not
quickness and flash, so they're great for a nice drive in the
country. Also, Buicks are just as good as Cadillacs and Lincolns, but
are much more modest. Buicks are Old School.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Teague, Portland, OR, United States, 28, Male, Christian,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Over 4 Years of College, Upper class, Mesg
ID 108200435257
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Question:
I just started work with a company, and although I graduated
with honors from high school and college, I was presumed stupid and
in need of remedial training by just about everyone in the office. My
company also just hired a Caucasian guy. He receives all the
attention and training, though our backgrounds are similiar and I may
even have an edge on him. I find that my work is very remedial -
almost secretarial - and my supervisor treats me as if I'm an idiot.
I feel as if I am the butt of office cruelty. My family always taught
me if I worked hard and became educated, everything would work out.
But they failed to prepare me for this horror. I could leave, but
what example would I be setting? Martin Luther King Jr. didn't give
up when the going got tough, and neither did all the others who gave
up their lives and comfort so I could sit here and complain. I am
pursuing a double MBA and I'm wondering if it will pay off. Any
comments would be helpful.
POSTED 10/3/2004
Honey, Chicago, IL, United States, <honeyis5268@yahoo.com>, 23,
Female, Black/African American, Straight, Over 4 Years of College,
Middle class, Mesg ID 929200455934
Responses:
First, if you really think people are treating you with disdain or
discriminating against you, I suggest you document everything. Each
time your supervisor says something you think is condescending, each
time you see the white guy being treated 'better' or with favoritism,
etc., make a record of it. But be very careful that you aren't seeing
things that aren't there. What makes you think you have an edge over
the man they hired? You're only 23; does he have more experience or
education? Just make sure you're not making mountains out of
molehills, or no one will take you seriously when you do file a
grievance or make a formal complaint. Second, as a secretary, I
resent the implication that secretarial work is menial or 'remedial,'
as though what I do isn't as important as what my boss does simply
because I don't rank right up there with him in the firm's hierarchy.
You need to learn to see each job in the company as part of the whole
picture, and each person's contribution as equally important to
promoting what the company's goal is. Once you get your mind around
the fact that the cleaning lady is a person whose contribution is
needed as much as that of the CEO, you'll be well on your way to
receiving the respect you think you deserve. Try to observe how
everyone is treated - and how you treat everyone around you.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Melody, Kansas City, MO, United States, 40, Female, Christian,
White/Caucasian, 4 Years of College, Mesg ID 105200440343
Do not let anything or anyone stop you from getting your education.
Hold on to this job until you get your degrees. Their opinion of you
is not important; they are not your family or friends.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Ebony, Princeton, NJ, United States, 39, Female, Mesg ID
106200494354
I'd have thought that would be better by now - I experienced it in
the '60s. In a computer programming class in 1963, at an IBM
facility, some of the whites thought a black person couldn't program
computers until I aced the class and outperformed them. I had to
excel to prove myself, and maybe so do you now. How else do you think
you will get ahead? Go Sister.
POSTED 10/10/2004
James W., Raleigh, NC, United States, 66, Male, Baptist,
Black/African American, Straight, retired computer consultant,
Technical School, Upper middle class, Mesg ID 10102004120633
I don't need to tell you that racism is still alive and well in
America. Not as pervasive as in years past, but it exists. The good
news is that there are employers who are more business-minded (racism
is really not good for business, and some in the business community
have realized that it is good for their bottom line to hire and
promote qualified people of all races). You can 'stand and fight' or
discretely seek out another employer. If you have the academic
qualifications that you say you have and you now have actual work
experience, you should be able to do better with another company.
Perhaps a competitor of your current employer? I have seen it
happen.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Ramonna, Minneapolis, MN, United States, 50, Female, Episcopalian,
Black/African American, Straight, attorney, Over 4 Years of College,
Upper middle class, Mesg ID 1010200451010
I take a class in school titled 'Diversity in the Workplace,' and in
the few weeks I have been attending, I have concluded that nobody can
make me feel inferior without my consent. The fact that I'm Nigerian,
a female and am dark-skinned doesn't mean anyone should make me feel
belittled. Sure, Martin Luther King Jr. fought the battle, but racial
profiling still exists. It is now left for y'all to pick up from
where he stopped. Not through violence, but through not giving up and
knowing that no matter how long it takes, your hard work will pay
off. You have to show that you are smart, and since you've got age on
your side, why worry? Though the 'glass ceiling' issue is there, you
don't have to let that stop you from getting to the top. Others have
done it, so why not you? If one person can make it, you don't have to
think of the 50 others who have failed. Double MBA? You go girl!
POSTED 10/10/2004
Dorcas, Apata, MD, United States, 21, Female, Christian,
Black/African American, Straight, 2 Years of College, Mesg ID
1010200464140
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Question:
My friends and I are always curious about what kind of Asian
girls foreigners think are beautiful. Can someone give me specific
characteristics, no matter outer or inner qualities?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Ying-Yao, Miami, FL, United States, 24, Female, Asian, Straight,
student, Over 4 Years of College, Middle class, Mesg ID
929200462313
Responses:
If based on physical appearance, I'd say it's just the 'exotic'
aspect of them to the Western imagination. We have a long history of
imagining the 'inscrutable' and mysterious Asian, however mistaken
that may be. Beyond physical appearance, I'd look for the same
qualities in any woman. I know that's not quite what you asked, but I
think it's important.
POSTED 10/10/2004
Vail, Philadelphia, PA, United States, <vailbass@yahoo.com>,
40, Male, Atheist, racial mutt, Straight, 2 Years of College, Lower
middle class, Mesg ID 109200480443
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Question:
Why do people's voices change as they age beyond 70?
POSTED 10/3/2004
Terry R., Phoenix, AZ, United States, 55, Male, New Age/Metaphysical,
White/Caucasian, Straight, Sales, 4 Years of College, Middle class,
Mesg ID 929200481817
Responses:
The answer is quite simple. When people get older their bodies
get weaker. The muscles that are in control of voice production get
weaker and the voice is somewhat straining. So it's a little unstable
and beginning to crack down.
POSTED 10/24/2004
Anna, Memphis, TN, United States, <ghsvolleygirl@hotmail.com>,
17, Female, Christian, White/Caucasian, Straight, student, Less than
High School Diploma, Upper middle class, Mesg ID 10232004100549
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