THE QUESTION: D35: Why do people with Down Syndrome look the same? POSTED MARCH 4, 1999 Ashley L., 14, female <EmeraldAsh@aol.com>, Houston, TX ANSWER 1: As the mother of a 14-year-old with Down Syyndrome, I can tell you that the reason people with it have typical characteristics is that they have a extra No. 21 chromosome (thus the name trisomy …

THE QUESTION: C10: I know someone who is from a background of the “working poor” (I hope that term is all right). She has a regular job and works hard but is always struggling financially. She is about to buy a $15,000 car on credit. I am from a middle-class, educated background and have trouble understanding this decision. Why would …

THE QUESTION: C13: To people who are homeless, have been homeless or are experts on the topic: What types of class and power structures do homeless communities institute and follow among themselves? This culture must fend for itself, so I imagine its members follow some unwritten codes for survival. What are they? POSTED MARCH 11, 1999 Ed V., 37, white, …

THE QUESTION: A10: I am an 18-year-old female dating a 25-year-old male, and we are not sexually active. He’s a great guy and I get along with him better than with guys my age. Why is it that so many people have a problem with our dating? POSTED MAY 14, 1998 Jaynia <jaynia@hotmail.com>, N.C. (Similar question posted May 14, 1998, …

THE QUESTION: A20: Why is so much youth fashion so aggressively visually unappealing, sexually unappealing or unflattering to the wearer, such as grunge or baggy styles? What is the first impression the wearers of such clothing wish to convey ? POSTED JUNE 30, 1998 Greg C., 35, male <gregc@NewZealand.Sun.COM>, Wellington, New Zealand (Similar question regarding the revival of ’70s baggy, …

THE QUESTION: A30: How come it seems as though teenagers are afraid to take part in the care of AIDS patients? POSTED SEPT. 25, 1998 Shannon, 18, Southampton, NY ANSWER 1: I don’t think it is just teenagers who are afraid of this. Many adults tend to shy away from taking care of AIDS patients as well. There could be …