THE QUESTION: R480: Until just a couple of years ago, I never realized “Jap” was a derogatory term. Frankly, I can’t ever think of a time I used it, but I had put it in the same category as “Brit,” “Aussie,” “Yank” or “Canuck.” I’m sure there are other examples. Why is “Jap” different? Or are these other short terms …

THE QUESTION: R490: This question is going to seem very racist, so I apologize, but it is something I’ve observed for the longest time. Whenever I am trying to park at a public place (a mall, theater, sports stadium) and I see somebody trying to back in to a parking spot, invariably the person is African American. Is there something …

THE QUESTION: R500: Why don’t immigrants share the same interest in learning English and American customs as their fellow countrymen did when immigrating to the United States years ago? Becoming “American” doesn’t mean forgetting about your heritage, but shouldn’t it mean learning and participating in our culture, learning our language and learning our value systems? Or do many people now …

THE QUESTION: R510: I’m a nursing student and we are doing a presentation of Mexican culture in order to better understand their health care needs. Could anyone provide some information on one or more of the following subjects? 1) Mexicans’ view of time: Past, present, and future; 2) Gender roles; 3) Rites of passage (child to adulthood); 4) Health belief …

THE QUESTION: R520: When holding a conversation with black friends, why do I feel uncomfortable about mentioning anything related to their race? I know I’m not racist, but for some reason I feel like I would offend them. Is this common among whites? POSTED NOV. 17, 1998 Mary B., 49, white female, Union City, CA ANSWER 1: Like the questioner, …

THE QUESTION: R530: I’ve noticed that black people smell differently than white people. I’ve had a black roommate and a black girlfriend, and I’ve noticed that their rooms had the same aroma. I’ve also noticed this trait riding the subway and sitting next to black people in my computer class. I’m sorry to say that this particular smell I’m referring …