THE QUESTION: R50: I work in sales, in an area were a lot a Middle Eastern people live. Why is it that many Arab people and Eastern Indian people almost always try to bargain down the price of the merchandise? I am not in the position to lower the price. POSTED MARCH 19, 1998 JA, Dearborn, MI ANSWER 1: Back …

THE QUESTION: R60: I would like to know why black people refer to themselves as African American. I am of Canadian descent but I don’t refer to myself as a French American or Canadian American. POSTED MARCH 20, 1998 R. Dandeneau, 52, white male, Georgia. ANSWER 1: Africans in America have been searching for their own identity since their history …

THE QUESTION: R70: In the past several years, I have noticed a lot of crown air fresheners in the automobiles of African Americans. I have rarely seen them in the cars of Caucasians. Does the crown have some significance? POSTED MARCH 21, 1998 Diane R., Plymouth, MI ANSWER 1: I live in a suburb about 15 minutes away from Detroit, …

THE QUESTION: R80: In television reports on racism, black men who have attained high positions often say that to be accepted, they had to “act white.” Having lived in a mostly white area (and having little basis for comparison) I’m curious to know what characteristics and behavior are considered specifically “white” by other races. POSTED MARCH 23, 1998 Colette, 32 …

THE QUESTION: R90: I was watching the Keenan Ivory Wayans Show and they were talking about “Hoochy mommas.” What is a Hoochy? POSTED MARCH 24, 1998 Rod, Leamington, Ontario, Can. ANSWER 1: A hoochy, usually spelled hoochie, is a woman of easy virtue. The term is used a lot in hip-hop lyrics, but dates back to the blues. Hoochie cooche …

THE QUESTION: R100: Can someone please explain to me why white people insist on tanning (artificially or naturally)? Especially since tanning in the sun can cause skin cancer? POSTED MARCH 25, 1998 K.C., black female, Kansas City, MO ANSWER 1: I tan because darker skin looks better and healthier than being completely white. It’s kind of like natural makeup. Sure …